To advance multilateral cooperation under the framework of the International Institute of Online Education (hereinafter "IIOE"), Ms. BI Xiaohan, Deputy Director of the International Centre for Higher Education Innovation under the auspices of UNESCO （hereinafter "UNESCO-ICHEI") , led a delegation to visit leading higher education institutions and other organisations in the Republic of Korea, including Seoul National University (SNU), Kyung Hee University, Sungkyunkwan University, UNESCO Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding (APCEIU), and Best Tech. Inc. The delegation explored opportunities in partnership network expansion, course co-development, university–industry collaboration, and research cooperation, reaching several constructive consensus.

Partnering with Leading Universities to Build a New Platform for Educational Cooperation

Learning Sciences Research Institute of Seoul National University: MOU Signed to Advance Learning Sciences and AI-driven Education Innovation

During the visit to SNU, the delegation of UNESCO-ICHEI held a key meeting with Prof. CHO Young Hoan, Vice Dean of the College of Education and Director of the Learning Sciences Research Institute (LSRI). The two parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance collaboration in AI and learning sciences. As the first institute dedicated exclusively to the frontier study of learning sciences in the Republic of Korea, LSRI is committed to addressing educational challenges in the AI era and shaping the future of education. Through close collaboration with the government and EdTech companies, LSRI plays a key role in driving national digital education transformation. Going forward, both sides will leverage SNU's academic excellence in artificial intelligence and its extensive international expert network to jointly develop quality digital learning resources. The cooperation will focus on building the digital and AI capacity of higher education faculty and administrators, especially in the Global South.

UNESCO-ICHEI and Learning Sciences Research Institute of SNU signed MOU

College of Korean Medicine of Kyung Hee University: Advancing "AI + Healthcare" to Lead in Digital Health Education

During the visit, the UNESCO-ICHEI delegation, together with Mr. WU Eric, Chairman of the Glorious Melodies Consultancy (GMC) Singapore, also visited Kyung Hee University's renowned College of Korean Medicine, a national and global leader in advanced medical research and education. In discussions with Dean Prof. KO Seong Gyu, the two sides explored collaboration on the development of AI-driven medical education. Kyung Hee University excels in digital healthcare, AI-assisted diagnostics, medical image analysis, and smart hospital systems. The parties at the meeting reached an important cooperation intention to co-develop a series of Micro-Certification (MC) courses on "Artificial Intelligence + Health". These MC courses will leverage Kyung Hee University's strengths in the application of AI in medicine, aiming to deliver world-class digital medical education resources. The collaboration will support medical institutions, particularly in regions with limited access to healthcare education, in training future-ready professionals equipped with AI competencies, thereby contributing to global health equity.

UNESCO-ICHEI and GMC delegations visit College of Korean Medicine of Kyung Hee University

Business School of Sungkyunkwan University: Strengthening "AI + FinTech" to Shape the Future of Finance Education

At the Business School of Sungkyunkwan University, recognized for its academic excellence and leadership in FinTech research, the UNESCO-ICHEI and GMC delegations had productive discussions with Prof. LEE Jong Eun, Dean of the Business School. Known for its robust integration of academia, industry, and research, the School has achieved notable outcomes in blockchain applications, robo-advisory, big data risk management, and inclusive digital finance. The two sides discussed potential collaboration on developing courses in the "AI + FinTech" field. By leveraging the School’s world-class faculty, cutting-edge research, and strong industry connections, the initiative aims to enrich IIOE’s global platform with quality FinTech education content. This will support the cultivation of cross-disciplinary talent and contribute to the advancement of the digital economy worldwide.

Advancing Collaboration within the UNESCO System to Promote Shared Mandates

During its visit to the Republic of Korea, the UNESCO-ICHEI delegation met with APCEIU in Seoul. In a productive exchange with Mr. LIM Hyun Mook, Director of APCEIU, both parties shared insights on strengthening collaboration among Category 2 Centres. Discussions focused on optimizing mechanisms for joint publications and awards, and on advancing the planning of cooperative activities. This meaningful engagement laid a solid foundation for fostering equitable and sustainable education across East Asia and other sub-regions across the globe.

Fostering University–Industry Synergy to Better Link Technology and Education

The delegation also visited Best Tech. Inc., a leading technology enterprise in the Republic of Korea. In a meeting with Mr. SEO Victor, Executive President of the company, both parties explored opportunities for software collaboration and co-hosting international conferences. They both agreed that advancing technical upgrades for the IIOE platform and piloting university–industry cooperation projects would provide stronger and more efficient technological support for the global digital transformation of higher education.

UNESCO-ICHEI visits Best Tech. Inc.

This visit deepened UNESCO-ICHEI's engagement with both the higher education and industrial sectors in the Republic of Korea, fostering stronger ties and strategic alignment. It paved the way for new avenues of South–South–North cooperation, broadened practical approaches to the internationalization of higher education, and offered fresh perspectives on global digital governance. Moving forward, UNESCO-ICHEI remains committed to advancing collaboration with partners across East Asia and beyond, united by the shared vision of inclusive, high-quality higher education for all.

Seoul National University

Established in 1946, Seoul National University (SNU) is a national comprehensive research university under the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea. Known as one of the prestigious "SKY" universities, SNU holds a leading position in global higher education. Its Learning Science Research Institute (LSRI) is Korea's first dedicated institute for learning science, focusing on AI and education integration. LSRI promotes a shift from traditional standardized education to learner-centered personalized approaches, collaborating with government and EdTech partners to drive educational innovation in the digital era.

Kyung Hee University

Founded in 1949, Kyung Hee University is one of Korea's three major private universities, with campuses in Seoul, Global, and Gwangneung. It comprises 16 graduate schools and 99 departments, with distinguished programs in hotel management, medicine, journalism, and other fields.

Sungkyunkwan University

Supported by Samsung Group, Sungkyunkwan University is Korea's oldest university, originally founded in 1398. The university excels in AI and sustainable development, with a leading Applied Artificial Intelligence department. The Business School leverages Samsung's industry resources to advance AI and FinTech education, integrating research and practice to develop innovative professionals.

UNESCO Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding (APCEIU)

APCEIU, a UNESCO Category II Centre based in the Republic of Korea, is committed to promoting Education for International Understanding (EIU) and Global Citizenship Education (GCED) through training, research, and international cooperation. The Centre seeks to become a center of excellence in the field of EIU and GCED, contributing to the advancement of educational equity and social justice across the Asia-Pacific region and globally.

Best Tech. Inc.

Best Tech. Inc. is an innovative technology company specializing in immersive solutions such as the XR·AI education platform EduSpace and AI-MIT. Utilizing cutting-edge VR/AR and artificial intelligence technologies, the company provides unique solutions. It develops virtual reality content related to education and delivers these services via online platforms.