The APQN Annual Academic Conference (AAC) and Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2024 was held from September 26 to September 29 in the picturesque city of St. Petersburg, Russia at the site of the CORT INN Hotel & Conference center. This year’s theme, “Quality Assurance and Global Tertiary Education: Navigating Challenges and Embracing Innovation,” resonated strongly with the current trends and challenges in higher education, drawing a diverse and engaged audience from various regions. This report chronicles the proceedings of the conference, highlighting key discussions, speakers, and networking opportunities that emerged over the course of the event.
Opening Ceremony and Keynote Addresses
September 27 marked the official start of the APQN 2024 Conference. The day began with a busy registration period for attendees, followed by the much-anticipated opening ceremony in the grand Conference Hall “Tolstoy.” At 9:00 AM, a vibrant atmosphere enveloped the hall as participants gathered to hear the opening remarks.
The ceremony began with a welcome address by Prof. Galina Motova, the President of APQN. In her address, she emphasized the significance of quality assurance in higher education and the vital role of international collaboration in overcoming challenges. She welcomed participants to embrace the theme of the conference and actively engage in the discussions.
Arkady Vladimirtsev, General Director of the Certification Association “Russian Register,” followed with a warm welcome, outlining the importance of the event for fostering relationships and sharing knowledge among quality assurance professionals. In his opening remarks, Arkady Vladimirtsev expressed his pride in hosting the APQN Annual Academic Conference (AAC) and Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2024 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. He emphasized the conference theme, “Quality Assurance and Global Tertiary Education: Navigating Challenges and Embracing Innovation,” as a reflection of the collective commitment to addressing the complex challenges in higher education today. Highlighting key areas such as quality assurance in cross-border education, digitalization in quality processes, and improving teaching and learning in higher education institutions, he stressed the value of collaboration and knowledge exchange. He encouraged participants to engage in discussions, challenge ideas, and work together to shape the future of quality assurance in higher education, ensuring the event’s success through their active participation.
This was complemented by a recorded welcome speech from Dr. Genady Voronin, President of the All-Russian Quality Organization, who shared valuable insights on the evolving landscape of quality assurance in education. Voronin emphasized the crucial role of quality in driving national development, citing the Russian philosopher Ivan Ilyin, who believed that Russia’s salvation lies in its commitment to quality. Dr. Voronin reflected on the founding of the Russian Organization for Quality (ROQ) in 2001, highlighting its mission to unite various sectors—public, industrial, governmental, and scientific—around the goal of improving quality standards. He underscored that quality assurance is not just essential in education but in all areas of national life, including the defense industry, and is critical in addressing crises. He also called for a renewed state policy on quality, advocating for the integration of quality science into education, public outreach, and standardization to ensure competitiveness and modernize the economy. Dr. Voronin concluded by presenting the movement for quality as a transformative philosophy that should shape national goals and inspire future generations.
Dr. Ludmila Skakovskaya, a representative of the Russian Federal Government Bodies, spoke about the government’s commitment to enhancing educational standards and quality. On behalf of the Federation Council Committee on Science, Education and Culture, she emphasized the importance of developing modern technologies for independent quality assurance, designing educational programs, and utilizing accreditation monitoring results for effective education management. Dr. Skakovskaya highlighted the Asia-Pacific Region’s diversity in cultures, traditions, and languages, as well as its significant role as a hub of global economic growth, particularly after the unprecedented boom in East Asia during the latter half of the 20th century.
In closing, speaker Skakovskaya addressed the specific challenges faced by higher education in a rapidly changing world. She stressed that those responsible for higher education have a unique mission to educate, train, support, and shape well-rounded individuals who can meet these challenges. Wishing the Asia-Pacific Quality Network (APQN) continued success, she expressed her hopes that it would maintain its status as the largest and most influential organization promoting quality assurance in higher education, with over 250 members from 45 countries.
The opening ceremony concluded with the release of the Anthology of 2023 AAC Selected Papers by AIUB and APQN Board members, showcasing the collective efforts and research contributions of participants. The master of ceremony, Irina Dolgikh, Head of the International Activities Department at the Certification Association “Russian Register,” guided attendees through this ceremony.
