PSU joins ASEAN university leaders in Singapore to advance student-centered higher education
A Prince of Songkla University (PSU) delegation, led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Niwat Kaewpradub, President, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thakerng Wongsirichot, Vice President for Academic and International Affairs, participated in the 17th ASEAN University Network (AUN) Rectors' Meeting and the 41st AUN Board of Trustees (AUN-BOT) Meeting, held on 23–24 July 2026 at the National University of Singapore (NUS), Republic of Singapore.
Held on 23 July 2026, the 17th AUN Rectors' Meeting was convened under the theme "ASEAN Higher Education at the Forefront: Student-Centered Leadership for a Global Era." The meeting brought together university leaders from across the region to shape the future direction of ASEAN higher education in response to rapid technological advancements, the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI), and evolving socio-economic landscapes. Discussions emphasized the critical role of university leadership in preparing students with the competencies and skills required for the future.
During the meeting, PSU's executives participated in interactive breakout discussions with fellow leaders from AUN member universities, exchanging perspectives on three key themes: (1) Student-Centered Leadership and Governance, (2) Digital Transformation, AI, and Future Skills, and (3) Well-Being, Inclusion, and Research Equity.
The meeting also addressed strategic issues concerning the future development of the ASEAN University Network, including the expansion of AUN membership, proposed amendments to the AUN Charter, and the consideration of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste as a new AUN member. In addition, participants discussed the implementation of the Network's Key Enablers across several strategic areas.
Under the AUN-QEx (Qualifications Excellence) initiative, discussions focused on aligning ASEAN qualifications with the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) and the Bologna Process to facilitate international credit transfer, academic recognition, and student mobility.
As the lead institution for the AUN Dx (Digital Transformation) initiative, Prince of Songkla University introduced the AUN Dx Framework Version 2.0, which aims to accelerate digital transformation across ASEAN higher education institutions while promoting AI Governance and Ethics as a core principle for responsible AI adoption.
Representing PSU, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thakerng Wongsirichot, Vice President for Academic and International Affairs and Chair of the AUN Dx Executive Board, together with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sinchai Kamolphiwong, Director of the Office of Digital Innovation and Intelligent Systems, Prince of Songkla University, and Director of the ASEAN University Network – Digital Transformation Network (AUN Dx), presented the Network's progress under the theme "AUN Strategic Focus in Digital Transformation (AUN Dx)."
The presentation highlighted the concept of "One Platform, One Protocol," a shared framework and community of practice designed to support digital transformation among ASEAN universities through three strategic pillars: Framework Development, Capacity Building and Collaboration, and Framework Implementation and Validation.
The meeting also reviewed progress on AUN-QA and English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) to strengthen internal quality assurance and enhance English-medium teaching across the region. Participants further discussed the development of AUN's thematic networks, including the proposed transformation of AUN-TEPL into AUN-AIE (AI-Driven Education) with a five-year strategic roadmap, the establishment of the ASEAN Geriatric Dentistry Education Network (AUN-GDENT), the advancement of the AUN Human Rights Education (AUN-HRE) framework, and the promotion of inclusive campuses through the AUN-DPPNet Accessible and Inclusive Campus Guideline (AICG) Framework.
On sustainability, research, and youth development, participants attended the special session "Unified Futures," which explored Planetary Boundaries and cultural connectivity through the ASEAN Youth Orchestra. The meeting also reaffirmed support for collaborative research through the AUN Research Development Grant, as well as regional youth initiatives such as the AUN Summer Camp and the ASEAN-Japan Youth Forum.
On 24 July 2026, the 41st AUN Board of Trustees (AUN-BOT) Meeting reviewed the Network's achievements during the period July 2025–June 2026, discussed future directions for cooperation, and formally endorsed the resolutions and recommendations proposed during the 17th AUN Rectors' Meeting.
The upcoming 18th AUN Presidents' Meeting and 42nd AUN Board of Trustees Meeting will be hosted by Chulalongkorn University in Thailand in July 2027, reaffirming Thailand's continuing leadership in advancing regional cooperation and strengthening higher education across ASEAN.