The Illuminate Series: Implications of AI in Education

June 3, 2026 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM ISHCMC - Primary Campus

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REGISTRATION GUIDELINE

Virtual and physical participation are available.

For physical attendees, please register in advance to reserve your seat.

For virtual attendees, please register to receive the Zoom link.

The event is held under the Chatham House Rule.

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The personal information provided to us will only be used for event registration and administration. By registering for this event, you agree and consent to the above.

Event Description

Are you interested in how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming education?

Do you want to learn about the opportunities and challenges that AI brings for teaching and learning practices, as well as the core competencies needed in the AI era?

Join us for an engaging event where we will discuss the implications of AI in education, from policy to practice, from inclusion to innovation. You will hear from experts and practitioners who are using AI to address some of the biggest challenges in education today and accelerate progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4).

You will also have a chance to network with other educators, researchers, and policymakers who share your passion for AI and education.

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore how we can harness the potential of AI for education while ensuring that its application is guided by the core principles of human rights and ethical values.

Key Objectives

Understand current GAI tools and the potential of GAI to impact all areas of work and education
Explore how some practitioners are already using GAI in their work and teaching
Share experiences and applications of GAI in Education
Explore the skills necessary for our young people to successfully navigate the AI world
Seek feedback and suggestions to support GAI in education in Vietnam

Audience:

School Leaders / Head of Schools / Directors
Teachers at the K-12 or university level
Educational policy makers
Corporate HR, especially those in L&D field

VENUE SPONSOR

AGENDA

8:30 AM	Registration & Refreshment for physical guests
8:45 AM	Check-in for virtual guests
9:00 AM	Welcome and Opening Remarks: Brian O’Reilly
9:10 AM	Keynote Speaker: Don McNamee Balancing Innovation & Humanity in an AI-Driven World: SSIS’s Journey in AI for Education
9:40 AM	Keynote Speaker: Andrew Schwabe
10:10 AM	Implications of AI in Education Panel Dr. Catriona Moran, South Saigon International School Dr. Burkhard Schrage, RMIT University Don McNamee, South Saigon International School Andrew Schwabe, Saigon A.I. Moderator: Michael Alpaugh
10:55 AM	Closing Remarks: Brian O’Reilly
11:00 AM	Coffee and Networking
11:30 AM	Event ends

COST

SPEAKER & PANELISTS

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Don McNamee

Director of Education Technology, South Saigon International School

Don McNamee is a seasoned leader in the field of education technology, with a rich background that spans various high-impact roles, from classroom teaching to executive leadership positions within renowned organisations. Don is a Canadian national who holds four territory degrees; urban economics, geographic information systems, education and a Masters in education leadership.

His career reflects a profound commitment to leveraging technology to enrich K-12 educational environments, foster innovation, and enhance learning outcomes. With experience as a Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) and a Leadership Executive at Apple Inc., Don has played a pivotal role in shaping the integration of technology in education. His work focuses on developing and implementing strategic initiatives that support educational excellence, demonstrating a keen understanding of the intersection between technology, teaching, and student engagement.

In his current capacity as Director of Education Technology, Don leads efforts to identify, evaluate, and deploy cutting-edge technological solutions that address the evolving needs of a modern school. He excels in program development and service management, underscoring his ability to drive transformational change in educational settings through strategic vision and leadership.

Don’s journey in education is marked by a continuous pursuit of excellence and innovation. His contributions extend beyond organisational boundaries, influencing broader discussions on the future of education technology. By championing scalable and sustainable models of technology integration, Don is committed to improving the educational landscape for learners and educators alike. A visionary in the education technology sector, Don McNamee remains dedicated to exploring new frontiers in learning, ensuring that technology serves as a catalyst for educational transformation and success.

Andrew Schwabe

Founder & Chairman, Saigon A.I.

Andrew Schwabe is an American serial entrepreneur, A.I. researcher and public speaker with more than 30 years experience building international technology companies. An innovator at heart, Andrew is a forward-thinker and a problem solver, and has worked with cloud, analytics, Artificial Intelligence and blockchain technologies. He is a writer/blogger, TEDx speaker, and an advocate for open software and human rights. Currently, Andrew is an A.I. researcher with University of St. Andrews (Scotland, UK), founder and director at Saigon A.I. – an award winning A.I. advisory company in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

PANELISTS

Dr. Catriona Moran

Head of School, South Saigon International School

Dr. Moran is an Irish national with over 35 years of experience in education and leadership, 30 years of which have been in international schools in Japan, Taiwan, and now Vietnam. She currently serves as Head of School at Saigon South International School, HCMC. Catriona holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of San Diego in the U.S.

Trained as an elementary teacher, Catriona has served as an elementary principal in two international schools and deputy head of a school in Asia for two decades. In 2013, she was named the “National Distinguished Principal of the Year” by the National Association of Elementary Principals and the U.S. State Department.

She is the Vice President of the EARCOS Board of Directors. She serves on the Association for the Advancement of International Education (AAIE) Board of Trustees and as Chair of the Saigon International Network of Schools in HCMC.

Dr. Burkhard Schrage

Associate Professor, Senior Program Manager, MBA and Management Programs at The Business School, RMIT

Dr. Burkhard Schrage is a senior academic, business leader, and former investment banker. Born and raised in Germany, he studied and worked in France, the United States, Brazil, and Singapore before moving to Vietnam 10 years ago. His rich past and present industry experience influences his teaching and research, which focuses on strategic management, corporate governance, and the political economy.

MODERATOR & MC

MODERATOR

Michael Alpaugh

Specialist, U.S. Dept. of State English Language Fellowship Program

Michael Alpaugh has over 18 years of experience in international education and holds an M.A. in TEFL/TESOL from the University of Birmingham, UK. He has worked as an IELTS expert with the British Council, US Recruitment Manager for East Asia at INTO University Partnerships, Dean of English for Academic Purposes at Broward College Vietnam, and Associate Academic Director at Keiser University Vietnam. He recently completed a three-year Fellowship with the U.S. Consulate American Center, the Vietnamese People’s Security Academy, the University of Languages and International Studies (ULIS), and the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi, Vietnam. He is currently Chair of the American Chamber of Commerce Education & Training Committee and a Specialist with the U.S. Dept. of State English Language Fellowship Program.

MC & ORGANIZER

Brian O’Reilly

Senior Partner, Crossroads Vietnam Co., Ltd

Brian O’Reilly has been working in Vietnam for over 21 years in higher education, management consulting, and corporate training. He has extensive experience in higher education and launched Vietnam’s first 100% foreign MBA program in Vietnam in 2003. Brian’s experience in higher education also includes launching and managing a number of business programs and lecturing in MBA and Bachelor programs. Brian is a certified corporate trainer and he has developed and delivered an extensive number or training programs in business management, project management, and people skills for a variety of clients across Vietnam.

The Illuminate Series: Implications of AI in Education

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