Digital Education for Digital Transformation: Shaping the Future of Learning and Innovation

Day 1 

Program Introduction with Marianna Tanagia and Vlad Spencer

Panel: What do We Expect – Education for the Digital Age

Moderator: Alexander Le Voci Sayad, CEO, ZeitGeist, Brazil 

Speakers: 

-Olivia Leichter, Undergraduate student, Florida State University, U.S.

-Bethany Hartman,  Student, Boston University, U.S.

-Rothsethamony Seng, Co-Founder, CEO and Graduate Student, Bamnang Academy and Harvard Graduate School of Education, U.S./Cambodia 

-Hoeun Sreymech, Doctoral Student, Kobe University, Japan/Cambodia

-Shiva Matthew Cruz, AI Engineer/Technology Futurist, Center for Engaged Foresight, Philippines

-Yuyi Chang, Student, National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan  

-Thanathir Arsirawart, Student , Chulalongkorn university, Thailand 

-Le Phuong Linh, Undergraduate Student, VinUniversity, Vietnam

Presentation: Teaching and Learning in the AI Age – Global Perspectives on Digital Literacy and Innovation

This session will draw from Dr. Hartman's 36 years of research and practice across the U.S. and globally, offering insights into how AI and ICTs are reshaping digital literacy, teacher education, and student engagement. Using international case studies, he will highlight the intersection of human learning and technology, and what educators must consider when designing  forward-thinking digital learning environments.

Dr. Douglas K. Hartman, Professor of Technology & Human Learning, Michigan State University, U.S. 

Born Digital: How Early Education Is Evolving for Generation Alpha

Reimagining Teaching and Learning with Generation Alpha – This interactive session invites educators to join Dr Eunice Sari and Adi “Josh” Tedjasaputra as they explore how Generation Alpha’s always-connected world of screens, algorithms and AI is rewriting teaching and learning, whether in class, after school or during holiday programs. Through vivid case stories and the “Five Elements of Innovation” framework, the duo will deliver actionable tactics, project ideas and technology, supported by teaching and learning theories that spark curiosity, encourage playful experimentation and build the future-proof skills today’s youngest learners need.

Dr. Eunice Sari, CEO, UX Indonesia and Adjunct Associate Professor, UNSW,  Indonesia / Australia

Josh (Adi) Tedjasaputra, Director, Customer Experience Insight, Australia

Open Session on Themes to be Discussed that Connect with the Interests of the Participants 

Moderators: Alexander Le Voci Sayad, CEO, ZeitGeist, Brazil & Cassandra Nicole Thomazios, Partner, MahWengKwai & Associates, Malaysia

Day 2 

Opening Remarks  

In this opening talk, Grace Park will reflect on the collaboration between Nuleep and DCN / World Learning in organizing this event—a partnership that underscores the value of bringing together mission-driven organizations to empower the next generation. She will share insights on how initiatives like this help young people build meaningful professional pathways in a rapidly changing landscape shaped by AI, digital transformation, and evolving educational models. The talk will also explore how innovation, community, and inclusion intersect to shape the future of work and opportunity.

Grace Park, CEO, Nuleep, U.S.  

Bridging Pedagogy and Technology for the Next Generation

As classrooms evolve into digitally connected learning spaces, how can educators ensure technology enhances—not replaces—foundational teaching? Dr. James L. Hutson explores the transformation from traditional pedagogy to smart learning environments, focusing on the integration of digital tools to improve engagement and outcomes. Drawing on his leadership in higher education, he will share actionable strategies for designing tech-enabled learning that prepares students for a digital-first world, while keeping the human element at the heart of education. 

Dr. James Hutson, Professor, Department Head of Art  History, AI, and Visual Culture, Lindenwood University, U.S.

Panel: How AI is Transforming Learning

As artificial intelligence reshapes the future of work and society, education systems must rapidly adapt. With regional insights, the session will explore both the opportunities and ethical responsibilities of integrating AI in education.

