We speak to Professor Sibrandes Poppema, the President of Sunway University, to discuss a pivotal year for the university as it hosts its third major academic gathering of 2024, the AppliedHE Xchange - Recognising Excellence, Diversity and Impact. This event follows the Planetary Health Summit, and Times Higher Education Asia Universities Summit, reinforcing Malaysia's prominence on the global education map. Together, we'll explore how hosting such high-profile summits helps advance Malaysia’s standing as an education hub, the impact of global and regional rankings on Sunway’s strategy, and its commitment to lifelong learning and diversity in higher education. Professor Poppema will also share insights into what sets the AppliedHE Xchange apart and how it aims to foster inclusivity, collaboration, and innovation across Southeast Asia’s higher education landscape.