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ACM-W Asia Pacific

ScholarCohort 2026: Celebrating Talent, Community, and Women in Computing

Scholar Cohort 2026 was successfully held on February 11–12, 2026, bringing together students, academics, and industry professionals for a two-day program focused on learning, collaboration, and professional development in computing. The event featured keynote talks, panel discussions, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities, creating a comprehensive platform for participants to engage with current trends and future directions in the field. The programme attracted participants from universities across the Asia Pacific region, alongside distinguished speakers from academia and industry worldwide, fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment for knowledge exchange and community building.

Day 1: February 11, 2026

The event commenced with registration and a light breakfast, followed by the Opening Ceremony and Welcome Address, delivered by invited academic leaders including the Head of the School of Engineering and School of IT, Prof. Anthony Guo (Monash University Malaysia), the Chair of ACM-W Asia Pacific, Assoc. Prof. Bimlesh Wadhwa (National University of Singapore); and the Co-Chair of ACM-W Global,  Dr. Rukiye Altin (Kiel University, Germany) . The opening session set the tone for the event, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, inclusivity, and leadership in computing.

The morning continued with the first keynote: Humans in the Loop: Human-Centred Computing for the Internet of Things, presented by Prof. Judy Bowen (University of Waikato, New Zealand). The keynote highlighted the role of human-centered design in emerging technologies and its impact on the real-world. applications.

This was followed by a panel discussion on Ethical & Responsible AI, moderated by Dr. Anuja Dharmaratne (Monash University, Australia), featuring distinguished panelists including Prof. Judy Bowen, Dr. Arati Dixit, and Dr. Susi Susilawati . The discussion explored critical issues such as AI ethics, accountability, and responsible deployment in society.

After a networking lunch, participants engaged in parallel workshops, including:

  • From Idea to Proposal: A Practical Writing Workshop by Dr. Rukiye Altin
  • Publishing with Impact: Tools, Tips, and Strategies by Prof. John See

These sessions provided hands-on guidance on academic writing, research dissemination, and publishing strategies.

Following the workshop sessions, poster sessions and project demonstrations were held, allowing participants to present their work and exchange ideas. The day concluded with a light note, with group photo sessions and dinner to strengthen community engagement.

Day 2: February 12, 2026

Day 2 began with registration and networking, followed by Keynote 2: Is the Grass Really Greener? Comparing Academic and Industry Career Paths by Dr. Chun Yong Chong (Huawei Hong Kong). The keynote offered valuable insights into career decision-making, highlighting differences and opportunities across academia and industry.


The program continued with another series of parallel workshops, including:

  • Introduction to Deep Learning & Dos and Don’ts for HPC by Dr. Marcus Lim Jun Yi
  • Stand Out on Paper, Shine in Person: CV & Interview Mastery by Dr. Mark Chia

These sessions equipped participants with technical insights into computing advancements and practical strategies to enhance career readiness skills.

Following lunch, the program continued with the final parallel workshop session, which included:

  • Industrial Grant Applications: From Proposal to Partnership by Dr. Joanne Lim Mun Yee
  • Achieving Balance: Well-Being Strategies for Computing Students by Dr. Arati

The former emphasized the importance of bridging academia and industry, equipping participants with practical knowledge on securing funding, building collaborations, and translating research into impactful outcomes. Meanwhile, the latter encouraged participants to prioritize well-being as part of a sustainable academic and professional journey.

Conclusion

Scholar Cohort 2026 successfully created a holistic platform for academic growth, professional development, and networking. Through its combination of keynote talks, panel discussions, workshops, and interactive sessions, the event enabled participants to gain valuable insights into research, industry trends, and career pathways.

The event fostered cross-institutional collaboration, strengthened connections between academia and industry, and empowered students with practical skills and knowledge. Overall, Scholar Cohort 2026 served as a meaningful step toward building a stronger and more connected computing community in the region.