By Genevieve Balance Kupang
Busan, Korea – Research Paper Session II at the WURI Global Conference 2025 convened leading scholars and practitioners to address one of higher education’s most pressing challenges: navigating the ethical frontiers of artificial intelligence while ensuring governance frameworks serve societal good. Chaired by Professor Ki-chan Park, President of The Society for Sustainability Management, the session showcased six groundbreaking studies from the Philippines and India, each examining how universities can lead responsible innovation in the age of AI.
The session’s thematic coherence—spanning ethical frameworks, institutional transformation, disaster resilience, and governance redesign—underscored a unified message: universities must proactively shape AI’s trajectory rather than merely respond to its disruptions.
Institutional Framework for Responsible AI
Dr. Genevieve Balance Kupang opened the session with her research team’s study, “Creating Ethical Guidelines and a Responsible AI Integration Framework for Baguio Central University.” Co-authored with Aiza Bheal Kitani, Criselda Felix, Christina Wallang, and Avilardo Leon, the exploratory sequential mixed-methods research addressed critical concerns about transparency, equity, and pedagogical effectiveness in AI integration.
Drawing on responses from 12 qualitative key informants and 424 quantitative respondents representing faculty, staff, and students across multiple disciplines, the study revealed strong alignment between BCU stakeholder concerns and global AI ethics frameworks. The research particularly emphasized human-in-the-loop principles, data privacy protection, and bias mitigation strategies. What distinguished BCU’s approach was its mission-driven foundation. Kupang demonstrated how the university’s H.O.M.E. framework (Holistic formation, Organizational stability, Moral recovery, Excellence) and E.A.G.L.E. core values (Excellence, Accountability, Gratitude, Loyalty, Equity) provide natural alignment with responsible AI governance principles. Key recommendations included establishing a cross-functional AI ethics committee, implementing comprehensive digital equity assurance programs, and developing phased student-faculty competency training—proving that mission-driven institutions can lead responsible AI adoption while preserving educational values.
Strategic Transformation through the WURI Framework
The research paper “Catalyzing Innovation: Christ University’s Strategic Transformation through the WURI Framework”, co-authored by Professors from CHRIST (Deemed to be University), India, Dr. Deepti Sinha and Dr. Theresa Nithila Vincent, was presented by Dr. Jerlin Jose on 25 September 2025 at the WURI Conference, Tongmyong University, Busan, South Korea. The study explores how aligning academic, administrative, and community engagement strategies with WURI’s innovation pillars drives institutional transformation. Moderator Professor Ki-Chan Park praised the presentation for its clarity, depth, and impact.
Innovating Governance In Academia
Director of Quality Assurance Alexis Mervin T. Sy represented Far Eastern University Institute of Technology with remarkable depth, presenting two interconnected studies on governance innovation. His first paper, co-authored with Engr. Daryl T. David, examined “Redesigning Innovation Governance in Academia for the Philippines” through the FEU Tech Innovation Center case study, while his second presentation, co-authored with Executive Director Rossana T. Adao, explored institutional transformation through “FEU Tech’s ASPIRATION 2028” strategic framework. The dual presentations underscored a cohesive institutional narrative: that systematic governance redesign and long-term strategic visioning are essential to sustainable innovation in Philippine higher education. Session Chair Professor Ki-chan Park commended both presentations for their practical applicability and contribution to Asian higher education discourse.
Provincial Leadership in Innovation
Professor Shiela Bartolome Navasca, Northwestern University Center for Research and Development (UCRD) Director, , concluded the session with “Provincial yet Pioneering: Innovation-Centric Strategy and Governance in a Philippine Private University,” challenging geographic and resource-based assumptions about innovation capacity. Her research showcased how institutions outside metropolitan centers can develop distinctive innovation strategies aligned with their unique contexts and communities.
A Collective Call to Action
Session Chair Professor Ki-chan Park’s leadership facilitated robust dialogue among presenters and attendees, emphasizing that ethical AI integration, governance transformation, and societal impact are not separate challenges but interconnected imperatives. The six papers collectively demonstrated that universities—regardless of size, location, or resource base—can lead responsible innovation when guided by clear ethical frameworks, institutional mission alignment, and commitment to equity.
As artificial intelligence continues reshaping higher education’s landscape, Research Paper Session II offered both cautionary insights and actionable pathways. The studies presented at WURI 2025 contribute essential evidence that mission-driven, ethically grounded, and strategically aligned institutions are not merely adapting to change—they are actively shaping a more equitable and sustainable future.
Following the enriching research presentations and productive discussions with guest editors on Special Issues for the Journal of Business, Case Research Journal, Journal of Mechanism Management, Journal of Sustainability Management, and aSSIST Business Review, delegates were treated to an unforgettable evening at Building 8 Auditorium. The atmosphere transformed from academic rigor to joyous celebration as we savored a sumptuous dinner accompanied by spectacular cultural performances. Tongmyong University’s talented musicians filled the air with melodious instrumental harmonies, graceful dancers captivated us with kinesthetic artistry, and skilled athletes left us awestruck with their powerful Taekwondo demonstration. It was an evening that nourished both body, mind and spirit—a fusion of Korean hospitality, cultural pride, and celebratory fellowship. See the attached links for an excerpt of the breathtaking Taekwondo demonstration and dinner with music (https://www.flickr.com/photos/203196138@N02/54832073177/in/album-72177720329453925; https://www.flickr.com/photos/203196138@N02/54833204738/in/dateposted-public/).
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