BGI Group proudly sponsored the "2025 International Institute of Online Education (IIOE) Higher Education Digitalisation Pioneer Case Award" (Pioneer Award), held on September 2 at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore. This prestigious event, organized by the International Centre for Higher Education Innovation under the auspices of UNESCO (UNESCO-ICHEI), brought together over 2,000 attendees from more than 30 countries. Participants included representatives from universities, enterprises, and international organizations, all united to celebrate outstanding contributions to the digital transformation of education.
The "2025 International Institute of Online Education (IIOE) Higher Education Digitalisation Pioneer Case Award" winners on stage. (Credit: UNESCO-ICHEI)
Themed "IIOE Ecosystem-driven Promising Practices: Empowering Workforce, Innovation, and Collaboration", the 2025 Pioneer Award attracted 95 applications from 29 countries, including 48 higher education institutions and 13 enterprise partners. Ultimately, 22 outstanding cases were selected, showcasing groundbreaking efforts in areas such as teacher empowerment, curriculum innovation, and digital infrastructure development across the Global South.
The Pioneer Award is more than a recognition of excellence—it serves as a platform to unite international organizations, higher education institutions, and enterprises to accelerate the global practice of education digitalization. Professor Jin Li, Director of UNESCO-ICHEI and Vice President of the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), highlighted the importance of collaboration, stating, "The link between sustainable development and education is becoming increasingly evident. Only through open dialogue and collaborative action can we work together to explore thoughtful and forward-looking solutions."
Dr. Xiao Minfeng, Executive Dean of BGI College and Special Scientist at BGI-Research, delivered a speech on behalf of the title sponsor. (Credit: UNESCO-ICHEI)
Dr. Xiao Minfeng, Executive Dean of BGI College and Special Scientist at BGI-Research, delivered a speech during the ceremony, reaffirming BGI Group’s dedication to advancing global education equity and digital empowerment. In her address, Dr. Xiao emphasized, "The digital transformation of education isn't just about technology—it's about unlocking human potential. BGI College offer a partnership built on practical solutions. By co-creating educational content with local expertise, co-building sequencing and bioinformatics centers, and co-seeking grants to amplify impact, we strive to empower educators and institutions to achieve sustainable and transformative educational outcomes."
BGI College has been a cornerstone of BGI Group’s efforts to integrate cutting-edge science with education. Over the years, it has provided state-of-the-art digital infrastructure, comprehensive teacher training, and curriculum support to universities worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Since its establishment, BGI College has co-created digital courses and credentials in health and biology tailored to the needs of specific regions, ensuring that educational content is both relevant and impactful.
BGI College has significantly contributed to international training programs. Since 2018, it has organized 12 aid-based training programs, reaching 327 participants from various countries. This includes the innovative African public health laboratory training program, which brought together 36 participants from 26 African nations, directly supporting the establishment of the African trans-infectious microbiome alliance and advancing global public health initiatives.
In December 2024, participants of the African Public Health Laboratory Training Program worked in the laboratory, mastering the latest diagnostic and genomic testing techniques through a practical, hands-on training module.
BGI Group’s active participation in the IIOE ecosystem reflects its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education). By equipping educators with the tools and skills needed to navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape, BGI aims to build a sustainable foundation for global education innovation.
"We envision a future where the brightest minds, regardless of location, have access to the most powerful research platforms. By working with UNESCO-ICHEI and IIOE partners, we are co-creating a sustainable ecosystem for education digitalization that fosters innovation, equity, and inclusivity," said Dr. Xiao.
BGI Group congratulates all the winners of the 2025 Pioneer Award for their outstanding contributions to education digitalization. As a long-term partner in global capacity-building, BGI remains committed to advancing equity, innovation, and collaboration in education. The group looks forward to continuing its work with UNESCO-ICHEI, IIOE partners, and other stakeholders to create a brighter, more inclusive future for education worldwide.