9 AM– 10:10 AM | Internships as a Catalyst for Change

This plenary will explore the transformative power of global internship programs as catalysts for personal, organizational, and societal change. This session will demonstrate how internships, especially those with a global component, can reshape both individual trajectories and institutional priorities. The panel will highlight the employer perspective on the benefits of hosting global interns and integrating them into organizational strategies, as well as the ways in which NGOs that support internship programs equip young professionals with the skills and mindset to innovate, lead startups, and contribute to economic development.

Speakers:

• Bukky Adebowale

• Jessica Lora

• Ketevan Chincharadze

• Paul Roben

• Stacy Benjamin

10:50 - 12:00 PM | Concurrent sessions

Activating the Next Generation of Social Entrepreneurs

Social entrepreneurship is rapidly emerging as a key driver for solving global challenges, from poverty alleviation to environmental sustainability. The next generation of social entrepreneurs needs more than just theoretical knowledge — they require practical, hands-on experience that empowers them to tackle complex social issues in innovative ways. This session will explore how global internships in the social entrepreneurship sector can ignite student interest, provide invaluable career preparation, and inspire a lifelong commitment to social impact. Through these internships, students gain direct exposure to social enterprises, NGOs, and initiatives that work at the intersection of business and social good. They acquire the skills, mindsets, and networks necessary to lead and scale initiatives that create lasting positive change. In this session, we will discuss how global internships offer students the opportunity to immerse themselves in different cultural contexts, solve real-world problems, and collaborate with like-minded changemakers from around the world. This session will also explore the specific outcomes of such internships—how they shape students’ career paths, influence their entrepreneurial aspirations, and equip them with the tools to navigate the challenges of the social entrepreneurship landscape. Featuring case studies of successful global internship programs focused on social entrepreneurship, this session will provide concrete examples of how internships are helping to build a new generation of leaders committed to making a positive, lasting impact on society.

Speakers:

• Bob Athwal

• Gresë Koca

• M. Ibnur Rashade

Microcredentials as the Link Between Postsecondary Education and Workforce

In a rapidly evolving job market, postsecondary education must do more than just deliver broad academic knowledge—it must also ensure that students acquire the specific, market-ready skills needed for successful careers. Micro-credentials—short, focused certifications that validate specific skills—are emerging as a powerful tool for bridging the gap between traditional degree programs and the skills employers seek. These credentials offer an efficient way for students to demonstrate proficiency in targeted areas, enhance their employability, and align their learning with the demands of the workforce. The session will feature examples of programs that have successfully integrated alternative credentials into their programs, showcasing how these credentials support lifelong learning and can be stacked to create customized career pathways.

Speakers:

• Eve Price

• Katie Welsh Radande

• Michelle Van Noy

Student and Intern Mobility Across Asia

The global movement of students and interns offers immense potential for fostering collaboration, cross-cultural exchange, and economic development. Student and intern mobility within Asia, both inbound and outbound, is a critical element of building a more interconnected and globally competitive workforce. This session will examine how universities, businesses, and governments are collaborating to create pathways for students and interns to gain international experience within the region, develop skills that are relevant to the diverse economies within the region, and build networks that cross national and cultural boundaries. Through case studies and expert insights, the session will highlight successful initiatives in student and intern mobility and explore how these programs can drive deeper economic integration and innovation within the region.

Speakers:

• Jen Mrowka

• Joann Ng Hartmann

• Pankaj Mittal

1:30 - 3:00 PM | GIC Talks

Talk 1: Exponential Careers; Exponential Intelligence: How immersive experiences can prepare students for a rapidly changing world
Speaker: Jeanette Cheah, HEX

If IQ measures knowledge and EQ measures empathy, then eXQ - Exponential Intelligence - measures the capacity to lead, adapt, and thrive in times of rapid change. Discover how developing eXQ can future-proof your learners and how real-world models like HEX's 'CEO Internship' embed these capabilities into vocational pathways. These frameworks can be mapped onto any program, business, or innovation—blending industry immersion with future-focused mindsets, skillsets, and toolsets. For educators preparing students for dynamic and uncertain careers, this talk provides a practical roadmap for embedding employability, adaptability, and innovation into learning experiences that truly prepare students for what’s next.

Talk 2: What should we know about apprenticeship degrees, which combine practice experience with classroom learning?
Speaker: Joe Ross, Reach University Combining hands-on practice with classroom learning, apprenticeship degrees are emerging as an innovative solution to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application. Apprenticeship degrees are gaining traction across industries such as engineering, healthcare, IT, and manufacturing, where students not only acquire technical knowledge through coursework but also build practical skills through direct work experience. These hybrid programs have the potential to reduce the skills gap, improve workforce readiness, and create more inclusive pathways to career success. By offering students a direct route to employment with a blend of academic rigor and practical expertise, apprenticeship degrees promise to transform how we approach workforce development.

Talk 3: What does the rise of generative AI mean for skills development and experiential learning? Speaker: Andy Brown, Open AI

As generative AI rapidly reshapes industries, the way we approach skills development and experiential learning is undergoing a fundamental transformation. This “GIC Talk” will explore how generative AI technologies are revolutionizing the learning landscape. By examining both the opportunities and challenges that AI presents for education, training, and workforce readiness, the talk will showcase innovative approaches to integrating AI into skills development programs and experiential learning initiatives. These examples will highlight how universities, corporations, and governments are preparing individuals for the future of work in a world where AI is a key enabler of both learning and productivity. GIC Talks moderated by Alexandra Wood, CIEE.

3:30 - 5:00 PM | Partner Awards

Partner Awards will recognize innovative employers, university partners, and alums around the world that are committed to supporting student engagement in high-quality internships and skills-based experiential learning.

6:30 PM - 8:30 PM | Offsite Reception at Lau Pa Sat: A Celebration of Singapore's Hawker Culture

Join us for an unforgettable evening at Lau Pa Sat, one of Singapore’s most iconic landmarks, where history and hawker culture come together in the heart of the city. Once a 19th-century market, Lau Pa Sat has transformed into a bustling food haven, preserving the rich traditions of Singapore’s renowned street food scene. Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere filled with sizzling satay, local delicacies, and cultural flavors, all while networking with fellow attendees in this historic setting. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience Singapore’s culinary heritage in an authentic and lively environment! We advise to familiarize yourself with the vendors at Lau Pa Sat and their menus prior to the event. *The buses will depart Conrad Singapore Orchard at 5:30 PM, 5:35 PM, 5:40 PM and 5:45 PM. The buses will pick up from Lau Pa Sat at 7:3O PM, 8:00 PM and 8:20 PM. You will be picked up at the same spot where you were dropped off. **If you'd like to explore Chinatown after the reception, meet the CIEE staff at 8:00 PM near the entrance of Lau Pa Sat (just a 10 minute walk from there). They will guide you to Chinatown, where you’ll have time to explore on your own. For your convenience, a return bus from Chinatown to Conrad Singapore is scheduled to leave at 10:00 PM. Please check with the CIEE staff on the day to confirm the exact pickup location for the bus.