ASEA-UNINET: BRIDGING CONTINENTS THROUGH ACADEMIC COLLABORATION

USM PENANG, 27 February 2024 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) today hosted the 19th ASEAN-European Academic University Network (ASEA-UNINET) Plenary Meeting. The significant event marks the commencement of a collaborative journey towards fostering innovation and facilitating knowledge exchange.

Held at Balai Pase'ban Agung, School of the Arts USM, the 5-day plenary meeting aligns with the Ministry of Higher Education's (MOHE) agenda, emphasising the paramount importance of internationalisation in higher education. This timely theme addresses the dynamic challenges and opportunities faced by educational institutions worldwide.

The opening ceremony was graced with the presence of Director-General of Higher Education, Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) Malaysia, Professor Dr. Azlinda Azman.

In her opening remarks, Azlinda Azman highlighted the pivotal position at the crossroads of innovation and academic distinction, setting the stage for exploring new territories in higher education.

"At MOHE Malaysia, we highly encourage these approaches and initiatives. Through our collective efforts, I am confident that we will be able to engage in fruitful discussions, share valuable insights, and pave the way for collaborative initiatives that will shape the future of education," she said.

Emphasising MOHE's five strategic focus areas, Azlinda outlined the importance of nurturing the nation's best talents, strengthening the research and innovation ecosystem, adopting a new knowledge transfer approach, internationalizing higher education, and enhancing the enabling ecosystem.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Austria to Malaysia, His Excellency Magister Andreas Launer underscored the dynamic economic alliances between ASEAN and the EU. He highlighted the pivotal role of science, technology, and education in enhancing cooperation between these regions.

According to USM Vice-Chancellor Professor Dato' Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed in his welcoming speech, he affirmed the institution's commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive academic environment.

"We believe in the transformative power of knowledge and the positive impact it can have on individuals and societies, especially the bottom billion," said Abdul Rahman.

Meanwhile, USM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), who is also the President of ASEA-UNINET, Professor Dato' Gs. Dr. Narimah Samat provided an introduction to the ASEA-UNINET Plenary Meeting.

ASEA-UNINET is a consortium of universities that comprises institutions from both Europe and South-East Asia, having been established in 1994 as the Austrian-South-East Asian University Network. The founding members of ASEA-UNINET include universities from Austria, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The plenary meeting will be held from 26 February - 1 March 2024, bringing together over 100 participants from more than 90 universities across 16 countries. The event is a testament to the commitment of these institutions to global collaboration and academic excellence.

Also present were the Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Penang, Mr. Wanton Saragih Sid and wife; Honorary Consul of Austria in Penang, Mr. Berthold Jungwirth; USM Board of Governor Members; ASEA-UNINET Executives and National Coordinators.

Text: Nur Farrah Ezlin Mohd Suhaimi/Photo: Shahnizam Ab Rahim