With a strong intention to rank higher in the global university leagues, governments in Asia have made serious efforts to concentrate resources to groom a few universities to become globally competitive. In addition, the massification of higher education in Asia has also created the growing concern of graduates confronting under and unemployment. This presentation sets out against the wider policy context outlined above to examine what major challenges face higher education in Asia, with particular reference to critically reflect upon the purpose of higher education. With a special focus on addressing a growing diversity of learning needs, this presentation critically examines the role of liberal arts education in Asia, especially exploring how important role differentiation and fit-for-purpose education for nurturing caring leaders with global vision for uncertain future.
