Parallel Sessions Overview
Parallel Sessions – Have Your Say!
Explore the exciting parallel sessions at DAIA Summit 2.0, designed to enrich your experience and empower your contributions to transformative learning ecosystems. Click on the session titles below for more details.
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Parallel session Focus areas:
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Water
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Future Learning
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Industry
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Teaching
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11.30-12.45
Workshops
Strengthening Training in South Africa’s Water Sector
Organizers & affiliations:
Terence Yong Yuh, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
Petri Home, IntoLead, Helsinki, Finland
Hendrik Ewerts, RAND Water, Johannesburg, South Africa
Asief Alli, RAND Water, Johannesburg, South Africa
The workshop is expected to host 4 breakout group discussions with 4 rapporteurs. Discussants and rapporteurs will be chosen at the scene. The organizer are actively involved.
Explore practical strategies for enhancing technical skills in the water sector based on the Rand Water Academy study recommendations. Interactive group discussions will develop actionable implementation steps.
Living Labs for Future Learning in Higher Education
Organizers & affiliations:
Shuanghong Jenny Niu, University of Helsinki, Finland
Antti Liljaniemi, Metropolia, Helsinki, Finland
Sachin Sewpersad, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa
Henry Odiri Igugu, Molebogeng Makofane, TUT
Molebogeng Makofane, TUT
Join a collaborative Learning Café discussing successful Living Lab strategies and co-creating solutions to bridge theory and real-world practices.
The aim is to gain a better understanding of the holistic views on Living Lab implementation and pedagogical innovation for students’ learning in Higher Education Institutions. Main themes and guiding questions are:
- 1) Teachers: What is needed from teachers within Living Labs?
- 2) Students: What motivates students, and how do they learn in Living Lab projects?
- 3) Administrators: What institutional structures and supports are critical for Living Labs?
Transformational Leadership for Organizations: A Virtual Coach
Organizers & affiliations:
Vesa Nissinen, Deep Lead Inc, Helsinki, Finland
Tommi Kinnunen, Deep Lead Inc, Helsinki, Finland
Logan Rangasamy, Wits Business School, Johannesburg, South Africa
Engage in discussions on using AI-powered digital platforms to nurture transformational leadership skills, based on case studies from Wits Business School.
Digital Competences Among Teachers - Changes Needed in Teacher Education.
Organizers & affiliations:
Ari Myllyviita, Viikki Teacher Training School of University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
Umesh Ramnarain, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
Participate in designing professional development interventions to enhance digital competencies among educators, improving technology integration and learning outcomes.
The main aim is to engage in discussions about digitalization and digital competencies.
14.15-15.30
Workshops
Co-Creation Workshop on Future Learning with VR and Metaverse Technologies
Organizers & affiliations:
Anna-Stina Tähkävuori, Metropolia UAS, Helsinki, Finland
Technology Expert:
Harri Hahkala, Metropolia UAS, Helsinki, Finland
Educational Expert:
Leonah Lindiwe Baloyi, Section manager of Multimedia Computer Science department in the Faculty of ICT at TUT
Industry Expert:
Elander Khoza, Project Lead, Rand Water Academy – Rand Water
Participate in designing professional development interventions to enhance digital competencies among educators, improving technology integration and learning outcomes.
This co-creation workshop invites teachers, students, and researchers to collaboratively explore how virtual reality (VR) and metaverse -style environments can shape the future of education. The goal is to understand emerging needs for global, scalable learning and to co-develop a roadmap for integrating immersive technologies into higher education. Three interactive activities form the core of the workshop.
- 1) VR Demo (Metropolia)
- 2) Inspirational speeches (TUT & Rand Water)
- 3) Facilitated group work: challenges, needs, mapping critical stakeholders and collaboration opportunities
Leveraging collaboration between Local Government and Universities on sustainable water management and protection to improve service delivery in South Africa.
Organizers & affiliations:
Lutendo Mudau, Tshwane University of Technology, City of Tshwane, South Africa
Caroline Khoathane, Tshwane University of Technology, City of Tshwane, South Africa
Ingrid Mokgobu, Tshwane University of Technology, City of Tshwane, South Africa
Mpho Muloiwa, Tshwane University of Technology, City of Tshwane, South Africa
Marianna Vivitsou, Helsinki University, Finland
Hannele Niemi, Helsinki University, Finland
Chairs: Dr Marianna Vivitsou and Prof. Ingrid Mokgobu
Panelists: Prof H. Niemi, HU; Prof. L. Prof Mudau, TUT; Prof. T Olwal & Mr W Moraka, SALGA/ Municipal water Expert.
