The event brought together 25 mid-career faculty and academic leaders from across Asia, including participants from India, China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Laos, and Myanmar. Representing the Salesian educational network were Fr. Joby Joseph SDB, Campus Minister and Vice Principal of St. Anthony’s College, Shillong, and Mr. Peter Lepcha, a Fellow in the 2025–2026 UB cohort from Salesian College, Darjeeling.

Hosted at the SMU Administration Building under Executive Development, the Summer Institute focused on developing higher education leadership through expert-led sessions on strategic planning, innovation in education, enhancing campus life, fundraising, and the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on universities. Distinguished scholars and administrators from leading institutions, including the Singapore Management University, the National University of Singapore, and the Singapore Institute of Technology, facilitated the sessions.

The United Board Fellows Programme is a flagship leadership development initiative tailored for faculty and administrators from Asian colleges and universities. Since its inception in 2002, the programme has nurtured over 320 fellows from 80 institutions across 12 countries, many of whom have gone on to assume significant leadership roles in their respective academic communities.

The year-long programme offers a unique blend of intensive training, international exposure, and reflective engagement. It comprises three key components:
• A week-long Summer Institute,
• A short-term placement or study visit within Asia,
• And a final seminar to consolidate learning.

Fellows explore diverse areas, including leadership styles, institutional governance, innovative pedagogy, academic field developments, and personal growth through self-care, ethics, and spiritual development.
Participation of St. Anthony’s College and Salesian College reaffirms the Salesian commitment to holistic education and dynamic academic leadership within the broader landscape of Asian higher education.