Reimagining Education : Fireside Chat with Trailblazing UWC Principals

Join us at our fireside chat with two esteemed trailblazing UWC principals: Dr. Spencer A. Fowler, who recently joined UWC LPC in Hong Kong, and Mr. Naheed Bardai, who is the Principal of UWC Atlantic and a Teachers College alum.

Dr. Fowler's approach to education is centered around breaking the rigid mould of standardised education and embracing bespoke, student-centric curricula. His innovative ideas and dedication to empowering students have garnered recognition from prestigious institutions such as Harvard University, the Colombian Ministry of Education, and the Jordanian Ministry of Education. Notably, he initiated China's first access scholarship, enabling high school students from war-torn regions to pursue their education at China's premier academic institution.

TC alumni Mr. Naheed Bardai, who is the Principal of UWC Atlantic, will also be sharing with us his vision to transform education. “UWC Atlantic has a vision to Transform Education just as we did over 60 years ago when we founded the United World Colleges movement to make education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future.”  UWC has pioneered a new Systems Transformative Pathway under the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma program that replaces two standard level subjects with a course that equip students to go beyond treating symptoms to advance transformative change at a systems level.  

United World College (UWC)'s mission is to inspire young people to put their talents and energy into driving change around the world, no matter which future path they choose. There are 18 UWCs across the world, forming a strong community of students and alumni who are making an impact in the world. 

Event Details: 

Date & Time: Wed, May 29, 2024 6 - 8 pm (Panel starts at 6:30pm)

Location: The Hong Kong Club, Victoria Suite, 1 Jackson Road, Central

Price: Drinks and Snacks is included

• CUAAHK Member, TC Alumni, Educators : HK$100
• Non-member : HK$150

Dress Code: Business Smart (No Jeans, T-shirts, tracksuits, shorts, shoes for sports activities)

RSVP: Please register here

Capacity: 60

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Speaker Bios

Mr. Neheed Bardai 

Naheed assumed the role of Head of UWC Atlantic in August 2021.  As an educational leader, Naheed believes that education is a deeply moral endeavour, and the exercise of leadership demands a thoughtful ethical foundation: his rests on the pillars of pluralism, integrity, generosity, and trust.  

Over his educational career, Naheed has had the privilege of working in two prior schools: most recently as the Head of Upper School at Upper Canada College in Toronto, Canada for six years and at the Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa in Kenya serving as Dean of Students and Principal of the Senior School over a 10-year period.  

Naheed holds a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from the Western University in Canada, a Bachelor Degree in Education from the University of British Columbia in Canada, a Masters of Arts from the Institute of Education, University College London in the UK and a Masters of Educational Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University in the United States.

Dr. Spencer A. Fowler

Dr. Spencer A. Fowler, esteemed Principal at Li Po Chun United World College of Hong Kong, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the realm of education. With a distinguished career spanning two decades, he has made significant contributions to education across various countries, including Canada, Chile, China, Egypt, Germany, Spain, South Africa, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Previously serving as the Vice President and Deputy Head of College: Education and Learning at Lester B. Pearson United World College of the Pacific, as well as the CEO and Superintendent of The Affiliated High School of Peking University's Dalton Academy in Beijing and Haikou Hainan, Dr. Fowler has demonstrated exceptional leadership capabilities and a commitment to educational innovation.

Dr. Fowler's academic accomplishments include a BA (Hons) and BEd from Queen's University, an MEd from the College of New Jersey, and an EdD from Western University. He is a member of the Ontario College of Teachers and holds certifications including Principal Certification, Educational Leadership Certificate, and a Manitoba Teacher Certification. Dr. Fowler has contributed to the field of education through his publications, including his 2019 dissertation on "Chinese Public Education and Global Social Justice: The Organizational Challenges of Initiating an Access Scholarship in a Chinese Public School." He has also authored a book chapter titled "Chinese Public Education and Social Justice" in Griffiths, Lowrey, and Cassar's "The Leader Reader: Narratives of Experiences." In 2022, his work titled "Keys to the Kingdom" was featured in Ting, Song Chen, and Prendergast's "International Education Leadership: Stories From Across the Globe."

Dr. Fowler's remarkable achievements and dedication to transforming education make him an invaluable asset to the educational community. Through his leadership and innovative approaches, he drives positive change and empowers students to reach their full potential, creating a brighter future for education worldwide.