Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) reaffirmed its commitment to advancing regional higher education by participating in the 17th ASEAN University Network (AUN) Rectors’ Meeting and the 41st ASEAN University Network Board of Trustees (AUN-BOT) Meeting, held at the Grand Hyatt Singapore on 23–24 July 2026.
Representing UGM were Rector Prof. dr. Ova Emilia, M.Med.Ed., Sp.OG(K)., Ph.D., Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service and Alumni Dr. Arie Sujito, S.Sos., M.Si., Vice Rector for Education and Teaching Prof. Dr. Wening Udasmoro, S.S., M.Hum., DEA., and Head of the Office of International Affairs Tyas Ikhsan Hikmawan, M.S., Ph.D.
The meetings convened leaders of ASEAN’s leading universities to discuss strategic priorities for strengthening higher education collaboration across the region under the theme “ASEAN Higher Education at the Forefront: Student-Centered Leadership for a Global Era.“
During the meeting, Prof. Ova Emilia undertook the role as lead facilitator for a strategic breakout workshop on Strategic Policy Briefs and Actionable Recommendations. The workshop brought together rectors and university leaders from across ASEAN to formulate concrete policy recommendations aimed at enhancing student-centered leadership, strengthening regional cooperation, and improving the global competitiveness of ASEAN higher education institutions.
Meanwhile, Prof. Wening Udasmoro was appointed as the rapporteur for the breakout discussions, synthesizing key deliberations into strategic recommendations presented during the plenary session. Her role contributed to ensuring that the collective perspectives of participating universities were translated into actionable regional priorities for the ASEAN University Network.
Throughout the two-day meeting, ASEAN university leaders discussed a broad range of strategic issues, including digital transformation in higher education, quality assurance, student well-being, sustainability, human rights-based universities, inclusive campuses, artificial intelligence in education, research collaboration, and strengthening ASEAN’s global engagement. The Board of Trustees also reviewed recent developments within the AUN Secretariat, endorsed future AUN programmes, and considered proposals for new thematic networks that will further enhance regional collaboration.
UGM’s active engagement in both the Rectors’ Meeting and the AUN Board of Trustees Meeting reflects the University’s strategic commitment to shaping the future of higher education in Southeast Asia. By contributing to regional policy discussions and collaborative initiatives, UGM continues to strengthen its role as a leading university dedicated to academic excellence, innovation, sustainability, and impactful international partnerships.
The outcomes of the meetings are expected to reinforce ASEAN’s collective capacity to address emerging global challenges through stronger university collaboration, student-centered education, and evidence-based policy development. As an active member of the ASEAN University Network, UGM remains committed to supporting initiatives that foster inclusive, resilient, and globally connected higher education across the region.
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