Manila, Philippines – 24–25 July 2025
Higher education leaders from across Southeast Asia convened in Manila for two high-level ASEAN University Network (AUN) meetings: the 16th AUN Rectors’ Meeting and the 40th AUN Board of Trustees (BOT) Meeting. Held on 24 and 25 July respectively, these gatherings reaffirmed the network’s commitment to fostering impactful collaboration and strategic leadership in the evolving global education landscape.
Co-hosted by De La Salle University and the University of the Philippines, the events were held at the Diamond Hotel Manila under the shared theme: “From Networks to Impact: The Future of Global Higher Education.”
The meeting was attended by 18 Board members and 67 officers and resource persons from AUN Member Universities. Among the distinguished participants were representatives from Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI), serving as Chair of the AUN Board of Trustees, along with the Vice President for the Asia-Pacific region, delegates from the ASEAN Secretariat, and SOM-ED. Universitas Indonesia was represented by Prof. Ir. Mahmud Sudibandriyo, M.Sc., Ph.D., Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs, and Fadhilah Muslim, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., DIC, Director for Internationalization of Education.
16th AUN Rectors’ Meeting: From Vision to Collective Action
Opening on 24 July, the Rectors’ Meeting brought together university presidents, rectors, and vice-chancellors from AUN member institutions for a full day of dialogue and strategic exchange. Welcome remarks were delivered by Br. Bernard Oca, FSC, President of De La Salle University, and Atty. Angelo A. Jimenez, President of the University of the Philippines. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanapan Laiprakobsup, Acting Executive Director of AUN, set the tone with a call for universities to take bold, collective action in addressing regional and global challenges.
Driving Societal Transformation through Alliances
The first plenary session, “Transforming Societies: Universities Driving Impact Through Multilateral Alliances,” showcased how institutions across ASEAN are leveraging partnerships to create tangible social change. Speakers included leaders from Singapore Management University, Chulalongkorn University, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, and Times Higher Education, who highlighted case studies and successful models of regional engagement.
Reimagining the Global Role of Universities
In the second session, “Reimagining the Role of Universities in Global Problem-Solving,” panelists discussed the need for universities to be agile and inclusive as they address climate change, inequality, and digital transformation. Contributions from University Putra Malaysia, Institut Teknologi Bandung, and National University of Singapore were joined by an international perspective from Mr. Enrico Letta, former Prime Minister of Italy and Dean at the IE School of Global Affairs.
The session continued into the afternoon with a forward-thinking dialogue on Anticipatory Leadership, moderated by Dr. Marga Gual Soler of Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA). Discussions emphasized the need for higher education institutions to anticipate and adapt to future scientific and technological developments.
Strengthening the AUN Ecosystem
The closed session in the afternoon addressed key governance topics, including updates on AUN’s strategic initiatives such as youth engagement, digital transformation, quality assurance, and the proposal for a new thematic network focused on Agriculture and Food Security (AUN-AFS). The session also formally recognized the leadership and term conclusion of former AUN Executive Director Dr. Choltis Dhirathiti.
40th AUN Board of Trustees Meeting: Governance and Strategic Alignment
The following day, 25 July, the 40th AUN Board of Trustees Meeting gathered key decision-makers to review progress and make crucial appointments and approvals that will shape the network’s future direction.
Chaired by Prof. Dr. Supachai Pathumnakul, Permanent Secretary of Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, the meeting opened with remarks from the co-host universities and proceeded to address formal agenda items ranging from organizational updates to policy alignment.
Leadership Transitions and Policy Updates
A significant highlight was the appointment of a new AUN Executive Director, alongside the nomination of Deputy Executive Directors, signaling a generational renewal within the AUN leadership. The BOT also acknowledged several leadership transitions within member universities and discussed updates to the AUN Charter to reflect the network’s evolving goals.
Reinforcing Strategic Priorities
Board members reviewed comprehensive reports on AUN’s thematic networks and flagship programs, including:
The meeting also approved the proposed Guidelines for AUN-QA Assessors Version 3.0 and endorsed hosting plans for key AUN programs through 2029.
A Unified Regional Vision
Across both meetings, participants echoed a shared vision: that ASEAN universities must evolve from being members of a network to drivers of impact. The Manila sessions concluded with an official dinner hosted by Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, celebrating milestones achieved and reaffirming regional solidarity.
Looking ahead, AUN’s strategic focus will continue to center on inclusive innovation, academic mobility, and sustainable development, as the network strengthens its role not just in the ASEAN region, but on the global stage.
