Jiangsu, China, 14 October 2025 – The 9th ICDL Asia Digital Literacy Day, organised by ICDL Asia, hosted by Jiangsu Nanjing Engineering Higher Vocational College in Nanjing, concluded with resounding success.
Drawing 300 attendees from 15 countries across the Asia Pacific region, the two-day conference themed “Accelerating Digital Literacy in Asia” provided a pivotal platform for civil servants, academic leaders, industry experts, and training providers to advocate for the growing importance of digital literacy and upskilling in today’s technology-driven world.
Distinguished guests in attendance included Mr. Luke Greene, Market Executive, Enterprise Ireland, Mr. Damien O’Sullivan, CEO, ICDL Foundation, Mr. Yan Yixiang, Second-Level Inspector, General Office of the Standing Committee of the Jiangsu Provincial People’s Congress, China, Ms. Li Jianfen, Deputy Chief, Jiangsu Provincial Education Bureau Education Informatization and Data Management Centre, China, Ms. Jullada Meejul, Director General, Thailand Professional Qualification Institute, Mr. Pan Dongbiao, Deputy Chief Level II Rank Inspector, Nanjing Education Bureau, China, Prof. Gu Jianjun, Director, UNESCO Chair on K–12 Technology and Engineering Education, China, Mr. Binghui Cui, Rector, Jiangsu Nanjing Engineering Higher Vocational College, China, and Ms. Tina Wu, CEO, ICDL Asia, among other distinguished representatives. Their presence underscored the event’s importance in advancing digital growth across China and the Asia Pacific region.
Day 1 – Best Practices Sharing, Educators’ Showcase and Award Ceremony
The first day of the conference highlighted the vital role of digital skills in education and the importance of cross-sector partnerships in achieving sustainable digital transformation. Sessions demonstrated how technology is accelerating progress across diverse sectors, with representatives from different countries in Asia sharing successful initiatives that are shaping the future of digital education.
China Best Practices – Mr. Pan Dongbiao, Deputy Chief Level II Rank Inspector of Nanjing Education Bureau
Singapore Best Practices – Dr. Li Haobin, Academic Director, Master of Science (Maritime Technology and Management) Co-Director, Centre of Excellence in Modelling and Simulation for Next Generation Ports (C4NGP), National University of Singapore
Malaysia Best Practices – Mrs. Syahzanna Hazwana binti Salleh, ICDL Programme Coordinator & Digital Literacy Educator, Al-Amin Darul Musthofa School
Indonesia Best Practices – Dr. Teduh Dirgahayu, Associate Professor, Head of the Department of Informatics, Universitas Islam Indonesia
Thailand Best Practices– Ms. Jullada Meejul, Director General, Thailand Professional Qualification Institute
International Alliance for Digital Literacy Industry–Education Integration
Led by Jiangsu Nanjing Engineering Higher Vocational College, Nanjing Normal University Institute of Technological Innovation and Integration, and IMER Information Technology (Nanjing) Co., Ltd., a total of 16 organisations from vocational colleges, research institutes, and digital enterprises came together to establish the International Alliance for Digital Literacy Industry–Education Integration. The alliance aims to foster deeper collaboration between academia and industry to strengthen digital competency development.
Educators’ Showcase Session
Another highlight of the day was the Educators’ Showcase Session, which featured an Education in Ireland presentation by Mr. Luke Greene, Market Executive, Enterprise Ireland, alongside the winners of the 2025 ICDL Digital Educators’ Awards. These award-winning educators shared their innovative pedagogical approaches and best practices for integrating ICT to enhance teaching, learning, and assessment. Their presentations demonstrated how digital tools can improve educational outcomes, support diverse learning needs, and elevate the overall quality of education.
Celebrating Achievements in Digital Literacy
The conference also marked the announcement of the winners of the ICDL Asia Digital Challenge 2025, an annual student competition that showcases the practical application of digital skills across business, design, and emerging technology fields. This year’s competition saw participation from over 13,000 students representing more than 230 schools and institutions across 13 territories, culminating in a transformative learning journey celebrated during the conference.
In addition, the ICDL Asia Digital Educators’ Awards 2025 recognised outstanding educators who have effectively integrated Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into their teaching practices.
The event also honoured ICDL partners through the ICDL Asia Partner Awards 2025, celebrating organisations that have made exceptional contributions to bridging the digital skills gap and promoting digital literacy throughout the Asia Pacific region.
In conclusion, the 9th ICDL Asia Digital Literacy Day, held in Nanjing, China, has left a lasting impact by fostering meaningful conversations on digital skills development and innovation among all stakeholders. With the unwavering support of our valued partners including Jiangsu Nanjing Engineering Higher Vocational College, Enterprise Ireland, Siemens, Skillsbox, Jiangsu Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, China Occupational Safety and Health Association, Nanjing Adult Education Association, Nanjing Vocational & Technical Education Society, Jiangsu Shuoru International Education Consulting Group Co., Ltd., Huaian Heng’an Natural Gas Transportation Co., Ltd., Hong Kong Innovation International Group, and The Purple Palace Nanjing Hotel Management Co., Ltd. — the event’s success has set a strong foundation for continued progress in the years ahead.