Trinity Western University is strengthening its international connections this September through two major initiatives: academic thought leadership at the Can-Achieve Annual Conference in Chengdu, China, and a goodwill basketball tour in partnership with several local universities. Both events highlight TWU’s commitment to educational excellence and global engagement.
Academic leadership at Can-Achieve Conference
From Sept. 9–12, TWU will participate in the 2025 Can-Achieve International Education Conference, a global gathering of more than 600 delegates from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and beyond. Dr. Phil Laird, TWU’s vice president of innovation, global & academic partnerships, will deliver the keynote address on Sept. 10 titled “Transcendent Intelligence: The Future of Education in the Age of AI.”
In his presentation, Dr. Laird will delve into international research on how students engage with artificial intelligence, exploring how universities must adapt to prepare graduates for a rapidly changing technological world. His keynote will reach not only the conference’s 600 in-person delegates, but also thousands more higher education professionals and representatives worldwide via live stream.
Dr. Laird has been a keynote speaker at Can-Achieve since 2019, positioning TWU as a consistent voice in global conversations on educational innovation.
“Education and sport are universal languages,” said Dr. Laird. “Through both, we have a valuable opportunity to promote goodwill, deepen partnerships, and inspire the next generation of leaders.”
TWU Spartans goodwill basketball tour
Later this month, TWU will continue its engagement in China through sport. From Sept. 18–28, the Spartans U SPORTS Men’s Basketball team will embark on the University’s 10th goodwill tour to China, building on partnerships that date back to 1992.
The tour coincides with the 55th anniversary of Canada’s diplomatic recognition of the People’s Republic of China and will see the Spartans compete against top universities and professional teams, including Tsinghua University, Tianjin University, Guangzhou Sport University, and the CBA’s Tianjin Pioneers.
These goodwill tours—nine of which TWU has conducted previously—serve as a symbol of shared values: fostering education, promoting athletic excellence, and cultivating international friendship. “Education and sport are universal languages,” said Dr. Laird. “Through both, we have a valuable opportunity to promote goodwill, deepen partnerships, and inspire the next generation of leaders.”
Building bridges through education and sport
Together, TWU’s contributions at the Can-Achieve Conference and the Spartans’ goodwill tour reflect the University’s vision as a global Christian institution dedicated to equipping graduates for life. Through these initiatives, the University continues to expand its outreach and strengthen pathways for students from around the world to access a faith-based education at TWU.
About TWU GLOBAL
GLOBAL connects TWU with the world through innovative programming, cross-institutional relationships, and a commitment to providing quality university education worldwide. GLOBAL has also developed rich and meaningful relationships with many education agents overseas who help promote TWU as a top university choice to international students. Learn more at TWU GLOBAL.
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is a global Christian liberal arts university dedicated to equipping students for life. Uniting faith and reason through Christian teaching and scholarship, TWU is a research institution offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in the humanities and sciences as well as in several professional schools. It has campuses in Canada in Langley, Richmond, and Ottawa. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Instagram @trinitywestern, Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn. For media inquiries, please contact: media@twu.ca.