The first keynote address, titled “QA for Cross-Border Higher Education: International Standards, Challenges, and Solutions,” was delivered by Dr. Wesley Teter, Senior Consultant for the Section for Educational Innovation and Skills Development at UNESCO. His insights on the necessity of international standards in quality assurance sparked an engaging dialogue among participants.
Dr. Aleksei Kurlov, Head of the Educational Programmes Department at Moscow State University of Geodesy and Cartography, delivered the second keynote address, “Transforming Engineering Education: Modern Strategies for Quality Assurance and Emerging Trends.” He highlighted innovative strategies for enhancing quality assurance in engineering education, capturing the interest of many participants.
The afternoon session continued with a series of plenary sessions, offering an opportunity to delve deeper into the conference’s theme of quality assurance. The first plenary session, held in Conference Hall “Tolstoy,” centered on the topic of “QA for Cross-Border Higher Education: International Standards, Challenges, and Solutions.” Moderated by Dr. Onolkan Umankulova, President of the Agency for Quality Assurance in the Field of Education “EdNet” from Kyrgyz Republic and an APQN Board Director, the session brought together esteemed speakers who shared their perspectives on navigating the complexities of quality assurance in a globalized educational landscape.
The session opened with Prof. Dr. Jianxin Zhang from Yunnan University, China, who presented qualitative research commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the APQN. Dr. Zhang discussed efforts to dissolve boundaries and create a unified quality region, underscoring the importance of cooperation among Asian-Pacific nations in achieving this goal.
Following this, Dr. Oksana Tanikova from the National Centre for Public Accreditation (NCPA), Russia, explored the concept of joint accreditation as a tool for enhancing quality assurance policies. Dr. Tanikova explained how collaborative accreditation efforts can raise the standards of higher education institutions (HEIs) across borders, thereby contributing to a more harmonized and effective quality assurance framework.
Next, the session highlighted a presentation by Dr. Olga Safonkina from Ogarev Mordovia State University, Russia, who discussed the development of a new APQN Quality Label (APQL). The research, which was a collaborative effort between Aleksandra Zvezdova, Olga Safonkina, Arkady Vladimirtsev, and Evgeniya Korneva from the Certification Association “Russian Register,” explored how innovative activities within higher education institutions (HEIs) serve as the foundation for this new quality label. Dr. Safonkina outlined how the APQL is intended to raise educational standards and ensure a higher level of excellence across the APQN region.
Finally, Dr. Anatoly Safonov, Director of the ROQ Center for Expert Programs and Chief Manager of the Excellence Model Department at the All-Russian Quality Organization (ROQ), presented the “Lens” approaches based on the EFQM 2020 model. Safonov’s talk emphasized how this model can be applied to assess and improve quality assurance systems in higher education, offering a structured approach to excellence.
The session wrapped up with a brief Q&A segment, where participants engaged with the speakers to further explore the challenges and solutions in cross-border quality assurance. This plenary session provided valuable insights into how international standards can be adapted and applied to ensure the quality of education across different regions, contributing to the overall theme of the conference.
The first day concluded with an extended networking period, where participants engaged in discussions, exchanged ideas, and established connections that would serve them well beyond the conference. The day concluded with a Gala Dinner, which not only celebrated the achievements of individuals in the field but also provided an elegant setting for continued networking.
The APQN Quality Award Ceremony was a central event of the conference, honoring remarkable contributions to quality assurance in higher education. The ceremony celebrated individuals and institutions that had set exemplary standards in advancing educational quality throughout the APQN region.
The event was hosted by Dr. Olga Safonkina and Prof. Dr. Galina Motova. As masters of ceremony, they led the audience through the evening with insightful commentary, emphasizing the significance of commitment to quality in education. They highlighted how the continuous pursuit of excellence is crucial for institutional success and global recognition, underscoring the importance of innovation and collaboration across borders.
During the APQN Quality Award Ceremony, several prestigious awards were presented, recognizing the outstanding contributions of individuals and institutions in the field of quality assurance in higher education.
- APQN Quality Champions Award: This accolade was awarded to Arkady Vladimirtsev, the General Director of the Certification Association “Russian Register,” for his exemplary leadership and dedication to promoting quality standards in education.
- APQN’s Best/Model Internal QA Award: The award was presented to American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB), with Professor Dr. Mesbahuddin Ahmed accepting the award on behalf of the university. This recognition highlights AIUB’s commitment to implementing effective internal quality assurance processes.
