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SEA Libraries of the Future Summit 2026

Join us in Bali as we explore how collaboration accelerates institutional research performance, drives innovation, and strengthens impact across the entire academic ecosystem.

SEA Libraries of the Future Summit 2026 landscape banner

SEA Libraries of the Future Summit 2026

Day & Date: Thursday, 11 June 2026

Venue: Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa, Indonesia

Time: 9:00 AM – 16:30 PM (Registration starts at 8:00 AM)

Register now

*Please note that any costs related to travel and accommodations in Bali will be covered by the event attendees.

Gotong Royong: Aligning Library Strategy with Institutional Goals

Libraries no longer operate in silos. Today, they act as strategic connectors within their institutions—working closely with Research Offices, Faculties, Deans, Graduate Schools, Student Affairs, and international partners to advance the university’s academic and research mission.

This year’s theme, Gotong Royong: Aligning Library Strategy with Institutional Goals, underscores how collaboration accelerates research performance, drives innovation, and amplifies impact across the academic ecosystem.

The Summit will explore:

  • How libraries collaborate with university stakeholders to enhance research visibility and impact

  • How librarians partner with faculty to support curriculum development, research capabilities, and student success

  • How cross-departmental collaboration strengthens institutional research strategies

  • How shared goals—and shared effort—scale outcomes within institutions and across Southeast Asia

About the Summit

The SEA Libraries of the Future Summit is Elsevier’s flagship annual gathering for library leaders and information sciences experts across Southeast Asia.

Since 2023, the Summit has welcomed 350+ participants from more than 10 countries, establishing itself as the region’s most trusted platform for exploring the future of libraries, AI, research intelligence, and digital transformation.

This year, the Summit is proudly co-hosted and organized with FPPTI — Forum Perpustakaan Perguruan Tinggi Indonesia (Indonesian Academic Libraries Forum) and Udayana University, strengthening collaboration with Indonesian higher education institutions.

Why Attend?

A High-Level Forum for Library and Higher Education Leaders

Since 2023, 60–70% of attendees have been senior decision-makers—including Chief Librarians, Directors, Acquisitions Librarians, and national association leaders—alongside practitioners in digital services, collections, and research support.

The Summit also draws University Vice-Chancellors, Deputy Vice-Chancellors, and senior government and ministerial representatives, creating a powerful setting for strategic exchange and regional networking.

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Program at a Glance

11 June – Event Day

Time

Agenda

Speaker

8:00 – 9:00

Registration

9:00 – 9:15

Cultural Performance Indonesia National Anthem Prayer

Udayana University Johan Jang, Strategic Engagement Manager, Elsevier

9:15 – 9:25

Welcome Remarks

Omar Malik, Regional Director, Elsevier Southeast Asia & ANZ, Elsevier

9:25 – 9:45

Gotong Royong—Strengthening Academic Libraries Through Collaboration

Mariyah Muri, Head Forum Perpustakaan Perguruan Tinggi Indonesia (FPPTI)

9:45 – 10:05

Partner address

Udayana University

10:05 – 10:25

Guest of Honour Address

10:25 – 11:00

Morning Networking Break

11:00 – 11:30

Keynote: Aligning Library Strategy to Institutional Goals: Leading with Purpose in Uncertain Times Abstract: In an era where universities face declining social license and mounting pressures to improve research performance and student enrolments, academic library leaders navigate a complex paradox: the imperative to lead strategically while institutional strategies remain in flux. This keynote addresses the challenges confronting library leaders who must chart a clear course for their teams and services even as the institutional landscape shifts.

Drawing on extensive experience in organisational transformation across legal, cultural, and academic sectors, Carmel explores how leaders can maintain strategic alignment without sacrificing team wellbeing or the library’s core mission. The session examines practical approaches to values-based leadership that keep teams motivated during uncertainty while positioning the library as an essential partner in achieving evolving university goals.

Attendees will gain frameworks to advocate for their services, support staff through turbulent times, and ensure their libraries remain central to institutional success.

Carmel O'Sullivan University Librarian and Director (Library Services University of Southern Queensland, Australia

11:30 - 11:35

Q&A

11:35 - 12:05

Keynote: AI as a Catalyst: Reimagining Collaboration for the Future-Ready University Abstract: As universities navigate growing expectations around research excellence, innovation, and global competitiveness, collaboration is emerging as a critical institutional capability. Artificial intelligence is accelerating this shift — reshaping how knowledge is discovered, connected, and translated into impact.

