David Edwards

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

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 Education should not be stuck in outdated models of the past, it must anticipate, prepare and act for the needs of tomorrow.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.

Country

City

Saudi Arabia

Industry

Primary/Secondary Education

Skill

Corporate Finance, Operations Management, Start-up Ventures, Construction Management, Project Management, Commercialization, Strategy, Educational Leadership, Curriculum Development, Curriculum Design, Educational Technology, Lesson Planning, Classroom Management, Classroom, Teacher Training, Elementary Education, Differentiated Instruction, Technology Integration, Literacy, Curriculum Mapping

Experience

Director General: Education, Research and Innovation (ERI)

NEOM

2024-9 - Present · 2 yrs 1 mo

Tabuk, Saudi Arabia

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

ISA International Education Group

2022-8 - Present · 4 yrs 2 mos

Vice President- Project Development

ISA International Education Group

2021-12 - 2022-8 · 9 mos

Guangzhou, Guangdong, China

Founding Head of School

ISA International Education Group

2019-10 - 2022-8 · 2 yrs 11 mos

Guangzhou, Guangdong, China

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.

Head Of School

The Western International School of Shanghai

2022-8 - 2024-8 · 2 yrs 1 mo

Shanghai, China

Head of Campus

Wesley College

2017-7 - 2019-10 · 2 yrs 4 mos

Melbourne, Australia

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.

Head of School/ CEO

GEMS Education

2014-12 - 2017-6 · 2 yrs 7 mos

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.

Acting Head of School/ CEO

GEMS Education

2014-10 - 2014-12 · 3 mos

Singapore

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

GEMS Education

2013-11 - 2014-10 · 1 yr

Singapore

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.

IB Educator Network: School Evaluation Team Leader, MYP Consultant, Workshop Leader and Moderator

International Baccalaureate

2006-8 - 2016-7 · 10 yrs

Asia-Pacific

As a member of the IB Asia-Pacific Educator Network, provide support and guidance across a range of functions, for existing and developing IB MYP schools.

Middle School Principal

Overseas Family School

2005-8 - 2013-7 · 8 yrs

Singapore

Executive Board Member Academic Board Member Executive Officer- Overseas Education Limited (SGX Listed company) Largest three-programme IB School in the world

Grade 6-10 Curriculm Co-ordinator (MYP/IGCSE)

Overseas Family School

2005-8 - 2011-7 · 6 yrs

Singapore

Provided pedagogical leadership to the 200+ Middle and High School teachers IB MYP Coordinator Cambridge IGCSE Examinations Office Examination Board Member

Academic Board Member

City College, Singapore

2010-1 - 2012-12 · 3 yrs

Singapore

Provided guidance and support at Board level, as the College looked to explore the inclusion of international education standards and practices, within a local context. A boutique educational institution, with a strong core of social entrepreneurship driving all key stakeholders