Program
Transformative Learning Ecosystems – Lessons Learnt and Ways Forward
16
September 2025
Future Africa Campus, University of Pretoria
This is a preliminary program. Stay tuned for the updated agenda, featuring detailed session highlights.
|
Time
|
Program
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Morning Session:
|
Setting the Stage
|
|
|
8:00 – 9:00
|
Registration on the Conference Desk
|
|
|
9:00 – 9:05
|
Master of Ceremonies:
Mr Mika Jantunen, Vice-Chair, DAIA Steering Committee; CEO, Water Solutions Nordic, COB, Intolead |
|
|
9:05 – 9:40
|
Opening Ceremony
• Address from the Ministry of Higher Education and Training, South Africa • Video address from Minister Mr Anders Adlercreutz, the Ministry of Education and Culture, Finland • Address from Ambassador Mr Pekka Metso, Head of Mission, the Embassy of Finland, South Africa |
|
|
09:40 – 10:10
|
Keynote: “Why do we need ecosystems?”, Professor Hannele Niemi, University of Helsinki, Finland
|
|
|
10:45- 11:00
|
Keynote: Mr David Makhura, NED, Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) (TBC)
|
|
|
10:45- 11:00
|
Public discussion
Moderator: Mr Mika Jantunen, Vice-Chair, DAIA Steering Committee; CEO, Water Solutions Nordic; COB, Intolead |
|
|
11:00 -11:30
|
Coffee Break
|
|
|
Afternoon Session:
|
Co-Creating Future Skills
|
|
|
11:30-12:45
|
||
|
|
WORKSHOPS
|
|
|
|
Strengthening Technical Training in South Africa’s Water Sector: Practical Implementation of Rand Water Academy Study Recommendations.
Terence Yong Yuh, University of Helsinki, Finland & Petri Home, IntoLead, Finland & Hendrik Ewerts & Asief Alli, RAND Water, South Africa |
|
|
|
Living Labs for Future Learning in Higher Education.
Shuanghong Jenny Niu, University of Helsinki, Finland & Antti Liljaniemi, Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, Finland & Sachin Sewpersad, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa |
|
|
|
Transformational Leadership for Organizations: A Virtual Coach as a Facilitator of Change.
Vesa Nissinen & Tommi Kinnunen, Deep Lead Inc, Finland & Logan Rangasamy, Wits Business School, Johannesburg, South Africa |
|
|
|
Digital Competences Among Teachers - Changes Needed in Teacher Education.
Ari Myllyviita, Viikki Teacher Training School of University of Helsinki, Finland & Umesh Ramnarain, University of Johannesburg, South Africa |
|
|
12:45-14:15
|
Lunch and Networking
|
|
|
14:15-15:30
|
||
|
|
WORKSHOPS
|
|
|
|
Co-Creation Workshop on Future Learning with VR and Metaverse Technologies.
Anna-Stina Tähkävuori & Harri Hahkala, Metropolia UAS, Finland |
|
|
|
Leveraging collaboration between Local Government and Universities on sustainable water management and protection to improve service delivery in South Africa.
Lutendo Mudau & Caroline Khoathane & Ingrid Mokgobu & Mpho Muloiwa, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa, & Marianna Vivitsou & Hannele Niemi, Helsinki University, Finland |
|
|
|
BEST PRACTICES
|
|
|
|
Building Blue IQ EduTec Academy: A Scalable Model for Entrepreneurial Skills Development and Impact Evaluation.
Petri Home, Intolead, Finland & Bethuel Netshiswinzhe & Theo Van Vuuren, Blue IQ Edutec, South Africa |
|
|
|
The Most Progressive Student Information System Globally – Lessons Learned from Developing, Deployment and of Sisu.
Mikko Myllys, Funidata Ltd, Finland |
|
|
|
The development of a training programme focused on teaching design for manufacturing, assembly, deconstruction and reuse principles to built-environment students.
