Academic Unity and Mobility in Focus at ASEAN Higher Education Dialogue

Davao City, Philippines – The Commission on Higher Education International Affairs Services (CHED-IAS) moderated earlier today the session “Sama-Sama sa Pag-unlad: ASEAN Matters to Higher Education”, highlighting the critical role of academic mobility and regional collaboration in building a sustainable and inclusive future for higher education in Southeast Asia. The face-to-face event took place at CHED Auditorium, Diliman, Quezon City, but was also accessed virtually by participants who cannot physically join the program.

With the sub-theme “AIMS Voices for a Sustainable ASEAN,” this dialogue brings together key stakeholders to celebrate the achievements of the AIMS Programme, share best practices, and explore the ways forward for ASEAN integration through education.

UM VP for External Relations and International Affairs, Dr. Reynaldo Castro, served as one of the panel discussants, where he shared about UM’s unique challenges in its pursuit of global competitiveness, but explained how ASEAN student mobility programs offer a crucial lifeline, transforming these challenges into opportunities for UM to significantly advance its internationalization agenda. Dr. Castro gave the talk virtually.

This event underscores the power of regional collaboration in higher education, aligning strongly with advances SDG 4: Quality Education by fostering accessible, inclusive, and globally relevant learning opportunities; supports SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions by reinforcing resilient and transparent academic systems; and upholds SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through cross-border cooperation and shared best practices.

He was joined by 2 other esteemed International Relations Officer from AIMS member schools, namely: DR. TEODORICA G. ANI, Director, External Affairs of Batangas State University; and MR. GUILLIAN M. MECATE , Head of Program Development and Strategy, Office of International Linkages at the University of the Philippines.