New Zealand was one of the countries represented at the recent Bett Asia Leadership Summit 2015 in Singapore, which focused specifically on the current education technology landscape.

The summit, held this November 17-18, saw a number of Ministers and leading educators in the region meet to explore the latest trends in the use of information technology in education.

Representing New Zealand was Associate Education Minister Nikki Kaye. She spoke on New Zealand's approach to integrating new technologies into its education system, and the potential for digital technology to transform learning in schools.

Others in attendance included Ministers, education information technology experts, educators and academics from Singapore, the USA, Norway, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Australia, Taiwan, Papua New Guinea and the Russian Federation.

“The invitation to speak at the summit recognises the huge amount of work this Government and our educators are doing to create equity of access to digital learning opportunities throughout our school sector,” says Kaye.

“There is particular international interest in the crown company Network for Learning (N4L) which has won awards domestically and internationally.

“I'm delighted to have this opportunity to showcase our innovative schooling digital technology programme on the international stage,” she says.

The summit agenda included sessions on upskilling graduates through continued learning, using technology in teaching to help students find solutions for themselves, and empowering teachers to become agents of digital change.

Kaye says while in Singapore she also met with other Ministers and education officials to discuss their latest plans to equip students with competencies to succeed in the knowledge economy.

She says, “Singapore, like New Zealand, is a leader in innovation around information technology in the classroom.

Kaye was in Singapore for two days and also attended meetings in her capacity as Minister of Civil Defence.