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Sehajdeep Kaur, a first-year student at Polaris School of Technology, has bagged the Best Speaker Award at the Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations (HPAIR) Asia Conference 2026, held in Vietnam. Sehajdeep was chosen as a delegate for the international conference and represented the next generation of student leaders in discussions on global policy, technology, leadership, and international relations. Her success was part of a Dynamic Policy Simulation focused on Southeast Asia’s role in the global semiconductor industry, where she was lauded for her strategic thinking, negotiation skills, and communication abilities.
The recognition is a major milestone in Sehajdeep’s journey from a student who was afraid of public speaking to an award-winning speaker at an international conference. It also points out that the Polaris School of Technology inspires students to seek opportunities outside of a traditional computer science education, so they can build technical knowledge, as well as leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Sehajdeep Kaur Selected for HPAIR Asia Conference 2026 in Hanoi, Vietnam
Sehajdeep Kaur, a first-year Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence student at Polaris School of Technology, was selected as a delegate for the HPAIR Asia Conference 2026 in Hanoi, Vietnam. The conference brings together students, young professionals, researchers, and emerging leaders from different countries to exchange ideas on global challenges and future opportunities.
The Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations (HPAIR) is a student-run organisation founded in 1991 by Harvard students. Over the years, it has connected more than 40,000 delegates through conferences focused on international relations, leadership, business, technology and public policy.
| Particulars | Details |
| Conference | HPAIR Asia Conference 2026 (ACONF 2026) |
| Organising Body | Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations |
| Location | Hanoi, Vietnam |
| Student Delegate | Sehajdeep Kaur |
| Institution | Polaris School of Technology |
| Academic Background | Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence |
| Recognition | Best Speaker Award |
| Award Category | Dynamic Policy Simulation |
| Simulation Topic | Southeast Asia in the Global Chip War: Strategic Autonomy and Security Implications |
Polaris Student Sehajdeep Kaur Wins Best Speaker Award at HPAIR 2026
One of the major milestones achieved by Sehajdeep Kaur in her contribution at the HPAIR Asia Conference 2026 was winning the Best Speaker Award in the Dynamic Policy Simulation, which focused on “Southeast Asia in the Global Chip War: Strategic Autonomy and Security Implications.”
In this simulation, the role played by Southeast Asia in the semiconductor industry of the world was explored, especially when it came to competition, technology independence, and national security. The participants were supposed to analyze complex geopolitical problems, understand different national and economic interests, and put forward their own perspectives and negotiations about policy solutions.
It is Sehajdeep’s strategic thinking, negotiating skills, and overall performance that set her apart from others in the simulation, resulting in her being awarded the Best Speaker.
From Stage Fear to Best Speaker: Sehajdeep Kaur’s Inspiring Journey
For Sehajdeep Kaur, winning the Best Speaker Award was more than just being awarded at an international conference. It was the product of years of dealing with stage fright, debating and attending Model United Nations (MUN) events, and slowly but surely gaining confidence in public speaking. She shared:
“I used to be afraid of the stage. Now, I’ve been awarded Best Speaker at the Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations (HPAIR) Asia Conference in Hanoi.”
Her journey began with one simple goal: to be comfortable speaking in front of others. As she continued giving speeches, debating, making mistakes and getting fresh chances, her confidence grew.
Sehajdeep Kaur’s Experience at HPAIR Asia Conference 2026
Sehajdeep bagged the Best Speaker Award and her HPAIR experience was about ten days of learning, sharing ideas and networking with people from different countries and academic disciplines.
She had a background in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, and found herself working with participants studying advanced subjects like International Relations and Gender Economics. These discussions taught her about different approaches to global challenges, and the importance of interdisciplinary learning.
Learning About Leadership, AI and Career Uncertainty from Dennis Chua
At the conference, Sehajdeep joined a talk conducted by Dennis Chua entitled “Leadership, Succession and AI.” The presentation delved into the issues of leadership and the evolving working environment due to the presence of artificial intelligence.
After the talk, she managed to have a chat with Dennis Chua regarding career decisions and uncertainties. This experience helped her understand that career paths may be far from being clear and easy. From the standpoint of a student starting a career in the field of technology, this was quite an interesting lesson.
Understanding Technology, Investment and Policy with Vinnie Lauria
Another memorable event for her included attending the session conducted by Vinnie Lauria on “Power, Platforms and Policy: Investment in Southeast Asia’s Future”.
The session revolved around how technology, investments, and policies can mold the future of Southeast Asia. Sehajdeep got a chance to ask questions to Vinnie Lauria after the session ended. Coming from the Computer Science background, Sehajdeep found the views of Vinnie Lauria about artificial intelligence and technical value very interesting.
How Polaris School of Technology Encourages Learning Beyond the Classroom
Sehajdeep Kaur’s achievements at HPAIR Asia Conference 2026 demonstrate the value of providing engineering students the chance to develop beyond their technical education.
At Polaris School of Technology, education is based on practical learning, exposure to the real world and building skills that are relevant to the growing tech industry. Computer science education provides students with knowledge in programming, artificial intelligence and technical issues though participation in events like international conferences enables them to discover other areas of development.
- Leadership and communication skills: Engage in dialogue, express your ideas and communicate with people from all around the world.
- Critical thinking: Evaluate the problems related to the use of technology and economic and international politics.
- International exposure: Meet students, researchers and professionals from different countries.
- Interdisciplinary studies: Understand the links between computer science and artificial intelligence and the rest of fields like business and international politics.
- Confidence through experience: Engage in an environment that helps you think independently and grow as a person.
Why Sehajdeep Kaur’s HPAIR Achievement Matters for Aspiring Engineers
The skills future engineers will need are growing as artificial intelligence transforms industries and professions. Technical skill is still important, but communication, teamwork, flexibility and the ability to understand complex real-world problems are becoming more valuable.
Sehajdeep Kaur’s journey is an example of how students can explore these abilities while pursuing their engineering. What’s particularly meaningful is that she was recognised at HPAIR because it was a policy simulation, not a traditional coding or tech competition. It demonstrates that a Computer Science and AI student can also be good at discussions on international relations, semiconductor policy and geopolitical strategy.
A Proud Moment for Polaris School of Technology
Polaris School of Technology is proud to announce that Sehajdeep Kaur has been selected for HPAIR Asia Conference 2026 and has won the Best Speaker Award.
She was chosen to attend an international conference and was recognised for her excellent work in a demanding policy simulation, and her trip has been one of persistent effort, inquisitiveness and an eagerness to find herself in unknown environments. Her experience also fits well with Polaris School of Technology’s mission to help students connect classroom learning with real-world experiences.
For Polaris School of Technology, Sehajdeep’s success is the kind of student development that goes beyond academia, blending technical education with curiosity, leadership and global exposure.