USM PENANG, 28 October 2025 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), through its School of Distance Education (SDE), successfully spearheaded the International Digital Education Conference 2025 (iDEC2025), bringing together leading minds from across Asia and beyond to reimagine the future of digital learning.

Held entirely online from 28 to 29 October, iDEC2025 was co-organised in collaboration with the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), Universitas Terbuka (Indonesia), and the National Open University (Taiwan), marking a significant milestone in transnational digital education discourse.

Under the theme “Transforming Digital Education for a Sustainable Future,” the two-day conference served as a platform for global educators, policymakers, and technologists to explore emerging trends, challenges, and innovations in open and distance learning, particularly in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In her welcoming address, USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic and International, Professor Dato' Gs. Dr. Narimah Samat, in representing the USM Vice-Chancellor, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to digital inclusion and pedagogical innovation, stating that accessibility, flexibility, and sustainability must shape the core of how we design the future of learning.

“From AI to immersive technologies, from open distance learning to micro-credentialing, we are witnessing the transformation of how people learn, teach, and connect.

“Technology, by itself, is not enough. What truly matters is how we use it to increase access, promote sustainability, strengthen collaboration, and support communities across regions,” Narimah added.

The opening ceremony was officiated by YB Jagdeep Singh Deo s/o Karpal Singh, Deputy Chief Minister II of Penang, who highlighted the state’s support for regional educational collaborations that leverage technology to bridge societal gaps.

He underscored Penang’s vision to become a hub for digital innovation and inclusive education, noting that initiatives like iDEC2025 align with the state’s broader agenda to empower communities through equitable access to knowledge and skills.

He also commended USM and its partners for fostering cross-border academic synergy, and hoped the conference would lead to lasting collaborations that help learners from all backgrounds and regions.

The conference featured six keynote speakers from five countries, showcasing a convergence of expertise in educational technology, AI integration, and community-based digital empowerment initiatives.

Renowned education strategist, Professor Dr. Abd Karim Alias of Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) opened the keynote segment with his presentation, “Lifelong Learning and Its Role in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals,” advocating for lifelong education models aligned with global development frameworks.

He was followed by Professor Dr. Joane V. Serrano from UPOU, who spoke on “Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL),” urging educators to evolve their research and teaching strategies in tandem.

Professor Lien Yujen of ViewSonic College, Taiwan, presented “From Textbooks to Smart Teaching: Practical AI Integration Strategies for Inclusive Digital Classrooms,” sharing best practices for incorporating artificial intelligence to bridge learning disparities.

On the second day, Professor Dr. Carlos Delgado Kloos of Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (Spain) will deliver “Microlearning for Global Impact,” demonstrating how scalable, bite-sized digital content can redefine education access and flexibility worldwide.

The final keynote will be presented by The Honourable Dr. Kaviraj Sharma Sukon, Minister of Tertiary Education, Science and Research, Republic of Mauritius, who discussed “Advancing Digital Education for a Sustainable Future: Global Trends, Policies, and Innovations,” addressing national-level strategies to future-proof education ecosystems.

The academic discourse will be further enriched by three parallel sessions: Digital Pedagogical Innovation & Student Engagement; Immersive, Inclusive & AI-Driven Learning Technologies; and Sustainability, Community Empowerment & Creative Educational Futures.

With participants from over 15 countries and 200 institutions, iDEC2025 reaffirmed USM’s position as a regional leader in digital education advocacy, continuing its legacy of pushing academic boundaries through strategic international partnerships.

Also present at the opening ceremony were the Dean of the USM School of Distance Education, Associate Professor Dr. Zulnaidi Yaacob; and the Chairperson of iDEC 2025, Dr. Chua Hang Kuen.  

Text: Shafinaz Md Ismail/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md Isa