- APQN’s Best/Model Internal QA Award: Macao Polytechnic University was also honored with this award, which was accepted by Christina Ng, Senior Registrar of the Development of the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ). This accolade acknowledges the university’s exemplary practices in internal quality assurance.
- Honorary Life Fellow of APQN: Prof. Dr. Jianxin Zhang was recognized as an Honorary Life Fellow. Her contributions as an ex-officio Board Director and Immediate Past President of APQN, as well as her advisory role with CHEA/CIQG and her position as Secretary General of the Yunnan Association of Higher Education, exemplify his dedication to quality in higher education.
- Honorary Life Fellow of APQN: Dr. Jagannath Patil was also honored with the title of Honorary Life Fellow. The award was accepted on his behalf by Dr. Vishnu Mahesh from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), reflecting Dr. Patil’s significant contributions to the field.
- Honorary Board Director of APQN: Liu Pingping was appointed as an Honorary Board Director, with the award received on her behalf by Chen Taohong, Vice President of the Shanghai Education Evaluation Institute, highlighting the collaborative efforts in advancing quality assurance.
- APQN’s Successful Host: Arkady Vladimirtsev was acknowledged once again, this time for his role as a successful host of the event, further solidifying his commitment to enhancing quality in education.
These awards not only celebrate the accomplishments of the recipients but also inspire continued dedication to quality assurance in higher education institutions across the Asia-Pacific region.
In-Depth Discussions and Parallel Sessions
The momentum built on Day 1 carried into Day 3, September 28, as the conference resumed with parallel sessions dedicated to specific themes. The morning began promptly at 9:00 AM with three simultaneous parallel sessions that allowed participants to choose discussions that aligned with their interests and expertise.
Parallel Session 1: QA for Cross-Border Higher Education
In the Conference Hall “Chekhov,” the first parallel session on Quality Assurance (QA) for Cross-Border Higher Education commenced, under the expert moderation of Dr. Onolkan Umankulova, the APQN Board Director and President of the Agency for Quality Assurance in the Field of Education “EdNet” from the Kyrgyz Republic. This session gathered distinguished speakers who shared their research and insights, shedding light on the challenges and best practices essential for ensuring quality in international education settings.
The session began with Ms. Anna Ishutkina, representing the National Centre for Public Accreditation (NCPA) from Russia. Her presentation, titled “How Accreditation Impacts Qualification Recognition,” emphasized the pivotal role of accreditation in facilitating the recognition of qualifications across borders. Ms. Ishutkina outlined how accreditation frameworks are necessary to enhance the credibility of qualifications and to support educational mobility, ensuring that students and professionals can transition seamlessly between different educational systems.
Following Ms. Ishutkina, Ms. Marina Kurdiumova, also from the NCPA, delved into the theme of academic integrity in her presentation, “Understanding Academic Integrity: Stakeholders’ Perspective.” Ms. Kurdiumova highlighted the various stakeholders involved in education and discussed their perspectives on maintaining ethical standards. She underscored the importance of fostering a culture of integrity in academic settings, positing that such a foundation is critical for upholding the overall quality of cross-border higher education.
Next, Dr. Ilya Rusakov from the Center for Expert Programs of the All-Russian Quality Organization introduced his insights on “The EFQM Model as a Tool for Innovative Development of MPEI.” He articulated how the EFQM (European Foundation for Quality Management) model serves as a strategic framework for driving innovation within higher education institutions. Dr. Rusakov’s emphasis on innovative practices illuminated pathways for enhancing the quality and effectiveness of educational offerings, thus addressing the needs of students and employers alike.
The session then transitioned to Prof. Dalkhat Ediev of the North-Caucasian State Academy, who explored the intersection of demographic trends and educational quality in his presentation, “World Population Trends and Quality Higher Education.” Prof. Ediev discussed the significant implications of global population changes, urging institutions to adapt their strategies to effectively respond to the changing educational landscape. His insights reinforced the need for higher education institutions to remain agile and responsive to demographic shifts to maintain relevance and quality.
