The QS Higher Ed Summit: Asia Pacific 2025, hosted at the Korea University in Seoul, convened distinguished academic leaders and global education experts to explore the evolving landscape of higher education in the region. Among the distinguished speakers was Dr. Carmen Z. Lamagna, Academic Advisor and Member of the Board of Trustees of the American International University–Bangladesh (AIUB), who joined a high-level panel discussion on “Prioritising Quality Research for University Excellence” that took place at the Breakout Room 3 of the Day 2 morning session at the Korea University.

This session brought together visionary leaders to address one of higher education’s most pressing priorities: building sustainable, high-impact research cultures that elevate institutional reputation and drive real-world change. The panel was moderated by Ann Campbell, Director of Research Impact and Comparative Analytics at Digital Science, and featured Prof. Lee Pool See, Vice President for International Engagement at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, and Prof. Dr. Ali Khatibi, Senior Vice President of Management and Science University (MSU), Malaysia—each representing institutions recognized for advancing global research collaboration and innovation.

Representing Bangladesh and South Asia’s emerging academic leadership, Dr. Lamagna shared her perspectives on the critical role of strategic vision, research mentorship, and institutional alignment in building quality research frameworks. Drawing on her experience leading AIUB’s transformation into a forward-thinking institution with strong regional impact, she emphasized that excellence in research should not be measured merely by quantity, but by quality, relevance, and contribution to national development goals.

She highlighted that universities in developing nations can play a catalytic role by prioritizing capacity building, interdisciplinary collaboration, and socially responsive research—ensuring that innovation remains inclusive and locally meaningful while meeting international standards of excellence.

“Research must empower communities and shape policy,” Dr. Lamagna noted during the discussion. “Universities have a responsibility not only to publish, but to solve, innovate, and inspire.”

Her interventions were particularly applauded for bridging the perspective between research output and institutional integrity, calling on higher education leaders to create ecosystems of mentorship, accountability, and ethical research governance.

Moderator Ann Campbell framed the discussion within the growing demands of global university rankings and impact assessments, urging universities to adopt data-informed strategies that align with their mission and values. Prof. Lee Pool See shared NTU’s international engagement model for promoting collaborative research partnerships, while Prof. Dr. Ali Khatibi discussed MSU’s focus on leadership-driven research productivity and societal innovation.

Together, the session illuminated diverse approaches to embedding quality assurance in research management, enhancing institutional reputation, and building sustainable networks across Asia-Pacific universities.

Key Takeaways from the Session

• Quality over Quantity: Institutions must move beyond publication metrics and instead evaluate research through measurable societal impact and integrity.
• Leadership and Governance: Visionary leadership and ethical oversight are central to sustaining credible research ecosystems.
• Collaborative Networks: International partnerships strengthen institutional capacity and foster shared standards for quality and innovation.
• Talent Development: Building a culture of mentorship and recognition for young researchers ensures continuity and long-term academic excellence.
• Regional Relevance: Research agendas should align with local and regional challenges—bridging the gap between global benchmarks and national priorities.

AIUB’s Commitment to Research Excellence

Dr. Lamagna’s participation reaffirms AIUB’s enduring commitment to advancing quality research as a cornerstone of academic excellence. Under her guidance and vision, AIUB continues to cultivate a research-driven academic culture that values innovation, ethics, and social responsibility—strengthening the university’s position as a leading institution in Bangladesh and a recognized voice in Asia-Pacific higher education.

As AIUB engages in global dialogues such as the QS Higher Ed Summit, its representation on this prestigious panel underscores the university’s active role in shaping the future of higher education in the region, promoting knowledge that truly makes a difference.