Dr Md Sabur Khan, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Daffodil International University, delivered a high-impact keynote address at the IAUP Asia Pacific Regional Conference 2026 on Tuesday.
The conference, jointly organised by INTI International University and the International Association of University Presidents (IAUP), is being held at the Putrajaya Marriott Hotel, according to a press release.
It has brought together university presidents, senior academic leaders, policymakers, and global education experts under the theme “Global Connections, Collective Growth.”
Dr Khan’s keynote, titled “The Entrepreneurial University Model: Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry for Sustainable Regional Growth,” focused on the strategic transformation of universities into entrepreneurial institutions that actively contribute to innovation, economic development, and societal progress.
In his address, he highlighted how universities can function as innovation hubs by strengthening collaboration between academia and industry, while preparing students to become job creators rather than job seekers.
He also underscored the importance of building integrated innovation ecosystems involving universities, industry, government, and communities to ensure sustainable and inclusive regional growth.
Speaking on the occasion, Professor Dr Joseph Lee, Vice-Chancellor of INTI International University, said, “Dr Md Sabur Khan’s keynote provided a compelling and forward-looking perspective on the evolving role of universities in today’s knowledge-driven economy. His insights strongly resonate with the conference theme of collective growth through global collaboration.”
Conference participants praised the keynote for its practical relevance, strategic depth, and alignment with global higher education priorities, noting its significance for institutional leaders navigating transformation in an increasingly complex academic and economic landscape.
