Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
SEILS#11 | Conversation with Professor Fernando Reimers from Harvard University
We were honoured to co-host Professor Fernando Reimers, Ford Foundation Professor of Practice in International Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Director of the Global Education Innovation Initiative at Harvard University, for the eleventh edition of the Sunway Education Inclusive Leadership Series (SEILS).
Moderated by Professor Dato’ Elizabeth Lee, Group CEO of Sunway Education and Director, ASLI Board of Directors, the conversation explored the timely and thought-provoking theme “How to Make Universities More Relevant: The Climate Change–AI Nexus.”
Professor Reimers examined how universities must evolve in response to two defining forces of our time: artificial intelligence and climate change. He distinguished between innovation and transformation, arguing that the true value of AI lies not in novelty, but in its ability to solve core systemic challenges in education such as accessibility, governance, efficacy, and relevance.
Reflecting on the growing role of AI in learning environments, he cautioned that unequal access to technology risks widening existing educational disparities. At the same time, he highlighted the immense potential of AI to strengthen governance systems — from identifying students at risk of dropping out to improving teacher placement and institutional responsiveness.
On climate education, Professor Reimers stressed that universities must move beyond simply teaching scientific facts. He argued that education systems often leave students overwhelmed rather than empowered, and that project-based learning is essential in cultivating a sense of efficacy and responsibility in addressing climate challenges.
Professor Reimers concluded with a powerful reminder that universities must not only prepare students for the future of work, but also equip them to contribute meaningfully to society and to the shared global challenges facing humanity.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this engaging and deeply insightful conversation. We look forward to welcoming you to the next edition of SEILS.
🌐 Empowering Leaders, Advancing Societies.
SEILS#11 | Conversation with Professor Fernando Reimers from Harvard University
We were honoured to co-host Professor Fernando Reimers, Ford Foundation Professor of Practice in International Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Director of the Global Education Innovation Initiative at Harvard University, for the eleventh edition of the Sunway Education Inclusive Leadership Series (SEILS).
Moderated by Professor Dato’ Elizabeth Lee, Group CEO of Sunway Education and Director, ASLI Board of Directors, the conversation explored the timely and thought-provoking theme “How to Make Universities More Relevant: The Climate Change–AI Nexus.”
Professor Reimers examined how universities must evolve in response to two defining forces of our time: artificial intelligence and climate change. He distinguished between innovation and transformation, arguing that the true value of AI lies not in novelty, but in its ability to solve core systemic challenges in education such as accessibility, governance, efficacy, and relevance.
Reflecting on the growing role of AI in learning environments, he cautioned that unequal access to technology risks widening existing educational disparities. At the same time, he highlighted the immense potential of AI to strengthen governance systems — from identifying students at risk of dropping out to improving teacher placement and institutional responsiveness.
On climate education, Professor Reimers stressed that universities must move beyond simply teaching scientific facts. He argued that education systems often leave students overwhelmed rather than empowered, and that project-based learning is essential in cultivating a sense of efficacy and responsibility in addressing climate challenges.
Professor Reimers concluded with a powerful reminder that universities must not only prepare students for the future of work, but also equip them to contribute meaningfully to society and to the shared global challenges facing humanity.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this engaging and deeply insightful conversation. We look forward to welcoming you to the next edition of SEILS.
🌐 Empowering Leaders, Advancing Societies.