The workshop will bring together empirical insights and reflections, and the perspectives of researchers, local authorities, the private sector, NGOs and citizens.
Workshop Objectives
- To enhance collaboration between local government and researchers/universities for sustainable water management and protection, thereby improving service delivery in South Africa.
- To identify areas for focused collaboration between local governments and researchers, e.g., green infrastructure, circular economy, climate resilience
- To generate ideas for AI-based innovations in the area of water management.
Guiding questions the panel discussion
What is the historical development of water management in South Africa?
What do we learn from indigenous (pre-colonial) wisdom and modern engineering?
How do we integrate AI for sustainable water management?
How is green transition/infrastructure embraced in water-sensitive cities?
Best practicies
Building Blue IQ EduTec Academy: A Scalable Model for Entrepreneurial Skills Development and Impact Evaluation.
Presenters: Petri Home, Bethuel Netshiswinzhe, Theo Van Vuuren
Driving real change in South Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape, the Blue IQ Edutec Academy combines scalable, mobile-friendly learning with measurable impact—equipping young entrepreneurs with practical skills, confidence, and the tools to succeed.
The Most Progressive Student Information System Globally – SISU
Presenter: Mikko Myllys
Gain insights from Finland’s advanced student information system, emphasizing student-centricity, modern infrastructure, and seamless digital integration.
The Development of a Training Programme for Circular Construction to Built-Environment Students
Presenters: Schalk Grobbelaar, Christo Van der Hoven, Johann Van der Merwe
Explore an innovative training programme promoting sustainable construction through practical application of Design for Manufacturing, Assembly, Deconstruction, and Reuse (DfMADR) principles.
The Ferreira’s Ecosystem for Teaching and Learning (FETL) Model
Presenter: Colin Ferreira
Discover a comprehensive teaching model that integrates diverse pedagogical methods to enhance personalized learning, critical thinking, and inclusive classroom experiences.
Paper Presentations
African Youth Revitalizing Indigenous Knowledge for Just Transition and Governance in the Digital Age
Presenters: Prof. Hassan Kaya, Emilia Haworth
Discuss how African youth integrate indigenous knowledge, languages, and Ubuntu principles into digital governance to foster sustainable and inclusive development.
Teachers’ Competencies for Future Learning in the European and African Contexts.
Presenters: Sarita Ramsaroop & Jari Lavonen
This presentation highlights the need for holistic and collaborative teacher education policies that go beyond individual competencies to address ecosystem-level factors—especially quality assurance processes—that truly support teacher professionalism across diverse contexts.
“We are the backbone of the world”: A study of how Ghanaian and Ugandan teachers exercise professional agency, navigate structural challenges, and articulate aspirations for the future.
Presenter: Jaana Härkönen, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
This study highlights how Ghanaian and Ugandan teachers navigate the tension between personal calling and systemic challenges, offering critical insights into professional agency, motivation, and retention within under-resourced education systems.
Exploring STEAM Pedagogy for Educational Equity in Rural South Africa
Presenter: Noora Joutsenlahti
Learn how STEAM approaches can significantly improve educational equity and effectiveness in multi-grade classrooms in rural South Africa.
A learner-centred curriculum - Teachers’ role as empathetic educators.
Presenter: Ninke Bezuidenhout, Hannele Niemi, Jari Lavonen& Ari Myllyviita
This presentation explores how empathetic, well-trained educators—who balance academic expectations with a deep understanding of students’ lived realities—can play a pivotal role in reducing dropout rates and supporting learner success in the face of systemic challenges.
16:00-17:15
Workshops
AI Dependence in Urban and Regional Planning Postgraduate Research: Upholding the Essential Role of Systematic Literature Reviews.
Organizers & affiliations:
Thulisile Ncamsile Mphambukeli, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
Thokozani Simelane, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa,
Vuyiswa Letsoko, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
Thembani Moyo, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
Discussants:
Dr Oluwarotimi Randle, University of the Witwatersrand , Dr Blessing Masamha, Human Sciences Research Council ,
Dr Adetayo Onososen, CARINBE, University of Johannesburg
Rapporteur:
Prof T Gumbo, University of Johannesburg
This workshop critically explores how postgraduate students can harness the benefits of AI in research while preserving the discipline-specific depth, originality, and critical thinking essential to rigorous literature reviews.
