The 5^th International Problem-Based Learning Symposium 2017 (5^th IPBLS2017) focuses on the emergent challenges and opportunities in the future of skills.The rise of smart technology, the global economy and an increasingly connected world collectively create unprecedented disruptions to what it means to stay relevant and competitive. Educational institutions and industry organisations must work in close partnership with policymakers to deepen the conversation on the skills learners require through harnessing the appropriate technological and human resources to develop those skills. 

To that end, the 5^th IPBLS2017 invites a community of professionals from education and industry to deliberate on strategies for meeting the challenges of the future. We believe that PBL and other inquiry-based approaches to learning are well-suited for enhancing sense-making, adaptive and collaborative learning skills. In doing so, we are better positioned to remain responsive to the demands of an increasingly fast-changing and complex work environment.