The ASEAN Universities Exhibition and Discussion board 2025 (AEF2025), held in Kuala Lumpur, introduced collectively regional stakeholders to reinforce greater schooling collaboration and foster significant partnerships.
Attendees had been addressed by Novie Tajuddin, CEO of Training Malaysia International Providers (EMGS), who strengthened Asia’s place as a rising contender set to problem the normal ‘large 4’ examine locations.
With over 90 exhibitors in attendance – together with from universities from Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, The Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Timor-Leste – Tajuddin pressured the significance of working collectively to make sure Asian establishments thrive on the world stage.
In January 2025, Malaysia took over the rotating ASEAN chairmanship. Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Malaysia’s minister of upper schooling, mentioned the nation’s function is evident – “to function a bridge between ASEAN universities, governments, and industries, guaranteeing that schooling stays on the core of regional progress”.
Talking on the occasion, Zambry, a former worldwide pupil himself, outlined his imaginative and prescient for Malaysia and the broader area, emphasising the significance of digital transformation and the combination of AI as the upper schooling panorama evolves.
His imaginative and prescient prioritises steady upskilling, a sustainable and inclusive schooling system, and stronger industry-academic collaboration to equip graduates for the evolving international panorama.
“Over the previous many years, ASEAN universities have gained international recognition. Establishments in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia at the moment are ranked among the many greatest, with others making important strides in catching up,” he mentioned.
“Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand are establishing themselves as greater schooling hubs, attracting college students from throughout the area and past. ASEAN universities are producing world-class analysis in science, know-how, enterprise, and the humanities, providing localised options to international challenges.”
We should work collectively to make sure that ASEAN universities stay aggressive amidst the rise of worldwide schooling giants
Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Malaysia’s minister of upper schooling
“Whereas this progress is commendable, we should work collectively to make sure that ASEAN universities stay aggressive amidst the rise of worldwide schooling giants,” the minister warned.
The minister prolonged his “deepest gratitude” to organisers EMGS and the Ministry of Larger Training Malaysia (MoHE), for his or her “unwavering dedication” in making AEF2025 occasion a actuality.
The occasion additionally noticed the mushy launch of the ASEAN International Trade for Mobility & Scholarship (ASEAN GEMS), a complete platform designed to offer ASEAN college students with entry to scholarships and better schooling alternatives.
Zambry introduced that for 2025, 300 scholarships have been secured, amounting to roughly USD 4 million, in what he describes as a “important step in increasing academic entry”.
“We invite different ASEAN universities to contribute to this noble initiative,” he advised delegates.
The discussion board additionally marked the launch of the ASEAN Pupil Mobility Program, in collaboration with Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) and 13 esteemed Malaysian universities. The hybrid occasion gathered college students and {industry} leaders throughout ASEAN to hold out actions designed to foster innovation, management, and collaboration, whereas addressing regional challenges and advance the Sustainable Improvement Objectives.
Pupil mobility was a key theme in addresses from each leaders, with Zambry highlighting the function of intra-regional mobility.
“Nations like Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia are more and more turning into most popular locations for college students from neighbouring nations, enriching the tutorial panorama and fostering a stronger sense of ASEAN solidarity,” he mentioned, pledging to advocate for insurance policies that facilitate seamless pupil motion, set up mutual recognition of educational credit throughout ASEAN establishments, and improve authorities assist for mobility applications.
Zambry acknowledged one other key facet of ASEAN’s greater schooling future – transnational schooling (TNE).
“The institution of department campuses of overseas universities in Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam has supplied world-class schooling whereas retaining expertise inside ASEAN,” he advised delegates.
“Twin-degree applications, joint analysis collaborations, and on-line schooling partnerships provide college students entry to international data whereas remaining of their dwelling international locations. By strengthening transnational schooling, we be sure that our college students obtain a globally aggressive schooling whereas staying rooted in ASEAN’s wealthy cultural and financial panorama.”
Elsewhere, all through the discussion board, over 10 collaborations had been signed between universities throughout ASEAN, whereas roundtable discussions fostered significant dialogue and led to the drafting of resolutions.
