Prof. Kanshukan Rajaratnam defined AI at the SU International Staff Training Week as the replication of human thinking through computational systems, emphasizing that while these tools are efficient at predicting data, they lack human logic and situational context. PASS Staff engaged in hands-on exercises, such as generating professional biographies, which revealed that while AI can boost efficiency and simplify complex information, it often produces generic or inaccurate content that requires human "piloting" and responsibility. The sessions highlighted that AI struggles with cultural nuances and carries inherent data biases, prompting a call for internationalisation practitioners to use the tools critically to ensure they don't replace human judgement or compromise data privacy.

Stellenbosch University International (SUI) hosted 22 PASS staff from 11 different countries for a week of reflection, exchange, and "internationalisation without leaving campus". Under the theme of "Strengthening Internationalisation Practice in a Data-Informed and AI-Supported University," participants explored the ethical use of AI, the foundations of Big Data, and how digital communication reshapes intercultural understanding. Through sessions on professional identity and hands-on job shadowing, staff examined their roles as "internationalisation facilitators and practioners" while testing new tools and practices to improve institutional efficiency and impact.

Built on "personal chemistry" and mutual respect, the partnership between SU and Coventry has evolved from a simple agreement into a deeply rooted community of researchers and administrators who view each other as equal global partners. The collaboration prioritizes high-impact, real-world research — such as the joint PhD program — over sheer volume, ensuring that academic work translates into tangible societal benefits and innovative spin-out companies. Both universities have pledged increased funding to scale their joint efforts, moving toward a "bold" next decade focused on transdisciplinary problem-solving, staff mobility, and investing in the next generation of scholars.

The integration of SU International into the Research and Innovation portfolio ensures that global partnerships are directly aligned with the university’s core research and strategic goals. SU is prioritizing equitable, co-created collaborations that remain rooted in the African context while addressing global challenges through shared knowledge and capacity building. The focus remains on high-impact research, staff and student mobility, and ensuring that academic innovation translates into tangible societal and economic value.

Three Stellenbosch University researchers joined an international cohort and expert faculty at Venice International University (VIU), Italy, to master the strategies and confidence needed for effective science communication. Through intensive workshops in storytelling and public speaking, participants practiced translating complex research into accessible narratives, receiving immediate feedback from global peers. The program helped researchers shift their mindset, viewing communication not as an afterthought, but as an essential, integrated part of the scientific research process.

Students and staff from Stellenbosch University, led by Dr Claire Walker, visited Linnaeus University in Sweden to explore international perspectives on sport education and management. The visit highlighted the Swedish concept of idrott, which prioritizes lifelong physical activity and community-based clubs over the competitive, school-centric sports models often found elsewhere. The experience served as a transformative platform for participants, fostering cultural competence and professional growth by challenging traditional views on how sport can be structured and coached.

Discussions at SIAN 2026 emphasized that internationalisation is no longer just about mobility, but about creating inclusive communities where every student feels seen and heard. A key focus of the program was empowering staff across all levels to become practitioners who carry global and intercultural perspectives into their daily work. Shifting Toward Intentional Partnerships: The network explored a move away from broad agreements toward focused, reciprocal relationships that prioritize trust and strategic alignment over high volumes of activity.

As part of the SIAN 2026 programme, the workshop explored the tension between scientific empiricism and diplomatic storytelling. While science speaks through data, diplomacy is driven by how issues are framed, raising the critical question: "Who owns the narrative? A major point of discussion was the exclusion of the Global South from the tools that shape global policy. Because most climate and sustainability models are developed in the Global North, the specific needs and strategic potential of Africa are often overlooked in international negotiations. Beyond generating knowledge, universities were highlighted as essential diplomatic actors that build cross-border networks. Science diplomacy was framed as a way to sustain relationships of trust and mutual respect that outlast political cycles and drive long-term change.

The 22nd annual SIAN meeting brought together 70 representatives from more than 40 institutions across 23 countries to reflect on the future of international collaboration in a rapidly changing world. Guided by the theme In Africa, with Africa, for Africa, the university reaffirmed its commitment to the continent, framing these partnerships as essential for addressing regional challenges and serving society. Leadership emphasized that true internationalisation is defined by "genuine exchange" and mutual respect rather than just funding or data, moving away from one-sided models toward collaborative learning.

The Unit for International Credentialling at Stellenbosch University (SU-UIC) has officially supported the release of results from the first-ever Lesotho Advanced Secondary Certificate (LASC) pilot. This new qualification is designed to bridge the gap between secondary school and degree-level university studies. To ensure the qualification meets international standards, the SU-UIC managed a comprehensive oversight process. This included moderating 18 exam papers, verifying marking and registration data, and deploying a task team to monitor the grading of the six core subjects (spanning sciences and languages). Despite the challenges of being the first cohort, 26 learners from six schools completed the pilot in the science stream. On January 19, 2026, the Minister of Education and Training announced that 58.9% of these learners achieved grades in the A-E band, signaling a "fair, reliable, and valid" start for the new certificate.