In 2026, student decision-making across Southeast Asia continues to evolve rapidly and institutions competing in an increasingly complex global landscape need a clearer understanding of what matters most to students today. Focusing on Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, this session shares fresh insights and case studies from Illume Student Advisory Services’ teams on the ground, who work directly with students and families every day.

Drawing on real conversations and emerging behavioural trends, we will unpack how students are weighing cost, post-study work pathways, safety, institutional reputation, and program relevance, and how these priorities have shifted since 2025. The session will highlight where traditional assumptions no longer hold true and where institutions must adapt to remain competitive.

Through practical examples, this session will showcase how universities are refining their messaging, digital outreach, partnership strategies, and value propositions to better reflect what students in the region care about. Participants will leave with actionable insights for recruitment, marketing, and communications teams looking to strengthen their approach in Southeast Asia.