Main Aims: To interrogate the Role of AI; promote responsible AI integration; and, assess risks and biases
Themes
- AI as Tool or Crutch?
- Understanding AI as a research enabler versus AI as a substitute for critical engagement or field-based methods.
- Ethics, Accountability, and Bias
- Unpacking the ethical responsibilities of researchers using AI, especially in representing marginalized communities and contexts.
- Postgraduate Realities: Capacity, Access, and Innovation
- Navigating uneven access to AI tools and capacity-building needs in postgraduate education in the Global South.
Guiding Questions
- -What roles is AI currently playing in postgraduate planning research? Are these roles replacing or enhancing core planning competencies?
- -How does the use of AI affect the way researchers conceptualize space, place, power, and agency in urban contexts?
- -What biases or blind spots might AI tools introduce into spatial data interpretation, scenario planning, or decision-support systems?
- -How can we ensure that AI use in research remains accountable to the public interest, especially in diverse and unequal urban contexts?
- -What alternatives or safeguards can researchers adopt to avoid overdependence on AI?
Scenarios for Future Learning Ecosystems in Africa: Navigating HEI–Industry Collaboration in South Africa - Insights from Empirical Studies.
Organizers & affiliations
Elizabeth Agbor Eta,University of Helsinki,
Marianna Vivitsou, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland,
Juha Riikonen,Visintum, Helsinki, Finland
Panelists:
Prof. Jace Pillay, UJ
Prof. Dalien Benecke, UJ
Daryl McLean, Africa Smart Cities Academy SA
Experts from the industry and SA research centers TBC.
Rapporteur:
Dr Emmanuel Ekela Esambe, Cape Peninsula University of Technology (TBC)
This session explores the evolving dynamics of higher education–industry partnerships in South Africa, highlighting insights from companies and HEIs navigating collaboration in response to labour market demands.
The workshop aims to bring together empirical insights and critical reflections and highlight three interlinked perspectives:
- 1)How companies operating in African contexts conceptualize and engage in ecosystem-building with educational institutions?
- 2) How HEIs experience collaboration with industry partners as they address industrial demands while meeting educational institutions’ goals of preparing graduates for the job market?
- 3) How ethical tensions, particularly around epistemic hierarchies, transparency, and long-term sustainability shape these partnerships in practice.
Paper Presentations
The Future is intelligent: Empowering African Future Fit Leadership Through AI Education
Presenters: Kathija Yassim, Päivi Aarreniemi-Jokipelto
Examine successful models and strategies for integrating AI education in leadership programs, fostering innovation and ethical practices across Africa.
Mapping the Complexities of Developing Industrial Training
Presenters: Miikka Turkkila, Rodney Tshivhilinge, Arttu Tuominen, Tapio Rasa
Analyze challenges and solutions in industrial training within the mining industry, providing insights for enhancing training effectiveness.
The Applications of Virtual Reality: Disrupting Built Environment Education and Practice
Presenters: Ockert Pretorius & Herman Myburgh
This paper explores how Virtual Reality applications in the built environment—particularly in BIM, GIS, and Digital Twins—can enhance education, foster multidisciplinary, and support future-ready practices through a systematic bibliometric and content review of current research.
Sustainable water management: A need for modern pedagogies
Presenters: Lutendo Mudau, Caroline Khoathane, Ingrid Mokgobu, Mpho Muloiwa, Marianna Vivitsou, Hannele Niemi
Explore how collaboration between universities and local government can enhance water management practices, leveraging academic expertise for real-world solutions.
