Welcome to the latest edition of the WTUN newsletter featuring a roundup of news, updates and events happening across the network.
Below you will read an interview with our BC Scholarship Prize recipient, a speaker announcement for our WTUC2025 sessions, and news from our members across the globe.
As always, if you would like to share news, updates, events or milestones via this newsletter, then please contact wtun@bradford.ac.uk.
Congratulations to this year’s recipient of the WTUN Brian Cantor Scholarship Prize:
Meet Dhanushi Rodrigo, doctoral researcher at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and recipient of the WTUN BC Scholarship Prize 2024–25. Dhanushi’s research journey is an example of how academia, industry insight, and a passion for sustainability can work together to create meaningful impact.
Dhanushi’s focus is on how supply chain networks can foster long-term change. Her work integrates cutting-edge technologies and human-centred approaches.
Awarded for its originality, relevance, and real-world applicability, Dhanushi’s project stood out to the WTUN assessment panel for its potential to influence both policy and practice. In our conversation, she shares insights into her academic journey, the role of technology in sustainability learning, and the value of global collaboration through WTUN.
Read on to discover how Dhanushi is shaping the future of sustainability education: https://www.wtu-n.net/2025/09/meet-the-recipient-of-the-wtun-bc-scholarship-prize-2025/
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
Applied Research and Innovation Services (ARIS):
Centre for Innovation and Research in Unmanned Systems (CIRUS)
Action: The CIRUS project team is actively seeking partnership opportunities in Europe, enabling our project to leverage our learnings across a global footprint.
The Wildfire Management Branch within Alberta Forestry and Parks (AFP) has identified the need to apply and evaluate new, innovative, and emerging technologies to supplement and improve current wildfire response capabilities through greater utilization of alternative tactics in wildfire detection, preparedness, and suppression. One key technology identified is Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS)—commonly referred to as “drones” or “UAVs.”
AFP’s Wildfire Management Branch currently gathers intelligence from multiple sensor platforms—whether ground-based, orbital, or deployed via conventional aircraft—to support decision-making during wildfire operations. RPAS are increasingly promoted as a safer, more cost-effective alternative to crewed aircraft and other platforms for collecting information, intelligence, and remote sensing data.
To advance the integration of RPAS technology, the Centre for Innovation and Research in Unmanned Systems (CIRUS) at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) has established a long-term partnership with AFP. The goal of this collaboration is to enhance wildfire management and response by incorporating RPAS-based technologies into the Incident Command System (ICS) framework.
To support ongoing knowledge-sharing and development, annual two-day Community of Practice events will be held in Calgary, Alberta. These events will provide a forum to discuss the successes, challenges, and lessons learned from integrating RPAS technology into wildfire response and management.
Mark Butler, Vice President of Corporate Development, Applied Research and International, Mark.Butler@sait.ca (cc: kate.lumahan@sait.ca)
Also happening at SAIT:
The Teaching and Learning Commons (TLC) has welcomed 12 faculty fellows under the SAIT Scholarly Activity Faculty Fellowship. This 2-year institutional commitment to a substantial non-teaching load for 12 faculty members will see members working towards accelerated research and impact. Members will work as a cohort and include representation from six school across the institution. This program amplifies SAIT’s commitment to scholarly activity as outlined in its Strategic Plan. This support not only encourages faculty research but directly impacts student learning experiences and opportunities.
Suranaree University of Technology
Student Opportunity – Applications Open!
SUT Global Entrepreneurship Camp 2026 (GEC2026): ‘Sustainable and Resilient Communities: Innovating for a Healthier Planet and People’
January 30 to February 9, 2026, Bangkok & Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
Application: Open until November 15 2025
*Early Registration is recommended especially for participants who need a visa to enter Thailand.
The camp will bring together 90 students from partner universities worldwide to explore entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainability through workshops, site visits, cultural exchanges, and collaborative activities.
This year’s program includes a Bangkok Startup Ecosystem Tour, Eco & Community Tourism in Khao Yai, Lean Startup & Entrepreneurship Workshops, Business Idea Pitching, and Thai Cultural & City Exploration.
- Undergraduate or postgraduate students from WTUN member universities are eligible to apply. Please note, there is a maximum of 6 students per university.
- Program Fee*: USD 350 per person
- Application Deadline: November 15, 2025
- Application Form: https://forms.gle/H4fwpfJ5smeuUmWZ9
*The program fee includes accommodation, local transportation, meals during program days, workshops & excursions and airport pick-up/drop-off.
For more information about past camps and participant experiences, you may visit our official website: https://sites.google.com/view/sut-gec/home
If you require further information or assistance, please feel free to contact the team at: global.entrepreneurship.sut@gmail.com
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Register now!
International Sustainability Summit 2025 (ISS2025): ‘Sustainability Through ESG: Transforming Commitments into action’
3-5 November 2025,
Emerald Hall, Sunway Hotel, Iskandar Puteri, Johoro
Website: https://iss2025.utm.my/
Important Dates:
- Extended Abstract or Poster Submission Deadline: 30 September 2025
- Registration Deadline: 30 September 2025
- Registration Payment Deadline: 15 October 2025
For enquiries: iss2025@utm.my
The summit will bring together thought leaders, policymakers, industry practitioners, academics, and youth leaders to exchange ideas and drive meaningful actions towards sustainable development through the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework. Key focus areas include sustainable energy and water, transportation, circular economy, planetary and occupational health, biodiversity, ethical governance, community empowerment, and strategic partnerships for a more resilient future.
