ASEAN Initiatives
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional organization of ten countries in Southeast Asia. It was established in 1967 with the aim of promoting economic growth and regional stability. Since then, ASEAN has become an important forum for cooperation and dialogue in the region.
The Philippines has been a steadfast member of ASEAN, taking part in numerous initiatives that aim to ensure the organization‘s success and better the lives of all its member countries.
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) works with the ASEAN Secretariat to develop and implement strategies to promote regional cooperation in higher education. This includes promoting student mobility and academic exchanges between ASEAN countries, developing regional standards for higher education, and facilitating collaborative research and development projects.
In 1995, the signing of the AUN Charter by Ministers responsible for Higher Education from ASEAN countries, the Agreement on the Establishment of the AUN by the respective presidents, rectors, and vice chancellors of participating universities, and the formation of the AUN Board of Trustees created the ASEAN University Network. This initiative was formed to promote the fostering of ASEAN talents through collaboration between the region’s leading higher education institutions. Since then, the AUN has remained dedicated to this mission, being recognized as an important mechanism for building a respected ASEAN community in higher education.
In the Philippines, there are three AUN Core Member Universities – Ateneo De Manila University, De La Salle University, and University of the Philippines; and 23 Associate Member Universities – Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies, Philippines, Cagayan State University, Cebu Technological University, Centro Escolar University, Central Luzon State University, De la Salle – College of Saint Benilde, De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute, Holy Angel University, Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas, Mapua University, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, Notre Dame of Marbel University, University of St. La Salle, Far Eastern University, Technological Institute of the Philippines, Trinity University of Asia, University of East Manila, University of Immaculate Conception, University of San Jose – Receletos, University of Santo Tomas, University of Southeastern Philippines, Visayas State University, Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan
Every August. the Commission on Higher Education celebrates the ASEAN Month pursuant to Proclamation No. 282, August is declared as “ASEAN Month” in honor of the regional bloc’s founding on August 8, 1967.
This year, Indonesia is chairing ASEAN with the theme “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth” which highlights its vision for ASEAN as a beacon of peace and stability in the region in the midst of multidimensional challenges. Part of its chairmanship priorities is strengthening ASEAN through building a solid regional health structure, food and energy security, and financial stability. Furthermore, guided by its ASEAN 2045 vision, Indonesia hopes to strengthen ASEAN’s capacity to meet challenges in the coming 20 years. More information on Indonesia’s chairmanship theme and logo, priorities, activities, and other updates can be found at https://asean2023.id/en.
This initiative is part of the International Affairs Service’s (IAS) Building Internationalization competitiveness Program under its Promotion of Higher Education component. It responds to various commitments under the draft ASEAN Education Work Plan 2021-2025, such as promoting ASEAN awareness through the organization of education activities and events; and the ASEAN Plus Three Plan of Action on Education 2018-2025, such as cross-sectoral strategies on capacity-building, building of networks, and developing exchanges, among others.