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Time
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Program
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08:00 – 09:00
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Registration & Networking
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09:00 – 09:15
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Opening Ceremony
• Welcome address by Prof. Hannele Niemi (DAIA Project Lead) • Keynote speeches from South African and Finnish education leaders • Ministerial addresses & video messages from key stakeholders |
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09:15 – 10:25
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Keynote & Panel Discussion
• Keynote 1: Ecosystems for Transformation in DAIA Cooperation – Sustainability & Future Growth (Industrial Perspective) • Panel Discussion: Leading voices from academia and industry discuss pathways to sustainable education ecosystems |
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09h15 – 09h30
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Keynote address from SA Minister of Higher Education and Training, Hon. Dr. Nobuhle Pamela Nkabane
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09h30 – 09h35
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Video address of Minister Anders Adlercreutz, the Ministry of Education and Culture, Finland
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09h35 - 09h45
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Remarks from SA Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Hon. Mr. David Mahlobo
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09h45-09h55
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Dean of AU Ambassador, Andre Nzapayeke, CAR
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09h55 – 10h05
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Keynote Speech 1: Digital Transformation and enabler for Industrial Transformation in Africa – A Business Perspective (Demand-Side), Dr Sandile Mbatha
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10h05-10h10
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Dr Lulama Wakaba, CSIR Executive Cluster Manager of NextGen Enterprises and Institutions
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10h10 – 10h15
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Slaven Gajovich, CEO of Maximum Group
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10h15-10h20
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Alf White, CFO, MWK
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10h20 – 10h25
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Kemoniloe Phatoli, CEO, National Youth ICT Council
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10h25 – 10h30
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Sandile Mahlaba, Senior Executive, Microsoft
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10h30 – 10h50
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Plenary Discussion
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10h50 -11:15
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Coffee Break
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11h15 – 11h30
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Keynote Speech 2: Education and Training for Digital Transformation – A Supply-Side Perspective
Deputy Minister, Hon. Mr. Mondli Gungubele, Department of Communications and Digital Technologies |
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11h30-11h35
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Lebogang Madise, Education Sector Specialist, Microsoft
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11h35 – 11h40
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Dr Anthony Gewers, National Business Initiative (in discussion)
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11h40 – 11h45
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Mpho Mookapela, EWSETA CEO
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11h45 – 11h50
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Jorma Säteri, Head of School of Construction, University of Applied Sciences, Metropolia
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11h50- 12h00
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Prof Hannele Niemi, DAIA Chair
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12h00- 12h25
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Plenary Discussion
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12h25 – 12h30
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Maximum Digital, CEO Mitesh Chotu
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12:30-14:00
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LUNCH and NETWORKING
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14.00 - 15.30
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Co-Creating Future Skills with DAIA - Joint Presentations of Finnish Researchers and Companies
1. Introduction to DAIA Project (5 min) 2. Frontier Technologies (20 min) 3. TVET Renewal (20 min) 4. Transformational Leadership and Training (25 min) 5. Conclusion & Audience Comments (20 min) |
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15.30-15.40
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Introduction to Parallel Sessions and Moving to Breakaway Rooms
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Parallel session tracks
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15.40-17.00
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Effective Training for the Future
Moderator: Petri Home
• Future of Learning: Insights into Frontier Technology (Dr. Jenny Niu & Prof. Hannele Niemi) • Effective Training and Authentic Learning (University of Applied Sciences, Metropolia with video and photos of Living Labs) • TVET in Transition: South African Challenges & Solutions (Dr Terence Yuh & Dr. Tapio Rasa) • Co-Creating Change: Training & Mentoring of Trainers (Doctoral researcher Ari Myllyviita & Prof. Umesh Ramnarain: Digital competences for teachers, and MA, Doctoral researcher Miikka Turkkila & Dr. Tapio Rasa: Co-creation for effective training) Small-Group Discussions • Group 1: Frontier Technologies • Group 2: TVET Renewal & Industry Collaboration • Group 3: Training and mentoring trainers |
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15.40-17.00
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Effective Training for Future Demands in Water Sector
Moderator: CEO Mika Jantunen
Key note speaker: Daryl McLean Panellists: Mpho Mookapela, CEO, EWSETA Benoit Le Roux, CEO, South African Water Chamber Topi Helle, CEO, Finnish Water Forum Terence Young, Researcher, Helsinki University Asief Alli, Manager, Rand Water Academy |
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15.40-17.00
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Construction & Mining
Moderator: CEO Mitesh Chotu
Key note speaker: Slaven Gajovich Panellists: Sami Haapoja Dr. Keitumetse Mothibeli (Foreign Direct Investment) Slaven Gajovich Romeo Twala – Mining Opportunity Vusi Mnguni, Training manager, Sandvik Tapio Rasa, Researcher, Helsinki University • Smart Infrastructure and Mining Technologies • Sustainability in Construction and Mining Practices • Digital Tools for Efficiency, Safety, and Cost Reduction • Skills Development for a Digital Workforce • Collaboration Between Industry, Government, and Education |
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15.40 - 17.00
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Agriculture
Moderator: CFO, Alf White
Key note speaker: Wandile Sihlobo Open Forum Discussion |
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17:00 – 17.30
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Summary of the Summit and Conclusions
Mika Jantunen/David Makhura Summary of insights |
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17:30-19:00
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Social evening: Ambassador Pekka Metso, Finnish Embassy
Sponsor: CEO Mikko Myllys, Funidata |
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