David Edwards

Director General, NEOM ERI | Reimagining education through the world’s first ‘cradle-to-grave’ model of learning | Co-creating EC12 to Higher Education to Vocational Learning | Board Member | Strategic Advisor

Saudi Arabia

About

I believe education is the most important industry in the world. It is the foundation of human progress, the force that shapes individuals, families, communities, and societies. Without education, there is no advancement, no innovation, no future. This belief has defined my entire life and career. From three decades of experience across Australia, South-East Asia, Mainland China, and now the Middle East, I have dedicated myself to one mission: to reimagine education and to build systems that make every child brilliant and every school outstanding. The Core of My Work At the core of my belief is that education must be redesigned for the world we live in and the future we are entering. Incremental reform is not enough. The challenges we face, technological disruption, social inequality, environmental pressures, demand bold, systemic change. Education should not be stuck in outdated models of the past, it must anticipate, prepare and act for the needs of tomorrow. This belief has been fundamental to my career journey. From revitalising established but stale schools, to launching large-scale start-up institutions, to aligning investment to projects-of-purpose, the experience of taking strategy to successful execution is at the heart of my track-record. Why I Do This Education is a generational responsibility. An 11 year-old is only 11 once. Every delay in reform means lost opportunities that cannot be regained. At the heart of it all, I hold one simple belief: No matter who you are or where you are, you have the right to high-quality education. Every child deserves educators who care deeply, schools that inspire, and opportunities that prepare them for the now, next and later of their life. As a global leader, my role is to bring together teams to challenge, inspire and develop what comes next in education. We commit our lives to this in the knowledge that the future of education is the future of humanity itself.

Experience

  • Director General: Education, Research and Innovation (ERI) at NEOM

    As the Director General of Education, Research and Innovation at NEOM, I lead the EC12 team, driving initiatives to redefine education for the future. The NEOM Education, Research and Innovation (ERI) sector is a world-class hub that inspires and empowers the best minds: technology to better the world, innovation through the lab of the future, and lifelong personalized development. We are shaping a new paradigm in education that prioritizes equity, creativity, and lifelong learning, ensuring that our students are equipped to contribute to NEOM's vision of a thriving, future-ready society.

  • Board I Advisor- Strategy and Project Development at ISA International Education Group

  • Founding Head of School at ISA International Education Group

    Worked with a diverse start-up team to lead the planning, launch and development of this premium US$160 million flagship international school project in the Greater Bay region of China.

  • Acting Head of School/ CEO at GEMS Education

    Lead the many teams driving the development of GEMS World Academy (Singapore) as the premier international school providing outstanding Pre-K to Grade 12 learning opportunities.

  • Founding Education Principal at GEMS Education

    Founding Educational Principal, working in conjunction with the CEO/ Head of School and the Education Leadership Team, in the development and highly successful launch of GEMS World Academy- Singapore, a premier international school providing superior education Pre K to Grade 12.

  • Head of Campus at Wesley College

    Support and lead the ongoing delivery of exceptional IB PYP, MYP, DP and Australian education, to a diverse student community of 1600 students, guided by a highly committed staff of 342, at this prominent 153 year old campus.

  • Vice President- Project Development at ISA International Education Group

  • Head of School/ CEO at GEMS Education

    Leading passionate educators and dedicated functional support teams in the ongoing development of GEMS World Academy (Singapore) as the premier Pre-K to Grade 12 international school, renowned for its' commitment to innovative learning opportunities for students, parents and staff.

  • Head Of School at The Western International School of Shanghai