Moderator: Alexander Le Voci Sayad, CEO, ZeitGeist, Brazil 

Speakers: 

-Jennifer Kidd, AI Fellow and Master Lecturer, Old Dominion University, U.S. 

-Genya Smagin, AI Strategy Lead, SK Telecom, Republic of Korea 

-Preexcy Bacus Tupas, Research Chairperson, Romblon State University,  Philippines 

Coffee Break

Rethinking Entrepreneurship Education for the Digital Workforce

Traditional models of entrepreneurship education often emphasize theory over practice—yet in today’s fast-changing digital economy, young people need platforms, not just textbooks. Neelesh Bhatia shares lessons from building business incubators and innovation ecosystems across Southeast Asia and beyond. This session will explore how education systems can evolve to nurture real-world problem-solving, entrepreneurial thinking, and job readiness—especially for youth shaping the future of work.

Neelesh Bhatia, Ecosystem Builder, Strategist, Mentor, Singapore  

Designing for Human Learning: AI and Instructional Systems

How can we ensure that AI-driven instructional systems are grounded in how humans actually learn? Dr. David S. Porcaro, President & CEO of the Learning Design Alliance, explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and evidence-based instructional design. Drawing on global experience in education systems and learning technologies, he will share practical frameworks for designing AI-enhanced learning environments that support personalization and deeper understanding—while keeping the learner at the center of innovation.

Dr. David S. Porcaro, President and CEO, Learning Design Alliance, U.S. 

Rewiring Education: Preparing Minds for the Next Tech Revolution

As technological innovation accelerates—from AI and extended reality to automation and decentralized systems—education must evolve to keep pace. In this forward-looking talk, Hee Yoon explores how emerging trends are reshaping not just what we learn, but how we learn. From adaptive learning platforms to skills-focused curricula, he highlights the shifts needed to prepare learners for a future where agility, creativity, and digital fluency are key.

Hee Yoon, Director of Government Affairs / Microsoft Korea, Republic of Korea

Lunch Break

A) Getting Started with AI Tools: A Hands-On Guide for Educators and Learners

This interactive workshop is designed for educators, students, and professionals who are new to AI but eager to explore its everyday applications. Led by Dr. Nick Potkalitsky, CEO of Pragmatic AI Solutions, the session walks participants through easy-to-use tools that enhance teaching, learning, and creative work. From generating lesson plans to summarizing articles or analyzing student feedback, you'll leave with a toolkit of practical, low-barrier AI applications that can be immediately used in classrooms and beyond—no coding required.

Facilitator: Dr. Nick Potkalitsky, AI Educational Specialist, CEO, Pragmatic AI Solutions, U.S. 

B) Youth Entrepreneurship in the Digital Age 

In this workshop, Skye Blanks explores how digital technologies are reshaping opportunities for young entrepreneurs worldwide. Participants will gain practical insights into starting and scaling businesses in the digital economy, including leveraging online tools, navigating digital markets, and building successful business models. This talk is designed to inspire and equip young people eager to turn their ideas into impactful ventures.

Facilitator: Skye Blanks, Chief Operations Officer, The International Council for Small Business, U.S. 

C) From Theory to Practice: Designing Digital Learning Experiences that Work 

In this hands-on workshop, Mudit Sharma will guide educators and curriculum designers through creating engaging, technology-enhanced lessons using digital tools. Participants will learn a simple instructional design framework to integrate AI chatbots, interactive quizzes, and multimedia resources, crafting interactive learning experiences. No advanced technical skills required—just practical tools for immediate classroom impact.

Facilitator: Mudit Sharma, Research Assistant- Project Zero, Harvard University - Graduate School of Education, U.S. 

