Two new studies signal changing international higher‑education dynamics: an Australia‑based survey shows public concern about university ties with China has eased since the pandemic, even as doubts about free‐speech resilience persist; meanwhile INSEAD’s Global Talent Competitiveness Index ranks Singapore top for the first time, highlighting national investments in adaptive education and AI literacy. The Australian survey suggests a nuanced public calculus that separates scientific collaboration from geopolitical risk; the GTCI underlines that national talent competitiveness now depends on education system adaptability and AI skills. University international‑engagement and recruitment teams should recalibrate partnership risk assessments and emphasize cross‑border talent pipelines and skills‑based offerings as countries jockey for intellectual capital.