LU President shares insight on holistic education in Asian liberal arts universities presidents’ forum

The 2021 Annual Presidents’ Forum of the Alliance of Asian Liberal Arts Universities (AALAU), hosted by the Northeast Normal University (NENU) in the Mainland, was conducted online on 11 November 2021 with the theme “Liberal Arts Education: Mission of the Times and Implementation Path”. Prof Leonard K Cheng, President of Lingnan University was invited to deliver an opening speech with Prof Liu Yichun, President of NENU.

In his address, President Cheng talked about the skills and traits all talented individuals need in the 21st century. He highlighted the “4Cs” for life and career development: Critical thinking, Creativity, Communication and Collaboration, and also said, that through holistic education, students should be able to develop these, as well as self-awareness, personal and social responsibility and the life-long learning spirit that enhances future career competence. He added that multiple approaches should be adopted and a quality assurance system built for holistic education management because, with an effective evaluation system, students’ comprehensive and sustainable development can be stimulated. 

This year the Forum attracted over 70 educational leaders and scholars representing 19 universities in India, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Mainland China and Hong Kong to discuss best practices and exchanged views on the future development of liberal arts education in the region.