D) AI Fundamentals for Educators: Practical Tools and Curriculum Integration 

This hands-on session with Shashwat Kansal will introduce educators to key AI concepts and demonstrate how to practically integrate them into teaching environments. From free tools to adaptable curriculum models, participants will gain actionable strategies to introduce AI literacy in classrooms—empowering both teachers and students to engage with this transformative technology confidently.

Facilitator: Shashwat Kansal, Forward Deployed Engineer, Palantir Technologies, U.K. 

Coffee Break 

Virtual Field Trips and Spatial Media as Scalable Learning Tools

Traditional field trips offer hands-on, memorable learning—but they’re often costly and hard to scale. This session explores how spatial computing—through devices like Apple Vision Pro—is enabling immersive, repeatable, and affordable virtual learning. We’ll share real-world use cases like Montara, a spatial learning app that blends place-based content with immersive media, and discuss current challenges and what’s next for this evolving field.

Speakers:

-Kenneth Y T Lim, Senior Research Scientist, National Institute of Education, Singapore

-Bryan Kuok, Independent Scholar, Singapore 

Day 3 

Panel: Redefining Higher Education in Southeast Asia 

This panel explores how generative AI is transforming the landscape of higher education across Southeast Asia. 

Moderator: Alexander Le Voci Sayad, CEO, ZeitGeist, Brazil 

Speakers: 

-Puteri Sofia Amirnuddin, Acting Head of Innovation and Learning Experience (Taylor's Digital), Taylor's University, Malaysia  

-Kenneth Y T Lim, Senior Research Scientist, National Institute of Education, Singapore

-Sam Sreynith, Program Manager, WESTEAM Cambodia, Cambodia

Panel:  Essential Digital Skills for the Workforce of Tomorrow

In an era defined by rapid digital transformation, what are the must-have skills for young professionals entering the workforce? This panel brings together innovators and educators from across Asia to explore how digital fluency—ranging from data literacy and collaborative tech tools to personal branding and job readiness—is reshaping career pathways. Speakers share practical insights on preparing youth for future jobs, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning in a global, tech-driven economy.

Moderator: Cassandra Nicole Thomazios, Partner, MahWengKwai & Associates, Malaysia

Speakers: 

-Skye Blanks, Chief Operations Officer, The International Council for Small Business, U.S. 

-Yousun Do, Director, Nuleep, Republic of Korea  / U.S. 

-Sagar Sojitra, CEO, STEMbotix Pvt Ltd, India 

-Sharon Wu, Senior Manager, AIT American Spaces, Taiwan 

Panel: Implementing Digital Innovation in Southeast Asian Classrooms

What does it take to bring meaningful digital innovation into Southeast Asian classrooms? This session highlights on-the-ground insights from educators and technologists working across the region. From AI-driven learning platforms to grassroots teacher training, the conversation will explore both the promise and the practicalities of digitally transforming education in Southeast Asian contexts. 

Moderator: Alexander Le Voci Sayad, CEO, ZeitGeist, Brazil

Speakers: 

-Mudit Sharma, Research Assistant- Project Zero, Harvard University - Graduate School of Education, U.S. 

-Remi Choi, Tech Community Manager, MODULABS, Republic of Korea  

-Chanintorn Pensute, Lecturer, Chang Mai University,  Thailand 

 Coffee Break

Talk: The Redesign of Programming Education in the AI Era: What Matters More? 

As we enter the AI Era, how should we rethink the way we teach programming? Ohchul Kwon, CTO of LIKELION, explores how AI is transforming IT and developer education—from how students use AI programming tools to shifting mindsets around problem-solving, creativity, and technical learning. Drawing on cross-cultural insights and real-world experience, he examines the role AI can play in scaling access to programming—and what aspects of learning still demand a human touch.

