USM PENANG, 11 August 2023 – There has always been a growing emphasis on the importance of understanding the complexities of cultural diversity and how it influences the educational leadership within the Asian region.

As such, on 5 August 2023, the School of Educational Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in collaboration with the Faculty of Education of the University of Manitoba in Canada and the Office of Undergraduate Studies at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) co-organised The International Conference on Educational Leadership and Asian Culture (ICELAC) 2023.

ICELAC 2023 was successfully held online (via Webex) and attracted 571 registered participants from 31 countries worldwide who jointly explored prospects and developments in educational leadership and Asian culture.

Under the leadership of Dean of the School of Educational Studies at USM, Associate Professor Dr. Rahimi Che Aman, the research team explores factors of cultural diversity, integration, and the context of educational leadership in Chinese, Islamic, Southeast Asian, and socio-cultural perspectives.

“As a university that excels in various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the 2023 Time Higher Education Impact Rankings (THE-IR), with its highest achievement in SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), USM's endeavors in hosting ICELAC 2023 firmly establishes Malaysia's role in the field of educational leadership,” said Rahimi.  

Dean of the Faculty of Education, University of Manitoba, Canada, Professor Dr. Jan Stewart and PolyU Associate Vice-President (Undergraduate Programme), Professor Dr. Daniel T. L. Shek delivered the welcoming speeches in the opening ceremony.

Meanwhile Professor Dr. Ruth Hayhoe, a prominent researcher from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, Canada, delivered a keynote speech on the influence of Chinese culture on leadership in China, referencing revered Chinese educators such as Confucius (Confucianism) and Lao Tzu (Taoism).

The conference also brought together 12 experts and scholars from the education sector from 10 countries, including the Dean of the Graduate School of Education at the University of Tokyo in Japan, Professor Dr. Masaaki Katsuno; and the Vice-Director of Institute of Teacher Education at Beijing Normal University, Professor Dr. Song Huan. 

One of the highlights of ICELAC 2023 was the launch of a new book entitled ‘Educational Leadership and Asian Culture: Culturally Sensitive Leadership Practice.’ The book was edited by Associate Professor Dr. Peng Liu from the Faculty of Education, University of Manitoba, Canada and Associate Professor Dr. Thien Lei Mee, from the USM School of Educational Studies.

Peng Liu, who is also the Conference Chair of ICELAC 2023 said, “The book’s content delves into the reality of educational leadership in the Asian region, highlighting the challenges of globalization and cultural diversity. Additionally, the book also emphasizes the importance of dialogue and international cooperation.”

“The launch of this book is expected to catalyze international communication among educators, and pioneer a new era of progress in educational leadership within the context of Asian culture,” he said.

At the end of the conference, Thien, who is the Conference Co-Chair said, “We can see that the conference participants called on educational leaders to take responsibility for promoting the development of education focusing on aspects of Asian culture, and emphasised that only through joint efforts, can Asian cultural heritage in education shine on the international stage.”

“Through such exposure from participants from various countries, a profound understanding of the complexities of cultural influences on educational leadership can be achieved. As a result, it will generate more effective practices in educational leadership in the future,” she added.

Source: ICELAC 2023 press release/Editing: Tan Ewe Hoe