The digital divide refers to the gap between those with access to digital technologies and those without access, significantly impacting equity in higher education. The COVID‐19 pandemic has highlighted the impact of the digital divide on equity in higher education, particularly limiting students' access to resources, opportunities, and support systems, ultimately affecting their academic performance and success. With access to the necessary digital technologies and resources, students can keep up with their coursework and experience more significant educational outcomes disparities. Addressing the digital divide is crucial in promoting equity in higher education, especially during these unprecedented times. Hence, the panel discussion will discuss the digital divide from the perspectives of academics, practitioners, and government. The government representatives will discuss policies and initiatives to bridge the digital disparity among disadvantaged students in higher education. Meanwhile, academicians will focus on the obstacles faced by disadvantaged students in higher education when utilising digital learning. Lastly, practitioners focus on the digital divide impact and implementations.

In higher education, talent and employability are crucial factors to take into account for equity recovery. Talent in higher education typically describes a student's intrinsic skills or aptitudes. These skills might be intellectual, like mathematics or linguistics skills, or they can be non‐ intellectual, like creativity, leadership, or social skills. On the other hand, employability refers to a person's capacity to accept and keep a job in a specific sector or business. It includes communication, problem‐solving, teamwork, and technical skills. In this sense, the government representative will discuss the policy and initiatives to provide   disadvantaged students with better employment opportunities. While academicians will discuss the cultivation of talent and employability challenges among disadvantaged students in higher education. Lastly, the practitioner will discuss ways to invoke skills and talent among disadvantaged undergraduates and the availability of opportunities.

Financial and socioeconomic status can have a significant impact on academic success and access to higher education. Students from low‐income families or disadvantaged backgrounds may face financial challenges such as high tuition fees, a lack of financial aid, and additional expenses such as textbooks and housing. As a result, they may find it difficult to pursue their higher education or may need to work multiple jobs to make ends meet. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds may face social and  cultural barriers in addition to financial barriers, such as a lack of academic preparation, limited access to educational resources, and limited exposure to college culture and expectations. Hence, the panel discussion with the government representative will discuss the policy and monetary initiatives to support disadvantaged students’ education. The academia will share about the aid available for disadvantaged students in terms of funding, fees, resources, and others. While the practitioner representative will discuss funding/scholarships to help disadvantaged students in higher education

Higher education teaching and learning policies and practices have a significant impact on the quality of education and students' academic success. Curriculum Design, Teaching Methods, Assessment and Evaluation, Technology Integration, and Inclusive Practices are some common policies and practices. Effective teaching and learning policies and practices can boost educational quality and student success in higher education. Hence, the panel discussion will discuss the digital divide from the perspective of academics, and the government representative will discuss the policy on inclusiveness practices aligned with equity recovery in post-pandemic higher education. The academician will discuss the challenges in teaching and learning practices in line to post-pandemic among disadvantaged students. Meanwhile, practitioners will discuss   equal access for disadvantaged students to gain opportunities to learn in higher education.