Dr. Ohchul Kwon, CTO, LIKELION, Republic of Korea 

Talk: Expanding Horizons: Integrating Space Science into Digital Education for Global Literacy

Dr. Kate Kitagawa is specialised in space education. She will share insights on how space science can be a powerful catalyst for enhancing digital literacy and education worldwide. Drawing from her experience in developing STEAM programs and her international academic background, Dr. Kitagawa will discuss innovative strategies for integrating space-related content into digital learning environments. This session will explore how leveraging the wonders of space can inspire learners, promote critical thinking, and foster a deeper understanding of science and technology in the digital age. 

Dr. Kate Kitagawa, Space Education Specialist, Author / Historian / Consultant, Japan 

Cognitive Partnerships: Leveraging AI for Distributed Thinking and Learning

AI tools are reshaping how we think and learn, but most approaches treat them as sophisticated content generators. This session reframes AI as a thinking amplifier—a tool that can deepen reasoning rather than replace it. Drawing from generative learning theory and cognitive science, Nick Potkalitsky demonstrates how strategic AI partnerships can enhance human intellect while preserving the cognitive work that drives genuine understanding. Participants will explore how AI can scaffold complex thinking processes, support metacognitive reflection, and maintain productive cognitive challenge. The focus shifts from using AI to avoid difficult thinking to using AI to think more powerfully.

What You'll Learn:

-How AI can amplify human thinking without diminishing cognitive engagement

-Frameworks for designing AI interactions that preserve

-Intellectual challenge Practical strategies for AI-enhanced reasoning and metacognitive development

Dr. Nick Potkalitsky, AI Educational Specialist, CEO, Pragmatic AI Solutions, U.S. 

Human Collaboration in Digital Transformation

Leah Edwards, Lecturer, Leadership and Innovation, University of California, U.S. 

 Lunch Break

Parallel Workshops

A) AI-Powered Learning: Bridging Education and Employability in the Digital Age 

Led by Sagar Sojitra, co-founder of STEMbotix, this session explores how AI-driven educational technologies are transforming learning and directly enhancing career readiness. Drawing from real-world case studies, including STEMbotix’s work with AI and robotics labs, the session will highlight how adaptive learning platforms can equip students with digital fluency and practical skills aligned with emerging job markets.

Facilitator: Sagar Sojitra, CEO, STEMbotix Pvt Ltd, India 

B) Entrepreneurial Thinking for Educators: Tools to Inspire the Next Generation of Innovators

Led by Neelesh Bhatia, this hands-on workshop equips educators with practical tools to integrate entrepreneurial thinking into their teaching. Learn how to introduce basic business modeling, ideation frameworks, and innovation mindsets—even in non-business classrooms. Whether you're teaching STEM, humanities, or digital skills, this session will show you how to help students turn curiosity into action and ideas into impact.

Facilitator: Neelesh Bhatia, Ecosystem Builder, Strategist, Mentor, Singapore 

C) XR Within and Without The Classroom: Designing Authentic Immersive Learning Experiences

How can educators use extended reality (XR) tools to create engaging learning environments? In this interactive workshop, Dr. Kenneth Y T Lim (NTU Singapore) and XR developer Bryan Kuok will guide participants through the possibilities of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality in education. Learn how to apply XR to real classroom settings, and discover the tools to create your own immersive experience.

Facilitators: 

-Kenneth Y T Lim, Senior Research Scientist, National Institute of Education, Singapore

-Bryan Kuok, Independent Scholar, Singapore

D) Project Management in the Age of AI: Leading with Strategy, Not Spreadsheets

AI is reshaping how projects are planned, executed, and delivered—but successful leadership still depends on human insight and strategic thinking. In this hands-on session, Melissa Armas, Founder & Lead Strategist of AZ Collab, explores how AI tools can elevate project management by automating workflows, enhancing decision-making, and driving smarter collaboration. Participants will learn practical approaches to integrating AI into their project cycles—without losing the human touch that drives real impact

Facilitator: Melissa Armas, Founder & Lead Strategist, AZ Collab, U.S.  

Coffee Break

Q&A and Discussion about Working with DCN on Digital Literacy and the Impact of Digital Technologies on Education