Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The Philippines made a significant impact at the ASEAN Universities Exhibition and Forum (AEF) 2025, held from 23 to 25  February 2025, at the Grand Lagoon Ballroom, Sunway Hotels & Resorts in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, showcasing the nation’s commitment to advancing higher education within the ASEAN region.

Leading a delegation of 18 Philippine Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs) and over 50 participants, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Commissioner Dr. Marita R. Canapi highlighted the Philippines’ dedication to fostering international partnerships and promoting student mobility.

Hosted by Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) and the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) of Malaysia under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship, AEF 2025 attracted an estimated 10,000 attendees, including ASEAN education officials, university leaders, policymakers, and industry experts. The forum served as a crucial platform for discussions on key aspects of ASEAN higher education, including student mobility, scholarship opportunities, and the strengthening of international partnerships.

The Philippine delegation’s presence at AEF 2025 was marked by notable achievements, particularly in the ASEAN Young Speaker Contest. Filipino students from Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology and National University – Dasmariñas demonstrated exceptional talent and eloquence, securing all three top positions in the competition, a testament to the high caliber of Filipino students.

The strong bilateral ties between Malaysia and the Philippines were further emphasized by the visit of Minister of Higher Education, Dato’ Seri DiRaja Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir, to the CHED booth. The minister’s visit underscored the shared commitment of both nations to enhancing educational collaboration and fostering mutual understanding.

Through its participation in AEF 2025, the Philippines aimed to achieve several key objectives:

• Showcase the achievements of PHEIs: Highlighting the progress made by Philippine universities in global partnerships and sustainability initiatives.
• Expand collaborations: Engaging with ASEAN universities, policymakers, and industry leaders to forge new partnerships and strengthen existing ones.
• Support ASEAN Higher Education Common Space initiatives: Contributing to the development of a unified and integrated higher education landscape within the ASEAN region.
• Strengthen the Philippines’ education agenda ahead of ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026: Utilizing the forum as a platform to solidify the nation’s strategic direction in regional education cooperation.

Dr. Canapi emphasized the importance of AEF 2025 in advancing the Philippines’ higher education goals. “This forum provides a valuable opportunity for us to connect with our ASEAN counterparts, share best practices, and explore new avenues for collaboration,” she stated. “We are committed to strengthening our partnerships within the region and contributing to the development of a vibrant and dynamic ASEAN higher education community.”

The Philippines’ successful participation in AEF 2025 reinforces its position as a key player in the ASEAN higher education landscape and sets the stage for further collaboration and innovation in the years to come, especially as the nation prepares to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026.