In this keynote, you will explore how AI-enabled platforms can act as catalysts for deeper collaboration across faculties, libraries, and research offices. Grounded in institutional priorities at Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, the session will highlight how universities can adopt AI strategically to strengthen research ecosystems while aligning technology investments with broader academic missions.

Attendees will gain leadership insights on fostering a collaborative research culture, enhancing institutional agility, and positioning their universities for sustained relevance in an increasingly AI-driven academic landscape.

Prof. Ts. Dr. Aida Mustapha Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah

12:05 - 12:10

Q&A

12:10 – 13:00

Panel Discussion: AI Readiness in Higher Education Abstract: As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes the research and learning landscape, universities are under increasing pressure to move beyond isolated experimentation toward coordinated, institution-wide strategy. This panel will explore what AI readiness looks like when collaboration sits at the centre of institutional transformation.

Bringing together perspectives from libraries, faculties, research offices, and University leadership, the discussion will examine how cross-functional partnerships are shaping governance frameworks, enabling responsible adoption, and building organisational capability for AI.

Panelists will share how collaborative models are helping institutions align AI initiatives with research, teaching, and operational priorities.

Moderator: Prof. Dr. Mohd Shahir Shamsir Omar, Registered Technology Transfer Professional (RTTP), Bioscience Department Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

Panelists: Dr Ng Tao Tao, Magdeline Vice University Librarian, Cluster Head of Digital Strategy & Innovation and Head of Learning & Innovation National University of Singapore

Dr. Fierenziana Getruida Junus, S.S., M.Hum, Head of Quality Assurance and Reputation Enhancement, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Hasanuddin University, Indonesia

13:00 – 14:00

Networking Lunch

14:00 – 14:30

Gotong Royong in Action – Session 1: From Access to Impact: Evidence-Based E-Resource Development at the University of Delhi Abstract: As one of India’s largest research-intensive institutions, the University of Delhi supports a diverse academic community through a dynamic e-resource ecosystem managed by the Delhi University Library System (DULS). This lecture explores how data-driven collection development and integrated digital services enhance teaching excellence, research productivity, and institutional performance.

Drawing on usage analytics from 2019–2026, the session highlights significant growth in the use of e-journals, e-books, and digital archives accessed through national consortia such as e-Shodh Sindhu and publisher platforms. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based collection strategies, including usage patterns, return on investment, and access models that inform procurement and publisher negotiations.

Aligned with National Education Policy 2020, the presentation positions academic libraries as strategic partners in advancing research quality, digital inclusion, and equitable access to scholarly content.

Dr. Rajesh Singh, University Librarian, University of Delhi, India

14:30 – 14:35

Q&A

14:35 – 15:05

Gotong Royong in Action – Session 2

Session to be confirmed.

15:05– 15:10

Q&A

15:10 – 15:40

Afternoon Networking break

15:40 – 15:45

Gotong Royong in Action – Session 3

Session to be confirmed

Prof. Mahfud Sholihin, Ph.D., Ak., CA., CPA Vice Chair III Higher Education, Research and Development Council of Muhammadiyah

15:45 - 16:05

Q&A

16:05 -16:30

Closing Remarks & Lucky Draw

12 June – Optional half-day library visit

Udayana University, Bali

Join an optional half-day visit to Udayana University, Bali, the day after the Summit for an additional peer learning and on-site exchange.

Udayana University, Bali - Indonesia

Time

Activity

8:15

Shuttle pick up at the Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Hotel

9:00 – 9:30

Welcome Briefing by Udayana University Leadership

9:30 – 10:00

Overview of digital services and research support

10:00 - 10:30

Guided tour of key library facilities

10:30 – 11:00

Showcase of innovations and University initiatives

11:00 – 11:30

Interactive Q&A and light snacks

11:30

Shuttle back to Renaissance Bali Uluwatu

Shared roundtrip transport between the event venue hotel and the university will be provided for attendees who join the activity.

Previous events

Explore resources from the 2023, 2024, 2025 SEA Libraries of the Future Summits.

2023 SEA libraries of the future summit

2024 SEA libraries of the future summit

2025 SEA Libraries of the future summit

Partners & Speakers

Partners & Speakers

Committee___speakers_teaser1

Hear from leading library and higher education voices, and learn alongside partners shaping the future of academic collaboration across Southeast Asia.