ASEAN Economic Integration

& Cooperation 2015 :

Implications in Education
Enverga University
24 November 2012
Presentation will be limited
to the perspectives of the
Association of Universities
of Asia & the Pacific (AUAP)
 Introducing AUAP
 Established : 28 July 1995 at Suranaree University of
Technology (SUT), Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
 Signatories to the Constitution : 48
University, Vice Chancellors and Rectors from 17
Countries
 Founding President : Prof. Dr. Wichit Srisa-an,
SUT Rector,
Dr. Ruben C. Umaly, Director, SUT Centre for
International Affairs was appointed AUAP Secretary-
General
 2nd AUAP General Conference : held at the
University of Tasmania in Hobart, Australia on 8-10
December 1997
● 3rd AUAP General Conference : hosted by
Angeles University Foundation (AUF), Angeles City,
Philippines on 23-27 November 1999 where
Dr. Emmanuel Y. Angeles, President of AUF became
3rd AUAP President
From the Year 2000, AUAP also instituted the
yearly Learning & Sharing Forum in
conjunction with the Annual Board Meeting

The topic during the AUAP

Learning & Sharing Forum on 5-6
May 2012 at Hanoi University of
Agriculture was : “ The ASEAN-
2015 Integration & the Roles
of Universities ”
AUAP President : Dr. Prasart Suebka
AUAP Vice President : Prof. Tan Sri Dato
Wira Dr. Sharifah Hapsah Syed Hasan
Shahabudin
Session I : “ Strategies of ASEAN Integration “
Chairman : Dr. Shawn Chen, 2nd VP – AUAP &
Rector , Sias International University, China

Suggested areas of integration :

Economics, Politics & Education
Session II : “ Globalization of Higher Education in
Malaysia & Internationalization Strategies of UKM “
Chairman : AUAP Vice President & Chancellor of
Universitas Kebangsaan Malaysia : Prof. Tan Sri Dato Wira
Dr. Sharifah Hapsah Syed Hasan Shahabudin
Session III : “ Globalization or Internationalization
of Higher Education – What is the Choice? “
Chairman : Dr. Prasart Suebka, AUAP President &
Rector, Suranaree University of Technology (SUT),
Thailand
 Among the issues raised were
the following :
 Quality Assurance in Higher Education
 Choice of Credit Transfer System
 Enhanced Student Mobility
 Focus in some Collaborations &
Linkages
 Harmonization of Higher Education
Ideas
 Interfacing of Curricula among ASEAN
Higher Education Institutions
 Role of Higher Education in cultural
understanding & presentation
 Development/Promotion of Training
Programmes wherein participants gain
international license or certification
 Lack or limited funding for Faculty
Training & Development
 Inadequate mastery of English or any
major international Language
SUMMARY of suggested Strategies
for ASEAN Education Integration :
 Although, most curricula are suggested &
supervised by respective Ministries of Education
of each country, Universities can always enhance,
innovate & benchmark against international
standards;
 Tofoster cultural understanding among nations,
exchange of students & faculty could be
promoted through allocations of funds for such
activities;
Financial Allocations & Support must be
provided by National Ministries, Individual
Universities & Private Industrial Sectors for
International Exchanges & Collaborations
among University Faculties, Students & even
Selected Administrators;
Encourage collaboration among Educational
Institutionsin finding appropriate solutions
to
common issues, problems & developmental
concerns.
Conclusion :
 Although, there is some common or
general agreement on the desirability
and advantages of a regional
integration, its attainment under the
present condition is not possible
because of the uneven developmental
stages of the different member
countries.
 However, ASEAN member countries
are actively working towards the
establishment of an ASEAN Economic
Community (AEC) by 2015 even if the
ability of ASEAN member countries in
meeting their commitments vary
greatly.
 Many difficult regional issues are still
to be resolved. Example is the wide
development gaps between some
member countries. Hence, achieving
the goal of an ASEAN Economic
Community in 2015 may be a very
optimistic view.
Thank You!

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