Cambridge University Press and Assessment Hosts Regional Education Summit in South Asia

Empowering Educators for a Changing World

Cambridge University Press and Assessment recently held its second annual South Asia Cambridge Schools Conference, drawing over 400 educators, school leaders, and education experts from India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and the Maldives. With demand for Cambridge qualifications steadily rising in the region, the conference served as a platform to reaffirm Cambridge’s commitment to educational excellence and innovation across South Asia.

Set against the global backdrop of an urgent need for 44 million new teachers by 2030, the conference focused on capacity building through new professional development initiatives. These include upskilling courses, pre-service training, and short-term e-learning modules tailored to meet the evolving needs of educators in the region.

Rod Smith, Group Managing Director of International Education at Cambridge, emphasised the importance of collaboration: “We are proud to work alongside educators in South Asia to create innovative curricula and digital tools that prepare learners for a fast-changing world. Programs like Cambridge Early Years and Climate Quest are reshaping education and building resilience for the future.”

Innovation, Inclusion, and Future-Readiness

Senior Vice President for International Education in South Asia, Vinay Sharma, highlighted Cambridge’s continued focus on accessibility and quality: “Our goal is to support schools in building a solid foundation around teaching, learning, and assessment. Together, we aim to equip students to excel amid rapid technological and societal changes.”

Key initiatives spotlighted included Cambridge Connect, a tailored program addressing national high-stakes exams, the March exam series aligning with local academic calendars, and Integrated Learning and Assessment to strengthen English proficiency. The Young Pioneers initiative also drew attention for encouraging entrepreneurship among students.

The conference featured a series of panel discussions with experts from the University of Cambridge and Google for Education, covering themes such as artificial intelligence in classrooms, equitable access to quality education, and reimagining career readiness.