WACE World Conference 2025 - Keynote Speakers |
Hervé Jean-Marie Marchet
Topic: The Next Generation Campus: A Student-Centric Approach & The Future of AI in Education Herve is a leader in education transformation, driving the adoption of Amazon Web Services in the MEA region to enhance service delivery through technology. With over a decade of entrepreneurial experience, he co-founded and led start-ups in Technology, EdTech, and AI, gaining deep insights into the intersection of education and innovation. As Group CTO of GEMS Education, he played a key role in advancing K-12 learning. Previously, he spent 12 years at Apple as EMEA Education Director, overseeing a $2 billion education business. His early career included leadership roles at Packard Bell NEC and Zenith Data Systems, honing his expertise in operations, sales, and marketing. Holding an Executive MBA from HEC, one of Europe’s top business schools, Herve is a recognized thought leader in integrating technology into education, leveraging his vast experience to shape the future of learning. |
Melissa (Mel) Gee Kee Topic: “Reimagining Careers - ‘Shape your own adventure’ “ Melissa Gee Kee (Mel) is a seasoned HR leader with over 21 years of experience across consulting and in-house roles in both startups and large corporations. She has worked and lived across the globe, including Japan, the UK, the US, Southeast Asia, Turkey, Iran, and Central Asia, and recently relocated to the Netherlands for her role in Unilever Ice Cream Division. After earning a degree in Business with majors in HR Management and Organizational Communication from Queensland University of Technology, Mel began her career in retail before moving to Japan, where she worked in corporate training and HR consultancy, including a secondment to Microsoft. She later co-founded an HR consultancy startup. Since joining Unilever in 2008, Mel has led initiatives in learning, talent, and leadership development, pioneering award-winning digital selection processes and Inner Mobility Flex. She also served as Global HR Strategy Director, shaping Unilever’s HR agenda and transformation globally. |
Aslı ACI Topic: Sector on Campus Program Aslı completed her undergraduate studies in Industrial Engineering and earned her graduate degree in Management Information Systems from Gazi University. Since May 2024, she has been leading the “Sector on Campus Program” within the Technology Education Department of the General Directorate of National Technology at the Ministry of Industry and Technology Turkeye . In this role, she oversees initiatives that strengthen collaboration between academia and industry, with a focus on technological innovation and workforce development. Previously, Aslı served as a Senior Scientific Programs Specialist at TÜBİTAK, where she contributed to key science and technology policies, strategic plans, and support programs. She played a vital role in initiatives such as the Science and Technology High Council and the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy. Additionally, she was involved in quality assessment and stakeholder satisfaction frameworks, ensuring alignment with national science and technology policies across multiple TÜBİTAK units. |
![]() | Emre ÖNAL Topic: Sector on Campus Program Emre is a dynamic professional with a strong foundation in mathematics, holding a Bachelor's degree from Bilkent University. He currently serves as an expert at the Ministry of Industry and Technology, Turkeye where he leads the "Sector on Campus" initiative. This program fosters collaboration between academia and industry by integrating cutting-edge technological advancements into academic curricula. With over a decade of diverse experience, Emre has excelled in roles spanning scientific program management, revenue analysis, and project consulting. Prior to his current role, he spent eight years at Turkish Airlines, where he advanced through various positions, including Senior Revenue Management Analyst. His responsibilities included market analysis, pricing strategy development, and revenue optimization across multiple international markets. His extensive experience in both public and private sectors equips him with a well-rounded perspective on technology, business strategy, and industry-academic collaboration. |
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Click here for information on the 2025 Awards opportunities and nominations.
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Below you will find a list of the presentations for the 2025 program that have been accepted thus far. Full Conference program to be released shortly.
Accepted Interactive Workshops:
Accepted Round Table Discussions: