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Breakout sessions:
1. Agent workshop
- UKVI visa update
by Chris Bristo, Visa Outreach Officer (Brunei, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Taiwan, Timor Leste), British Embassy Manila
[Session summary]
This session provides information on Immigration statistics, eVisas, Graduate Visa and Application tips.
- Useful tips on choosing student accommodation
by Allen Gu, General Manager, China & East Asia, Select Property
[Session summary]
Discover how Vita Student, the UK’s leading premium student accommodation, combines world-class living with smart investment. With stylish design, vibrant communities, and exclusive services like free breakfasts and career support, Vita offers more than just a room. Paired with the fast-growing UK property market, our “Buy for Education” model helps families turn housing into opportunity—offsetting overseas study costs while building long-term wealth. Real success stories from Asia prove how education and investment can thrive together with Vita and Select Property.
- Understanding best fit beyond Rankings and into employability and support
By Rajeeb Kumar Sah, Reader, Department of Allied Health Professions, Sport and Exercise, School of Human and Health Sciences
[Session summary]
When choosing a UK university, students and families often focus on rankings. While league tables offer some guidance, they rarely tell the full story of a student’s experience or future success. This session invites counsellors and agents to reframe the conversation around “best fit,” focusing not only on prestige but also on practical outcomes—like employability, personal development, and student support. We’ll explore how different UK institutions tailor their careers services, placement opportunities, and alumni networks to support Taiwanese students’ long-term ambitions. We’ll also unpack what good student support looks like—from academic mentoring to mental health resources—and how these often-overlooked factors shape retention and satisfaction. By shifting the dialogue from “What’s the highest ranked university?” to “Where will this student thrive, grow, and build their future?”, we can better match students with universities that meet their needs and aspirations. This session will equip you with language, data, and tools to guide families toward more informed, holistic decisions—and to build trust as an advisor who truly champions student success.
2. School Counsellor workshop
- How to support students to choose the right course and the right university
by Mandy Zhang, Head of East Asia, King’s College London and Co-Chair, East Asia Regional Interest Group (RIG), British Universities’ International Liaisons (BUILA)
[Session summary]
This session introduces practical approaches for supporting students in making informed course and university choices. We will explore methods to identify and align academic interests, subject strengths, and career aspirations with specific entry requirements and programme structures. The discussion will also address key factors in university selection and personal statement development, empowering counsellors to guide students through a strategic and motivated application journey.
- Supporting students in preparing applications to top UK universities
by Anthea Lung, University Counsellor, Singapore International School Hong Kong
[Session summary]
This session explores how counsellors can best support students applying to some of the UK’s ultra selective universities, including Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial, and LSE. We will consider preparation before application, from subject choices to academic enrichment, and examine how to guide students in crafting effective personal statements. Beyond the application itself, we will also discuss strategies for admissions tests and interviews. The session offers practical insights and clear takeaways to strengthen counselling practice and help ambitious students aim higher with confidence.
- Study in Scotland
by Scottish Universities International Group -
William Leitch, Regional Manager, Admissions, University of St Andrews;
Caroline Boddie, Deputy Director of Recruitment and International Relations, University of Glasgow;
Sherry Fan, Senior International Officer, University of Strathclyde
[Session summary]
Scotland is well known for its world-class higher education, offering academic excellence, pioneering research, and innovative teaching methods. Scottish universities consistently rank among the top institutions globally and in the UK, providing a diverse range of programmes across multiple disciplines. The session will provide an overview on Scotland's higher education system including insight into student life, funding opportunities, and visa requirements. It will also highlight the country's vibrant culture, historical sites, and the stunning scenery that student can enjoy during their studies. Additionally, the session will showcase the comprehensive support available to students throughout their academic journey in Scotland.
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