Schalk Grobbelaar, Department of Engineering and Technology Management, University of Pretoria, South Africa & Christo Van der Hoven, Department of Architecture, University of Pretoria, South Africa & Johann Van der Merwe, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Pretoria, South Africa |
|
|
|
The Ferreira’s Ecosystem for Teaching and Learning (FETL) Model.
Colin Ferreira, University of Guyana, Georgetown, Guyana, Dallas Independent School District, USA |
|
|
|
PAPER PRESENTATIONS
|
|
|
|
African Youth Revitalizing Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Indigenous Languages and Ubuntu Principles for Africa’s Just Transition and Governance in the Digital Age.
Prof. Hassan Kaya, DST-NRF Centre in Indigenous Knowledge Systems, University of Kwa Zulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa & Emilia Haworth, Forum for Former African Heads of State and Government (Africa Forum), Pretoria, South Africa |
|
|
|
Teachers’ Competencies for Future Learning in the European and African Contexts.
Sarita Ramsaroop, University of Johannesburg & Jari Lavonen, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland |
|
|
|
“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.
Jaana Härkönen, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland |
|
|
|
Exploring STEAM Pedagogy for Educational Equity in Rural South Africa: A Design-Based Study.
Noora Joutsenlahti, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland |
|
|
|
A learner-centred curriculum - Teachers’ role as empathetic educators.
Ninke Bezuidenhout, Sutherland Academy, Muldersdrift, South Africa & Hannele Niemi, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland & Jari Lavonen, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland & Ari Myllyviita, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland |
|
|
15:30-16:00
|
Coffee Break
|
|
|
16:00-17:15
|
||
|
|
WORKSHOPS
|
|
|
|
AI Dependence in Urban and Regional Planning Postgraduate Research: Upholding the Essential Role of Systematic Literature Reviews.
Thulisile Ncamsile Mphambukeli & Thokozani Simelane & Vuyiswa Letsoko & Thembani Moyo, University of Johannesburg, South Africa |
|
|
|
Scenarios for Future Learning Ecosystems in Africa: Navigating HEI–Industry Collaboration in South Africa - Insights from Empirical Studies.
Elizabeth Agbor Eta & Marianna Vivitsou, University of Helsinki, Finland & Juha Riikonen, Visintum, Finland |
|
|
|
PAPER PRESENTATIONS
|
|
|
|
The Future is Intelligent: Empowering African Future Fit Leadership Through Artificial Intelligence Education.
Kathija Yassim (presenting), University of Johannesburg, South Africa & Paivi Aarreniemi-Jokipelto, Haaga Helia University of Applied Sciences, Finland |
|
|
|
Mapping the complexities of developing industrial training.
Miikka Turkkila (presenting) & Tapio Rasa, University of helsinki, Finland & Rodney Tshivhilinge, Sandvik, South Africa & Arttu Tuominen, Sandvik, Finland |
|
|
|
The Applications of Virtual Reality: Disrupting Built Environment Education and Practice.
Ockert Pretorius & Herman Myburgh, University of Johannesburg, South Africa |
|
|
|
Sustainable water management: A need for modern pedagogies.
