ASEAN+3 university leaders discuss solutions for higher education development

Can Tho, November 19 (VNA) - Leaders of higher education institutions from ASEAN member countries, Japan, the Republic of Korea (RoK) and China met in Can Tho on November 19–20 to exchange visions, share governance experience and outline directions for the development of higher education amid regional integration and global transformation.

This year’s ASEAN+3 Rectors’ Conference, themed “Strengthening Networks, Sharing Excellence, and Promoting Sustainable ASEAN+3 Cooperation,” reflects the common aspiration of universities to deepen linkages, enhance collaboration and pursue sustainable development.

Nguyen Van Khoi, Vice Chairman of the Can Tho municipal People’s Committee, said the city aims to become a knowledge and innovation hub of the Mekong Delta and stands ready to expand cooperation with ASEAN+3 universities through training, research and technology transfer. The city pledges to facilitating cross-border education programmes, particularly in artificial intelligence, big data, robotics, smart agriculture and ecological urban development.

Within the framework of the conference, delegates discussed three key pillars: health equity, climate resilience and food security, and technological cooperation and sustainable growth. Sessions focused on sustainable agriculture and fisheries, climate adaptation, water resource management and the application of digital technologies in regional development. Delegates also visited Can Tho University’s laboratories and observed a UAV technology demonstration for agricultural production.

Experts and higher education leaders proposed a range of strategic solutions for strengthening the ASEAN higher education system. These include expanding joint training and dual-degree programmes, establishing joint research clusters to address local challenges, promoting student and lecturer exchange, enhancing cooperation with enterprises and international organisations, and accelerating digital transformation towards the “smart university” model.

Associate Prof. Dr. Thanapan Laiprakobsup, Executive Director of the ASEAN University Network, reaffirmed the network’s commitment to placing education quality at its core. He highlighted the importance of strengthening resilience and institutional immunity, as well as reinforcing internal quality assurance systems, processes and self-improvement mechanisms.

He commended Vietnam and Can Tho University for their efforts to enhance quality and international engagement. Joint ASEAN+3 initiatives in interdisciplinary research, scholar exchanges and scientific data sharing will help the region better address challenges such as climate change, food security and sustainable development, he said./.