Fostering SDG-Focused Education with Fulbright Specialist

Prof. Robeck’s visit focused on integrating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in education and a collaboration with APU on the SDGiC Micro-credentials project.

Third from left: Prof. Dr. Edward C. Robeck, Fulbright Specialist, leads a session on Remote PhD Supervision with APU Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof. Ts. Dr. Murali Raman, Prof. Dr. Abtar Darshan Singh, Director of APU’s Digital Learning Hub, and APU academicians.

Fullbright Specialist, Prof. Dr. Edward C. Robeck was at the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) from June 10 to June 30, 2024 for ground-breaking discussions and exercises aimed at integrating the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into education.

Affiliated with APU’s Digital Learning Hub — a hub dedicated to advancing academic excellence in digital learning and the seat of the APU UNESCO-Chair — Prof. Robeck’s stay marked a notable leap in fostering educational innovation and collaborative research.

Prof. Robeck’s visit kicked off with a series of impactful dialogues with representatives from the Malaysian American Commission on Educational Exchange (MACEE).

These discussions set the stage for a deeper educational partnership between the US and Malaysia, catalysing essential conversations about enhancing bilateral educational strategies and resource sharing.

In collaboration with APU’s Sustainable Development Goals in Curriculum (SDGiC) Project Team, Prof. Robeck played a pivotal role in refining the SDGiC Micro-credentials.

His work focused on fine-tuning tools and methodologies that enable educators to seamlessly integrate SDGs into their teaching practices.

This initiative is designed to empower educators, equipping them with the skills to cultivate a new generation of students committed to sustainable development.

Prof. Robeck in discussion with the SDGiC team, which includes (from left to right) Ms. Ruth Griffen, Prof. Abtar, and Ms. Nur Izzah Hanim Mohamed Ismail.

Engaging workshops and seminars

One of the highlights of Prof. Robeck’s visit was his involvement in a series of workshops and seminars, which brought together various segments of the academic community.

He spearheaded a networking session with APU’s Research Clusters, guiding discussions on selecting SDGs for research focus, exploring their academic implications, and addressing related challenges and opportunities.

This session emphasised the need for collaborative, transdisciplinary research efforts, underscoring the interconnected nature of SDGs.

Another standout event was a workshop on Online and Distance Learning (ODL) Remote PhD Supervision, co-led by Prof. Robeck and Prof. Dr. Abtar Darshan Singh, Director of APU’s Digital Learning Hub.

This session shared valuable insights and best practices for supervising postgraduate students remotely — an increasingly relevant topic in today’s global education landscape.

Prof. Robeck’s impact extended beyond APU’s campus. His visit to the SDG Centre in Kuala Lumpur and a meeting with Director of the Kuala Lumpur SDG Centre Mr. Iskandar Muda highlighted APU’s commitment to aligning its initiatives with the broader global agenda for sustainable development.

Additionally, he led an engaging workshop at the Nobel International School, Damansara Jaya, focused on integrating SDGs into classroom instruction, further promoting sustainable education.

Prof. Robeck in discussion with KL SDG Centre Director Mr Iskandar, accompanied by Prof. Abtar.

The culmination of Prof. Robeck’s visit was marked by the successful launch of the SDGiC Micro-credentials by Datuk Parmjit Singh, CEO of APU.

The SDGiC program has been introduced to the Ministry of Education (MoE) as part of a Teacher Professional Development initiative.

Moreover, Prof. Robeck, in collaboration with Prof. Abtar and Ts. Jonathan JS Kovilpillai from the Digital Learning Hub, are applying for a research grant that will ensure the continuation of this impactful collaboration.

Prof. Robeck’s visit to APU was a milestone event, advancing the university’s commitment to sustainability in education.

Through a series of meticulously planned activities, Prof. Robeck fostered a rich platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and the promotion of SDGs within academic and research practices.

APU remains dedicated to integrating sustainable development into its core activities, empowering its students and faculty to contribute meaningfully to global sustainability efforts.

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Prof. Robeck at Nobel International school for a workshop on integrating SDGs into curriculum.