Lutendo Mudau & Caroline Khoathane, Ingrid Mokgobu & Mpho Muloiwa, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa & Marianna Vivitsou & Hannele Niemi, University of Helsinki, Finland |
|
|
Final Session:
|
Takeaways & Future Roadmap
|
|
|
17:30-18:30
|
Plenary and conclusions of the Summit – Ways Forward
|
|
|
18:30-21:00
|
Social Evening
|
|
|
Time
|
Program
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
Morning Session:
|
Setting the Stage
|
|
|
|
Registration & Networking
|
|
|
|
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 |
|
|
|
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 |
|
|
|
Keynote 2 & Plenary Session
Keynote 2: Transforming Learning Ecosystems – Education & Training for Sustainable Growth Plenary Discussion: Engaging the audience in reflections on innovation in education and workforce development |
|
|
|
Coffee Break & Networking
|
|
|
Afternoon Session:
|
Co-Creating Future Skills
|
|
|
|
Parallel Sessions
Participants will engage in interactive presentations, case studies, and discussions led by Finnish and African researchers, industry experts, and policymakers. Session Themes: Water, Mining, Construction, and Agriculture: Case studies on industry-academia collaboration Digitalization in Education & TVET: Leveraging AI, VR, and AR for learning transformation Future Learning Competencies & Leadership: Building 21st-century skills and leadership in education |
|
|
|
||
|
|
Coffee Break
|
|
|
Final Session:
|
Takeaways & Future Roadmap
|
|
|
|
Roundtable Discussions & Learning Café
• Interactive discussions based on Call for Proposals contributions • Collaborative reflections on the future of digital education ecosystems |
|
|
|
Closing Remarks & Key Insights
|
|
|
|
Social Evening & Networking Reception
|
|
|
Time
|
Program
|
|
|---|---|---|
|
08:00 – 09:00
|
Registration & Networking
|
|
|
09:00 – 09:15
|
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 |
|
|
09:15 – 10:25
|
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 |
|
|
09h15 – 09h30
|
Keynote address from SA Minister of Higher Education and Training, Hon. Dr. Nobuhle Pamela Nkabane
|
|
|
09h30 – 09h35
|
Video address of Minister Anders Adlercreutz, the Ministry of Education and Culture, Finland
|
|
|
09h35 - 09h45
|
Remarks from SA Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Hon. Mr. David Mahlobo
|
|
|
09h45-09h55
|
Dean of AU Ambassador, Andre Nzapayeke, CAR
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
09h55 – 10h05
|
Keynote Speech 1: Digital Transformation and enabler for Industrial Transformation in Africa – A Business Perspective (Demand-Side), Dr Sandile Mbatha
|
|
|
10h05-10h10
|
Dr Lulama Wakaba, CSIR Executive Cluster Manager of NextGen Enterprises and Institutions
|
|
|
10h10 – 10h15
|
Slaven Gajovich, CEO of Maximum Group
|
|
|
10h15-10h20
|
Alf White, CFO, MWK
|
|
|
10h20 – 10h25
|
Kemoniloe Phatoli, CEO, National Youth ICT Council
|
|
|
10h25 – 10h30
|
Sandile Mahlaba, Senior Executive, Microsoft
|
|
|
10h30 – 10h50
|
Plenary Discussion
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10h50 -11:15
|
Coffee Break
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11h15 – 11h30
|
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 |
|
|
11h30-11h35
|
Lebogang Madise, Education Sector Specialist, Microsoft
|
|
|
11h35 – 11h40
|
Dr Anthony Gewers, National Business Initiative (in discussion)
|
|
|
11h40 – 11h45
|
Mpho Mookapela, EWSETA CEO
|
|
|
11h45 – 11h50
|
Jorma Säteri, Head of School of Construction, University of Applied Sciences, Metropolia
|
|
|
11h50- 12h00
|
Prof Hannele Niemi, DAIA Chair
|
|
|
12h00- 12h25
|
Plenary Discussion
|
|
|
12h25 – 12h30
|
Maximum Digital, CEO Mitesh Chotu
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12:30-14:00
|
LUNCH and NETWORKING
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14.00 - 15.30
|
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) |
|
|
15.30-15.40
|
Introduction to Parallel Sessions and Moving to Breakaway Rooms
|
|
|
Parallel session tracks
|
||
|
15.40-17.00
|
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 |
|
|
15.40-17.00
|
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 |
|
|
15.40-17.00
|
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 |
|
|
15.40 - 17.00
|
Agriculture
Moderator: CFO, Alf White
Key note speaker: Wandile Sihlobo Open Forum Discussion |
|
|
|
|
|
|
17:00 – 17.30
|
Summary of the Summit and Conclusions
Mika Jantunen/David Makhura Summary of insights |
|
|
17:30-19:00
|
Social evening: Ambassador Pekka Metso, Finnish Embassy
Sponsor: CEO Mikko Myllys, Funidata |
|
|
|
|
|