Press Release: Bett Asia, the region's leading the leading education and technology e

2-day Leadership Summit and Expo features expert dialogues, innovative edtech solutions, and trainings sessions led by worldwide partner Microsoft

KUALA LUMPUR, November 2017 – The power of education and technology converged in this year’s Bett Asia Leadership Summit and Expo held at the Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Addressing key opportunities to support collaboration and improve education systems across the Asia Pacific region, the action-packed event paved the way for thought provoking discussions, interactive exhibits, business opportunities as well as exclusive CPD-accredited training sessions for educators. 

Bett Asia was officiated by YB Dato’ Seri Mahdzir bin Khalid, Minister of Education – Malaysia, and brought together over 1,700 attendees comprising policy makers, leaders and experts in education and technology sectors around the world. The 2-day event themed “Cultivating Global Collaboration in Education,” opened with a timely ministerial panel discussion on ASEAN collaboration and moving towards a 21st century model for education. Esteemed panelists included Sir Michael Wilshaw, Her Majesty’s Former Chief Inspector of Schools, Ofsted, and Senior Advisor, GEMS Education; H.E. Mme Sengdeuane Lachanthaboun, Minister of Education and Sports – Laos; and Dr. Sophon Napathorn, Vice Minister for Education - Thailand. Throughout the empowering discussion, the panelists reflected on ASEAN’s past successes and shared their outlook on the Work Plan on Education 2016-2020, which was designed to unify collaborative efforts on education and develop a coordinated ASEAN position on global education issues. 

Simon Presswell, Managing Director for Education, Technology & Broadcasting at Ascential (Bett Asia) commented, “We are delighted with the participation and support that we received for this year’s event. It is Bett Asia’s intention to make a positive impact in transforming and advancing the educational system to one that meets and exceeds the challenges of modern times.” 

“GEMS Education is delighted to be a key partner of BETT Asia 2017, particularly as the event coincides with the opening of our second school in Malaysia, at Tropicana Metropark. GEMS Education is the world’s leading K-12 provider of private education, educating over 190,000 students through GEMS owned and managed schools globally. With a long track record of excellence in education in the Middle East, GEMS Education is actively growing its footprint across the ASEAN region. BETT Asia is a fantastic opportunity for GEMS Education to engage with policy and decision-makers from across Asia to discuss the trends and advancements ahead for education in the region, as well as sharing international insights."  said, Sir Michael Wilshaw, Senior Advisor, GEMS Education, one of Bett Asia’s event partners. 

Another key highlight was the discussion on improving the traditional way of teaching. The session titled “Establishing Blended Learning Environments,” tackled how to move away from teacher-centred learning to create greater opportunities for personal learning. Chaired by Dr. Matt Harris, Deputy Head of School for Learning Technology, British School of Jakarta, expert speakers included Dr. Keijo Sipilä, Chief Digital Officer of the City of Kaarina/Department of Education; Mr. Justin Reich, Executive Director of MIT Teaching Systems Lab; and Ms. Kirsten van Niekerk, Deputy Head of Secondary of Regents International School.

Worldwide partner Microsoft returned with an exciting lineup of activities which featured keynote sessions, device demos, partner solutions, the passport adventure competition, the highly-anticipated Microsoft School Leaders and the Teachers Academy. The Microsoft School Leaders Academy was facilitated exclusively for education leaders and focused on leading innovation within schools, system-wide transformation, new approaches and tools to support leadership. Meanwhile, following a successful introduction in 2016, the Microsoft Teachers Academy was geared towards primary and secondary educators showcasing tools and digital technologies that help amplify learning and teaching in the 21st century classroom. Standout topics covered during the workshop included Authentic Assessment Using Microsoft Forms, and Minecraft: Education Edition.

Not to be missed was the UK Pavilion hosted by annual event partner, the UK’s Department for International Trade (DIT). The UK Pavilion was a pivotal point within the Bett Asia Expo and hosted B2B meetings with innovative UK edtech companies looking to form connections in Asia Pacific. The Great British Classroom, created in partnership with British Educational Suppliers Association (BESA), was also a feature on the Pavilion and showcased live lessons in the interactive classroom environment.

The Bett Asia Leadership Summit and Expo was powered towards enhancing the quality of education through innovation and global collaborations. With strong support from Malaysia’s Ministry of Education, the event supported the nation’s drive to develop the education spectrum in the country, and leverage Malaysia's strategic location and accessibility throughout Southeast Asia.