INDEX Symposium gathers global educators to take experiential learning to new heights

From 4 to7 March 2025, the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Business School Undergraduate Office hosted the Industry Project-based Experiential Learning (INDEX) Symposium on campus. With a focus on advancing experiential learning in the region, this four-day event gathered more than 40 passionate educators, dedicated researchers, and industry practitioners to develop future-ready curricula and discuss innovative approaches to global business education. The diverse team of experts hailed from Canada, Hong Kong, Iraq, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, mainland China, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand.
In his welcome address, Professor Zhou Lin, dean of CUHK Business School, emphasised the importance of transformative educational approaches and underscored the critical role of INDEX Symposium as a platform for sharing insights and advancing experiential learning.
Professor Timothy Clark, provost of Singapore Management University (SMU), also remarked, “The INDEX Symposium has become a platform where we challenge conventional learning models, exchange best practices, and forge new collaborations.” He highlighted the crucial role of academia and industry collaboration in equipping students with the skills necessary for the future.
Themed “Future-Ready Global Business Education: Enhancing Experiential Learning through Industry and Interdisciplinary Collaborations,” the symposium began with a panel discussion moderated by Dr Fred Ku, associate dean (undergraduate studies) at CUHK Business School, who was also the Convener of the 2024/25 INDEX Symposium. Various stakeholders shared insights on how corporate projects provide real-world exposure for students while adding value to businesses. Student representatives were also invited to share their first-hand experiences.
Another panel featured speakers from start-ups, NGOs, FMCG industry and educators who discussed their experiences in tackling challenges in industry-academia collaboration. Topics ranged from faculty engagement to managing student expectations and business priorities, providing valuable insights to the participants.
In addition to the panel discussions, more than 20 parallel sessions were arranged, featuring esteemed speakers who shared cutting-edge models of experiential learning, innovative approaches to industry partnerships, and the resources needed to bring these strategies to life. The sessions delved into the transformative role of experiential learning and the power of interdisciplinary collaborations in higher education. Both presenters and participants gained fresh ideas through immersive activities and invigorating discussions.
Initiated by SMU in 2023, the INDEX Symposium serves as a catalyst for fresh ideas in experiential learning, reaffirming the commitment of institutions across the Asia Pacific to redefine education for the future. Beyond professional insights and academic advancements, the symposium offers participants ample opportunities to bond, creating a supportive community dedicated to advancing experiential learning.