With the increasing emergence, development and massive use of artificial intelligence (AI) across global landscapes, higher education leaders are facing both unprecedented opportunities and challenges in leveraging AI in strategical leadership and management, ethical decision making, and innovative practices. This conference is organized with the purposes of creating a vital global platform for educational leaders, researchers, policy-makers and practitioners to share cutting-edge perspectives and hands-on experience, to explore transformative AI and related digital applications, and to address issues as well as develop collaborations and networks.

The conference builds on the evolving role of digitalization, especially AI development and integration, in enhancing excellence in leadership and management, fostering resilient and forward-thinking leaders and entrepreneurs in the new era of changes. Specific objectives of the Conference, therefore, include disseminating hands-on experienced and research-based AI information, insights and perspectives, sharing practical innovations and initiatives in AI driven practices, and cultivating enduring global networks for sustainable development.

SEAMEO RETRAC, in collaboration with the Alberta Bureau for International Education (ABIE), the British Columbia Council for International Education (BCCIE), the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) in Canada and SEAMEO Regional Centre for Higher Education and Development (SEAMEO RIHED) in Thailand, announces the International Conference 2026 on “Advancing Excellence in Higher Education Leadership and Management: Toward AI-Driven Practice and Innovation”.