DLSU hosts ASEAN University Network exec meetings for global higher ed

De La Salle University hosted ASEAN University Network’s 16th Rectors’ Meeting and the 40th Board of Trustees Meeting  held last July 24-25 at Diamond Hotel, Manila.

With the theme “From Networks to Impact: The Future of Global Higher Education,” the event served as a venue for member institutions to discuss various perspectives and challenges of higher education in the region. More than 80 top university administrators from 10 countries attended the flagship event which was co-organized by the University of the Philippines.

De La Salle Philippines President and Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation Chairperson  Mr. Edgar Chua AFSC delivered a Special Remarks during the official dinner hosted by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Thailand. His talk focused on The Role of Higher Education in ASEAN’s Sustainable Future.

DLSU President Br. Bernard Oca FSC and UP President Atty. Angelo Jimenez gave the welcome remarks while ASEAN University Network Acting Executive Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanapan Laiprakobsup gave the introductory message.

Br. Bernie also delivered a presentation titled “Transforming Societies: Universities Driving Impact Through Multilateral Alliances” during the first session of the Rectors’ Meeting.  Here, the Brother President affirmed the strategic importance and effectiveness of multilateral partnerships.

He stressed “No university, however excellent, can address today’s global challenges alone. The transformative power of knowledge lies in its circulation and exchange, and the wonder is how our collective intelligence is increased manifold with every new application in a particular local context or environment.”

The AUN BOT meeting was opened by the welcome messages of the presidents of DLSU and UP and the address of the chairman of the AUN Board of Trustees, Professor Dr. Supachai Pathumnakul who also serves as the  Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Kingdom of Thailand.

The BOT agenda reflected the strategic priorities, strength of AUN partnerships, and the organization’s collective aspiration toward academic excellence and regional impact.

Also during the BOT meeting, the Board approved the appointment of Dr. Thanapan Laiprakobsup as AUN Executive Director.