Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU) convened education leaders, experts, and scholars from across Asia in the OLFU International Conference on Education (iconED) 2025, held on 13 September 2025. The conference, co-hosted by MILA University of Malaysia and Hong Bang International University (HIU) of Vietnam, carried the theme “Transformative Leadership for the Sustainable Development of Quality Education.”
In her welcome address, OLFU University President emphasized the urgency of educational transformation amid rapid technological advancements. “Maybe we are reluctant to make a change. If you do not change, we will remain in the era of typewriters and pagers. When in fact, it is AI that is making bold steps in education, bold steps in the workforce,” she said. Raising critical questions on values-based leadership, she asked: “How do we lead with wisdom and not just efficiency? How do we lead with values and not just technology? How do we ensure that quality education remains human-centered, inclusive, and sustainable?”
Keynote and Plenary Highlights
Prof. Dr. Graham Kendall, Vice-Chancellor of MILA University of Malaysia, delivered the keynote address on “Educational Leadership and Artificial Intelligence: Transforming Education for a Sustainable Future.”Kendall examined pressing issues in research publication, such as predatory journals and spoof papers, while also warning of the environmental toll of artificial intelligence. He proposed strategies for educational leaders to adapt, including embedding AI in institutional strategy, prioritizing ethics, and cultivating fluency in organizational and technological change. Kendall concluded that leaders won’t be replaced by AI, but by leaders who understand the tool.
The first plenary session featured Engr. Angelica Fraginal, Managing Director of AFC Consultancy, who spoke on “Understanding Effective Implementation of Total Quality Management.” Drawing from her extensive experience in performance excellence, Fraginal outlined foundational concepts and practical strategies for sustaining quality-driven educational institutions.
Ernesto C. Boydon, a veteran computer scientist and techno-entrepreneur, followed with a session titled “Mastering AI Use and Avoiding AI Traps and Misuse.” Boydon underscored the educator’s role in nation-building, urging participants to balance innovation with core values. “Tayo ang pag-asa ng pag-asa bayan,” he affirmed, while also stressing the importance of critical thinking, creativity, and a culture of innovation in preparing students for an uncertain future workplace.
HIU’s contribution to the conference was represented by Dr. Trần Vinh, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Management, who delivered a keynote on “HIU Governance in the 4.0 Era” via Zoom. He was formally introduced by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy, Vice President of HIU.
Further plenary discussions expanded the dialogue on leadership and collaboration. Rep. Ron P. Salo, Kabayan Partylist legislator and three-term congressman, addressed “Strengthening International Collaboration through Leadership Innovation.” Salo highlighted the post-pandemic education landscape, the internationalization of Philippine higher education, and the significance of Republic Act 11448, or the Transnational Higher Education Act.
Dr. Priscila B. Marzan, psychologist and faculty member at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, concluded the plenary sessions with her lecture on “Enhancing Workforce Excellence Through Strategic Leadership Management.” In her presentation, she examined toxic leadership tendencies and introduced compassion-driven approaches such as shuttle leadership, which integrates care and strategy in organizational management.
Academic Fora and Synthesis
Two academic fora provided participants with platforms to exchange insights on research publication financing, further dialogue on AI integration in classrooms, value-centered pedagogy, and internationalization efforts. The conference drew a total of over 500 participants onsite and online, reflecting strong regional engagement.
The event was organized by OLFU’s University Faculty Development Committee (UFDC), with Dean Roel Trinidad, Campus Administrator of OLFU Nueva Ecija, serving as Conference Champion. The conference concluded with a comprehensive synthesis delivered by Dr. Heracleo Lagrada, OLFU Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Graduate School, who underscored the high-yield outcomes of the deliberations.
OLFU campus administrators, deans, and office heads were also in attendance, reinforcing the institution’s full commitment to leadership, innovation, and sustainable education in an increasingly globalized academic environment.
Story by Raymond Lumagsao
