International Academic Conference "Quality and Balance: Local Practices of Digital Empowerment in Rural Education"

Rural education plays a pivotal role in the development of national education. To explore local practices in improving rural education quality, identify pathways for digital empowerment, and promote international understanding of the concept of 'quality and balance,' the International Academic Conference on ‘Quality and Balance: Local Practices of Digital Empowerment in Rural Education’ was successfully held at Leshan Normal University, Sichuan, China, from October 18th to 20th, 2024. The conference brought together experts and scholars from Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University (Thailand), Universiti Sains Malaysia, the University of Manitoba (Canada), the University of Stavanger (Norway), along with several universities and research institutes from Sichuan, China, as well as teachers and students from the host university. 

Among the invited speakers, Dr. Sombat Teekasap, Advisor to the President of Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University in Thailand, delivered a presentation titled ‘Local Wisdom and Rural Education in the Digital Era.’ He discussed how local wisdom can be integrated into rural education and shared insights on addressing the challenges of digital security in rural communities. 

Professor Du Xueyuan, Director of the Sichuan Institute for Advanced Study on Culture and Education at Sichuan Normal University, presented on ‘The Realistic Predicaments, Generative Logic, and Solutions to Digital Transformation in Rural Education.’ He highlighted the significance and necessity of digital transformation in rural education, examining the issue through research background, practical challenges, and the logic and solutions for advancing digital transformation in rural settings. 

Additionally, Associate Professor Dr. Lei Mee Thien from the School of Educational Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia presented ‘Digital Empowerment in Rural Education: Are We Ready? — Insights from Malaysia's Experience.’ She analyzed Malaysia's digital education policies, opportunities, and challenges, exploring the current state of digital education and urging both domestic and international focus on digitally-enabled rural education. 

Professor She Wanbin from the School of Educational Sciences at Leshan Normal University delivered a presentation titled ‘Problem, Breakthrough, and Solution: Talent Cultivation for Rural Revitalization from the Perspective of Organizational Education.’ He discussed practical approaches to cultivating talent for rural revitalization, explored the challenges these individuals face, and addressed the issues surrounding their development, offering strategies for overcoming the obstacles. 

At the closing ceremony, Professor Du Xueyuan, Director of the Sichuan Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture and Education at Sichuan Normal University, emphasized that the conference fostered international academic exchange, promoting future research and strengthening friendships between China and Thailand, Malaysia, Norway, and Canada. He noted that the event enhanced mutual understanding and offered significant benefits to all involved, characterized by its high level of expertise, as well as its broad and deep engagement among experts and participants.