Universities under the ASEAN University Network (AUN) convened for the AUN Rectors’ Meeting and the AUN Board of Trustees Meeting at the Grand Hyatt Singapore on Jul. 23-24. The gathering brought together leaders of leading universities across Southeast Asia to discuss strategic priorities for strengthening higher education collaboration in the region.
During the meeting, UGM Rector, Professor Ova Emilia, served as the lead facilitator for a strategic workshop on Strategic Policies and Actionable Recommendations. The workshop focused on developing practical policy recommendations to strengthen student-centered leadership, enhance regional collaboration, and improve the global competitiveness of ASEAN higher education institutions.
“We formulated concrete policy recommendations to strengthen student-centered leadership, foster closer regional collaboration, and enhance the global competitiveness of ASEAN higher education institutions,” said Professor Ova Emilia on Wednesday (Jul. 29).
Over the two-day meeting, Professor Ova Emilia said university leaders discussed strategic issues, including digital transformation in higher education, quality assurance, student well-being, sustainability, human rights-based universities, inclusive campuses, artificial intelligence in education, research collaboration, and strengthening ASEAN’s global engagement.
In addition, the AUN Board of Trustees reviewed the latest developments at the AUN Secretariat, endorsed upcoming AUN programs, and considered proposals to establish new thematic networks to further strengthen regional collaboration.
According to Professor Ova Emilia, UGM’s active participation in the meeting reflects the university’s strategic commitment to shaping the future of higher education in Southeast Asia.
“Through its contributions to regional policy discussions and collaborative initiatives, UGM continues to strengthen its role as a leading university dedicated to academic excellence, innovation, sustainability, and impactful international partnerships,” she said.
Professor Ova Emilia added that the meetings are expected to strengthen ASEAN’s collective capacity to address evolving global challenges through stronger inter-university collaboration, student-centered education, and evidence-based policymaking.
“As an active member of the ASEAN University Network, UGM remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote inclusive, resilient, and globally connected higher education across the region,” she added.
Meanwhile, Professor Wening Udasmoro, UGM Vice Rector for Education and Teaching, was appointed rapporteur for the group discussions. She was responsible for synthesizing the outcomes into strategic recommendations presented during the plenary session.
“I also ensured that the diverse perspectives of participating universities were translated into concrete regional priorities for the ASEAN University Network,” said Professor Wening.
The UGM delegation was led by Rector Professor Ova Emilia and included Vice Rector Professor Wening Udasmoro, Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni Dr. Arie Sujito, and Head of the Office of International Affairs Dr. Tyas Ikhsan Hikmawan.
Author: Leony
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Zabrina Kumara
Photo: AUN Documentation