2026 CISWA 33rd Annual Conference

The program features:

OPENING ADDRESS: Hon Dr Parwinder Kaur – MLC

SECTOR UPDATE: Hon Phil Honeywood CEO IEAA

SPECIAL GUEST: Jonathan Chew – Navitas Chief Insights Officer, IEAA Vice-President, presenting the

• • Keynote: International Education in the Era of the Digital Childhood and
  • Group work: “How does the digital childhood change the roles of universities, agents and partners.”

KEYNOTE: “International Education in the Era of the Digital Childhood”

This presentation examines how technology has fundamentally transformed childhood over the past two decades, with a particular focus on the shift towards increasingly screen-based lives. Drawing on international data, academic research, and long-term trends, it documents how children’s time, experiences, and social interactions have changed across different stages of development. The findings provide an evidence base for understanding one of the most significant generational shifts affecting education, families, and society – and what it might mean for the international education system as a whole. 

WORKSHOP: How does the digital childhood change the role of tertiary institutions, agents and partners?

This workshop provides an opportunity to explore how technology is changing childhood and the flow-on effects for the transition to tertiary education. Participants will examine key trends, challenge assumptions, and discuss how education systems, professionals, and communities should respond to the challenges and opportunities that arise as a result.

PANEL: Creating the Future: Innovative Practices that Empower International Student Success

Panel Chair: Danielle Rock Kaplan Business School

Hear directly from the leaders behind three outstanding initiatives recognised through the 2025 CISWA Awards. This interactive panel will explore innovative approaches to student engagement, wellbeing, employability and community connection, with practical insights into what worked, lessons learned, and how successful programs can be adapted across institutions.

Panelists: Krishan Shah (Curtin Volunteers), Alisha Maclean (UWA College- Passport into Independence), Katarina Zerzan (NIT Connect),

PRESENTATION: From Research to Action: How StudyPerth Supports International Student Wellbeing

Presented by Derryn Belford , CEO & Nara de Souza Student Success Manager, of StudyPerth

PANEL: Human Skills for a Digital Future: Student and Graduate Voices on Connection, Belonging and Employability

Panel Chair: Dr Linda Yang

Hear directly from current international students and recent graduates as they reflect on their journeys studying, living and building careers in Western Australia. This panel will explore the importance of connection, belonging, community engagement and employability in an increasingly digital world, offering valuable insights into what matters most to the next generation of international students.

Panel: Students –  Rubina, Syed, Austin, Emmarin. Graduates –  Precious, Redwan

NETWORKING opportunities over morning tea & lunch, and post-conference drinks

It is a wonderful opportunity to connect with peers, hear from experts, and engage with the voices of students shaping the future of international education in WA.

Please subscribe to our mailing list to get updates to your inbox, or contact us at info@ciswa.com