Rounding off the session, Dr. Yulia Bogomolova from the Institute of International Economic Relations shared her insights on “The Role of Information Technology in the Internal Quality Assessment System of Universities.” She illustrated how the integration of information technology has transformed internal quality assessment processes. Dr. Bogomolova emphasized that leveraging technology not only streamlines evaluations but also improves data-driven decision-making, contributing to improved educational outcomes.
The session provided a platform for exchanging ideas and experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape of quality assurance in cross-border higher education. The collective wisdom of the speakers illustrated the path forward, underscoring the critical importance of strong QA frameworks to develop educational quality and encourage international collaboration.
Parallel Session 2: Embracing Digitalization for Quality Assurance
Held in the Conference Hall “Dostoevsky,” Parallel Session 2 explored the theme of “Embracing Digitalization for Quality Assurance,” with a particular focus on internal quality assurance processes of Quality Assurance Agencies (QAAs). Moderated by Dr. Oksana Tanikova, the Deputy Head of the Accreditation Department at the National Centre for Public Accreditation (NCPA) in Russia, the session fostered an dialogue on the important role of technology in promoting quality assurance practices.
The session featured a series of thought-provoking presentations from a diverse group of speakers, each contributing unique insights into the intersection of digitalization and quality assurance. Natalia Ivanova, representing IPR MEDIA Group in Russia, initiated the discussion with her recorded presentation titled “Digitalization to Improve Quality: Innovations and Prospects.” She explored various innovative practices that have emerged from the digital transformation of educational institutions, highlighting the promising prospects for improving quality through technological advancements.
Dr. Yudha Nurhantari from Universitas Gadjah Mada in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, presented on “The Challenges to Improve On-time Graduation as Internal Audit Findings.” Her insights shed light on the obstacles faced in ensuring timely graduation and the critical role of internal audits in identifying areas for improvement.
Next, a collaborative presentation by Dr. Raghu Ram Achar, Dr. Supreeth M, Dr. Prashant M Vishwanath, and Dr. Madhusudhan N Purohit from JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research in India took center stage. Their topic, “Quality Quest Alongside Data Management in Higher Education Institutes with Digital Frontier,” emphasized the significance of effective data management in increasing quality assurance in higher education institutions.
Kulebakina Yulia from LETI University in Russia contributed to the session with her presentation on “The System of Internal Quality Assurance Agency for the Assessment of the Quality of Tertiary and Vocational Education from the Point of View of the Student Community.” Yulia’s insights underscored the importance of student perspectives in evaluating the quality of educational programs.
Dr. Petropavlovskaya Victoria from Tver State Technical University, Russia, followed with her presentation titled “To the Quality of Education Through the Formation of a Complex System for Evaluating the Activities of the University.” She articulated the necessity of establishing a comprehensive evaluation system to enhance educational quality.
The session concluded with another insightful presentation Dr. Maria Turovskaya from Russian Register, who addressed the “Training of Highly Qualified Staff in Quality Management for the Purpose of Digitization.” Their focus on staff training highlighted the need for skilled professionals to navigate the complexities of quality management in the digital age.
Throughout the session, the participants actively took part in discussions, sharing insights and experiences related to the challenges and opportunities posed by digitalization in quality assurance. The collaborative atmosphere fostered a rich exchange of ideas, emphasizing the collective commitment to developing internal quality assurance processes within educational institutions.
In summary, Parallel Session 2 served as a vital platform for exploring the dynamic interplay between digitalization and quality assurance, equipping participants with innovative strategies and practical insights to improve educational standards.
Parallel Session 3: Quality Assurance in Higher Education Institutions
Parallel Session 3, held in the Conference Hall “Tolstoy,” focused on the theme of “Quality Assurance in Higher Education Institutions: Fostering Excellence in Teaching and Learning in All Stages of Life.” The session was chaired by Dr. Olga Safonkina, Associate Vice Rector for International Cooperation at Ogarev National Research State University and a member of the International Accreditation Board (IAB) in Russian Register, Russia. Under her guidance, the session became a platform for sharing best practices aimed at cultivating a culture of excellence in education.
A series of presentations were delivered by a respected lineup of speakers, each contributing valuable insights into the multifaceted aspects of quality assurance in higher education.
Dr. Nayer Fardows from Forman Christian College (FCCU) in Pakistan opened the session with his talk titled “Ensuring Excellence: Quality Assurance in Higher Education for Lifelong Teaching and Learning.” His presentation underscored the critical importance of maintaining high standards in education that cater to lifelong learning.
