About Dr. Johan van Rooyen
Dr. Johan van Rooyen is an esteemed scholar and author, widely recognized for his significant contributions to the fields of educational theory, finance, and economics. He possesses a Doctor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Edinburgh and an MBA from Harvard University.
With over two decades of experience in the academic sector, Dr. van Rooyen expertly combines teaching, research, and policy consultation.
He has authored numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and his latest book, “Beyond the Blackboard, The Evolving Landscape of Education” explores the impact of emerging technologies on education. This work discusses the challenges these advancements pose and proposes innovative strategies for educators to adapt effectively. This publication has garnered significant acclaim, positioning him among the top 50 most influential authors of 2023 in India.
As a renowned figure in international academic circles, Dr. van Rooyen is frequently invited to speak at major global education conferences. His expertise and insights are highly valued across various regions, including Asia, Europe, and Sub-Saharan Africa, underscoring his reputation as a leading educator, and thought leader in his field.
Welcome Message
Dear Distinguished Colleagues and Esteemed Participants,
Allow me to begin with a short story. More than 700 years ago, Chiang Mai was a vibrant hub where travelers, merchants, and scholars converged. Along its winding roads and bustling markets, ideas were exchanged as freely as goods. This city was not just a meeting place of cultures, it was a meeting place of minds. Today, centuries later, we find ourselves in that same spirit of exchange, gathered here in Chiang Mai as modern explorers of knowledge, united by a shared mission to advance the future of higher education.
A Gathering of Global Perspectives
It is with great pleasure that we welcome educational leaders, researchers, and visionaries from across the globe to this important gathering. Your participation represents the truly international scope of our shared commitment to advancing higher education worldwide. This forum is not merely a conference; it is a crossroads. Representatives from universities and institutions spanning multiple continents come together here to engage in cross-cultural dialogue and collaborative problem-solving. Just as Chiang Mai once linked ancient trade routes, we now link intellectual routes that transcend geography, politics, and traditions.
Addressing Critical Challenges Together
The challenges before us are vast and complex, digital transformation, evolving student expectations, global mobility, sustainability, and the democratization of knowledge. Yet, they also represent opportunities. By bringing together diverse perspectives, we create spaces where:
| • | Theory meets practice |
| • | Innovation intersects with tradition |
| • | Global perspectives spark new solutions |
This forum provides the fertile ground for solutions that no single institution, or nation could achieve alone.
Distinguished Keynote Speakers
We are honored to learn from two visionary leaders whose work has already influenced global education:
| • | Dr. Laurine LeBlanc-White, a nationally recognized trauma-informed clinician, transformational speaker, and author of Unapologetically Resilient. Her combination of academic rigor and practical leadership spans continents, and she brings to us a critical lens on resilience and transformative education. |
| • | ElDon White, a leadership strategist based in Hawaii, who empowers leaders, teams, and individuals to ignite purpose, build resilience, and achieve lasting transformation. His forward-thinking insights challenge us to reimagine educational excellence in an era of constant change. |
| • | Benjamin Schmeiser, Professor of Spanish at Illinois State University, is an award-winning educator and scholar with over thirty years of experience in Spanish linguistics. He has conducted research, taught, and presented in countries around the world, from the United States and Brazil to Japan and Spain. Author of Las variedades del mundohispano: Introducción a la dialectologíaespañola, his work inspires a global perspective on language and culture, encouraging innovative approaches to Spanish education. |
Our Shared Mission
Throughout this forum, we will grapple with questions that strike at the very core of our profession:
| • | How do we maintain academic excellence while expanding access? |
| • | How do we preserve the human essence of teaching in a digital-first world? |
| • | How do we prepare students not just for today, but for futures we cannot yet imagine? The answers lie not in any single perspective but in the collective wisdom of this community. |
Looking Forward
The conversations, connections, and collaborations we begin here in Chiang Mai will resonate far beyond these halls, shaping classrooms, influencing policies, and inspiring students across the globe. As we embark on this dialogue, let us remember that each voice contributes to a larger movement. Together, we are not only responding to the needs of higher education today, we are shaping the future of learning itself.
Welcome to the Higher Education Forum in Chiang Mai. Together, let us continue the journey of discovery, collaboration, and transformation.
