- WUNI-L elected its 2025-2026 Executive Officers during the WURI Global Conference in Busan, Korea.
- Leaders from Korea, India, the Philippines, Brunei, and Brazil joined the new executive team to advance global education innovation.
- The network continues its mission to redefine university impact by prioritizing real-world outcomes over traditional academic rankings.
The World University Network of Innovation for Leaders (WUNI-L) also held its 2025-2026 Executive Officers election during the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) Global Conference in Tongmyong University, Busan, Korea, on September 24-26, 2025. Composed of higher education leaders from Korea, India, the Philippines, Brunei, and Brazil, the newly elected officers reflect WUNI-L's vision to revolutionize the way universities produce and quantify real-world impact through innovation and collaboration.
Dr. Robert Hayden Jr. of the Philippines was re-elected President and continues to head an energetic and diverse executive team of East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and South America. This cross-continent representation reflects WUNI-L's original dedication to inclusive excellence and international collaboration. He is joined by Dr. Yong-taek Min of Korea as First Vice President for Internal Affairs to oversee organizational development and member relations and by Dr. Muhammad Alif Bin Haji Sismat of Brunei as Second Vice President for External Affairs to manage international partnerships and outreach.
Secretariat functions will be performed by Dr. Genevieve B. Kupang of the Philippines as Secretary and Dr. Ana Beatriz Garcia of Brazil as Assistant Secretary, in order to facilitate unbroken coordination and communication among the increasing membership of the network. Financial matters will be the responsibility of India's Dr. Jerlin Jose as Treasurer, assisted by Korea's Kiyoung Seung as Auditor, and public relations will be handled by the Philippines' Dr. Sonny Soriano, who will publicize WUNI-L's activities to the world academic community.
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Formed at the 2024 WURI Global Conference in Seoul, Korea at aSSIST University, WUNI-L was envisioned as a catalyst where university leaders could jointly develop innovation strategies that create measurable global and institutional impact. Governed by the World University Rankings for Innovation Foundation (WURIF) a Korean-based non-profit WUNI-L operates within a constitutional framework that fosters ethical leadership, global cooperation, and impactful change in higher education. Its headquarters at Finland Tower in Seoul represents its worldwide identity and Korean roots.
The establishment of WUNI-L was a landmark moment towards redefining international higher education. It seeks to build connections between academic and industry leaders for innovation that comes with concrete outcomes. The institution promotes the sharing of best practices from different educational environments, allowing institutions to implement tested approaches that effectively address local and worldwide challenges. With the collaboration of the WURI Foundation, WUNI-L also promotes the transformation of ranking systems of universities by prioritizing actual impact on society and industry rather than traditional academic measures.
WUNI-L's core philosophy is inclusive membership. Accepting both scholars and professionals from allied professions, it makes sure that the discussion regarding educational innovation is aligned with actual requirements. With its new leadership in its second term, WUNI-L is set to fortify this global network of thinkers, leading universities into a future where innovation is not just gauged by productivity, but by substantive, sustainable impact on society.