Following Dr. Fardows, Prof. Anastasia Atabekova from the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University) shared her insights on “QA in Higher Education and Education in Foreign Language(s).” Her discourse provided a nuanced perspective on the challenges and opportunities in ensuring quality in education delivered in foreign languages.
The discussion then turned to the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) in India, represented by Dr. Vishnu Mahesh K R and Dr. Ruchi Tripathi, who presented a case study titled “Promotion of Quality in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education Institutions: Case Study of Randomly Selected Colleges Accredited by NAAC Parameters.” Their findings highlighted effective strategies for enhancing educational quality within accredited institutions.
Shifting the focus back to the Russian context, Evgenii Puchkov, Szymon Jankiewicz, and Nadezhda Knyaginina from HSE University examined “Internal and External Quality Assurance in Russian Higher Education Institutions: Breaking the Chains of State Control?” Their presentation critically assessed the balance between state oversight and institutional autonomy in quality assurance.
Kristina Tishkina from ITMO University followed with an engaging presentation on “The Peer-Review Approach in the Internal Quality Assurance System: The ITMO University Case.” Her insights emphasized the value of peer review in fostering a culture of continuous improvement within educational institutions.
The session also featured Dr. Anatoly Lysyakov and Dr. Olga Safonkina discussing the “Establishment and Development of the Russian-Chinese Institute: A Case Study in Collaborative Higher Education.” Their collaboration demonstrated the benefits of international partnerships in enhancing educational quality.
Lastly, Professor Dr. Mesbahuddin Ahmed from the Bangladesh Accreditation Council (BAC) concluded the session with his presentation titled “Quality Assurance and Teaching Learning in Higher Education.” His insights illuminated the integral connection between quality assurance practices and effective teaching and learning methodologies.
After this stimulating series of discussions, attendees enjoyed a well-deserved morning tea break, where conversations continued over refreshments, fostering networking and collaboration among participants. In summary, Parallel Session 3 successfully highlighted the vital importance of quality assurance in higher education, encouraging ongoing discussions on fostering excellence in teaching and learning throughout all stages of life.
The conference then transitioned to the keynote speeches, commencing with the third keynote address titled “Practice and Prospect of the Construction of the ‘Five-in-One’ Higher Education Quality Assurance System with Chinese Characteristics.” Delivered by Jiang He, Deputy Director of the Education Quality Evaluation Agency of the Ministry of Education (EQEA) in China, this address provided innovative insights into quality assurance approaches in higher education, further enriching the conference’s exploration of quality assurance practices.
The final keynote address, titled “Opportunities and Risks of Using Artificial Intelligence in Quality Assurance,” was presented by Prof. Nadia Badrawi as a pre-recorded speech. She highlighted the potential of AI technologies to transform quality assurance practices while cautioning against the risks associated with their implementation. Her insights sparked meaningful discussions among attendees, prompting reflections on how to use AI effectively.
Chaired by Prof. Dr. Jianxin Zhang, the closing session allowed attendees to reflect on their experiences and discuss future directions for quality assurance in higher education. Participants were informed about the next host for the 2025 AAC, fostering interest for future gatherings and collaborative opportunities. Following the closing session, attendees enjoyed an afternoon tea break, which provided one last chance for informal discussions and networking before the conclusion of the conference.
Cultural Exploration and Reflections
On September 29, the final day of the conference, the participants had the opportunity to partake in a guided city tour of St. Petersburg. This excursion allowed them to explore the rich cultural heritage and architectural splendor of the city, further enhancing their experience at the conference.
Conclusion
The APQN 2024 Annual Academic Conference and Annual General Meeting proved to be an enriching experience for all involved. From the keynote speeches to the engaging discussions in parallel sessions, the event highlighted the role of quality assurance in navigating the challenges of contemporary higher education. The commitment of participants to advancing collaboration and innovation will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of quality assurance.
As the conference came to an end, attendees departed from St. Petersburg, equipped not just with valuable knowledge but also with a refreshed sense of purpose and connection among the international community of quality assurance professionals. The spirit of teamwork fostered at the AAC will surely continue, as participants join forces to improve the quality of education around the globe.
(Written by Olga Safonkina from Russian Register)
