On 24 July 2026, National University of Singapore (NUS) News highlighted Prof. Soo Yuen Jien, Deputy Director (Pedagogy) at AICET, for his contributions to the Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia (HERDSA) 2026 annual conference held at NUS University Town. Prof. Soo was featured for his role in the panel discussion, “Re-envisioning Higher Education for Tomorrow’s Learners: How Can We Develop Human-Centric, Workforce-Ready Graduates in the AI Era,” which brought together Asia-Pacific higher education leaders to explore how universities can redefine learning in an AI-enabled world.
Prioritizing Experiential & Human-Centric Learning
During the panel, discussion centered on the critical shift toward deeper experiential and human-centric learning. Prof. Soo advocated for incorporating more project-based coursework, internships, and community service into university curricula to complement technological tools. Panelists broadly agreed that while AI capabilities evolve rapidly, core human attributes—such as ethical leadership, adaptability, and critical inquiry—remain irreplaceable pillars of a complete education.
Navigating an Elevated AI-Driven Job Market
Addressing the shifts in the entry-level job market as AI automates routine tasks, Prof. Soo pointed out that “the bar is higher” for modern graduates. To meet these elevated expectations, he urged educators to design learning environments that closely mirror real-world complexities, helping students cultivate the resilience and complex problem-solving skills necessary for unpredictable career landscapes.
This transformation also demands a fundamental rethink of evaluation strategies. Rather than treating AI primarily as a threat to be policed, Prof. Soo challenged institutions to shift their mindset from detection to adaptation, posing a central question for modern pedagogy:
“Rather than focus on detecting if a student has used AI, perhaps educators should ask themselves: What kind of assessment can I design for students who are augmented by AI?”
Shaping Future-Ready Learners
As higher education continues to evolve alongside rapid AI developments, these insights underline a broader commitment to keeping human values and real-world adaptability at the heart of learning. By embracing thoughtful pedagogy and innovative assessments, institutions remain focused on nurturing resilient, future-ready graduates prepared to thrive in an AI-augmented world.