All accepted extended abstracts will be published in the ISS2025 Conference Proceedings. Authors of selected abstracts will be invited to submit full manuscripts for potential publication in journals indexed by Scopus or the Malaysian Citation Index (MyCite). All submissions will be subject to the respective journal’s standard peer-review process and publication requirements.
There are special awards of up to MYR 1,000 for Best Poster and Best Presenter.
International Participants Fees:
Without Accommodation: USD 380
Individual Registration (With Accommodation*): USD 500
Group Registration (3 Participants with Accommodation*): USD 1,300
*Accommodation bookings include 2 nights stay.
University of Bradford
Trustworthy (Artificial) Intelligence Only Comes with Real Understanding of Language
Thursday 2 October 2025, 13:00-14:00 (UTC+1)
Hybrid – Online via MS Teams
John Ball, a cognitive scientist, computer engineer and author discusses bringing trustworthy language AI to the world in his new book, “How to Solve AI with Our Brain”.
Joined by Beth Carey, co-founder and director of Language Parent, John will discuss how understanding language is integral for creating trustworthy artificial intelligence. In this exciting talk, they will explore:
- What is AI, and what isn’t AI?
- Why are human skills easier than animal skills for a computer?
- LLM hype is slowing us down
- How can we build talking machines in any language in 5 years?
Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science
Dr David Easow, Deputy Director of International Affairs, writes in a recent Education Times article, highlighting how business degrees like the MBA are evolving. Today’s graduates need more than strategic thinking whilst also demonstrating fluency in AI tools and data-driven decision-making.
To stay relevant, programmes are integrating AI, analytics, and hands-on tech training to prepare future leaders who can combine business insight with digital execution.
Read the article here: https://www.educationtimes.com/article/campus-beat-college-life/99739360/next-generation-mba-bba-pgdm-candidates-need-fluency-in-boardroom-strategy-and-ai-driven-execution
World Technology Universities Network Annual Congress
Hosted by Thaksin University, Songkhla, Thailand, 20-22 October
As part of the 2025 programme, we can confirm the speakers for the following sessions.
View full details via the online programme – https://www.wtu-n.net/2025-congress/programme/
Monday 20 October 2025
‘Social Innovation for Area-based Development’
- Professor Art Marvin M Arañas, Faculty, Department of Marketing, Mindanao State University
- Dr Wallapa Choeibuakaew, Dean of Faculty of Health and Sports Science, Thaksin University
- Mr Bavornsak Pejaranonda, Researcher and Northern Thailand Area Manager, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi
- Dr Mullika Sungsanit, Vice Rector for Engagement for Engagement, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Suranaree University of Technology
Tuesday 21 October 2025
11:00 – 12:30 
Parallel Session 1: ‘Technology and Digital Transformation in Glocalized Education’
- Dr Kanida Sinmai, Director of the Institute of Learning Resources and Digital Technology, Thaksin University
- Dr Ramalingam Dharmalingam, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Information Technology, Majan University College
- Dr Regina Aichinger, Vice-President Quality & Diversity, University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria
- Dr Sirilak Chumkiew, School of Biology, Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology
- Professor Abdulla Al Hawaj, Chairperson for the Board of Trustees, Ahlia University
Parallel Session 2: ‘University-Industry Partnerships for Sustainability’
- Professor Charlou A. Bautista, Special Assistant, Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs & Faculty, Department of Marketing, Mindanao State University
- Dr Supunnee Junpirom, Acting Deputy Director of Technopolis for Technology, Adaptation, Transfer and Development, Suranaree University of Technology
- Mr Paul McNama, Research, Development and Innovation Engineer, Atlantic Technological University
- Assistant Professor Dr Nugul Intrasungka, Director of Science and Social Innovation Park, Thaksin University
14:00 – 15:15 
AI Technology and Higher Education: ‘Shaping Higher Education with AI: Opportunities, Challenges, and Next Steps for LLMs’
- Professor Mansoor Alaali, President, Ahlia University
- Assistant Professor Dr Pantip Piyatadsananon, Director of Technopolis, Suranaree University of Technology
- Professor Masaomi Kimura, College of Engineering, Computer and Communications Engineering, Shibaura Institute of Technology
Do you know someone in your university who would be interested in this newsletter? Forward the email to colleagues or share the link with your networks.
All members are invited to contribute to this newsletter through their Operational Board Member (found here). Please contact your Operational Board member with stories or events which will be of relevance to the shared vision and commitments of the WTUN and its members, inspiring opportunity for engagement on commonalities, sharing knowledge, or collaboration.
All calls for content can be shared with the WTUN Secretariat at wtun@bradford.ac.uk.
To discuss joining the World Technology Universities Network, please contact the WTUN Development Manager:
Denise Whitehead
Email: wtun@bradford.ac.uk