[Unpad Media Channel] Higher education is the main contributing factor to the integration of the advancement of ASEAN. In achieving said development, the strengthening of collaboration and connectivity between higher education institutions in ASEAN territories is integral to be carried out.
The above was said by the Ambassador/Permanent Representative of the Republic of Indonesia to ASEAN, Derry Aman, when delivering his welcoming remarks at the “Ambassador’s Talks on Higher Education in ASEAN” event held by Universitas Padjadjaran at Bale Sawala in Unpad’s Rectorate Building, Jatinangor on Wednesday (1/11/2023). The event was attended by several ambassadors to ASEAN alongside Unpad leaders and academics.
Ambassador Derry added that higher education, a sector of integration within ASEAN, has developed rapidly within the last few decades. One result of which is the existence of the 2025 ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint which supports active promotion of higher education in the ASEAN region. Said blueprint pushes for higher education to strengthen the interaction between, and the mobility of, its academics, whether it is within ASEAN or beyond.
“This interaction and mobility will lead to freedom of thought, the increase in ability, and the skill to inject dynamism in the region,” claimed Derry.
Besides that, through ASEAN higher education forums, which include the ASEAN University Network and the ASEAN Secretary’s Education, Youth and Sports Division, the creation of an equal and inclusive higher education within ASEAN can be encouraged.
Unpad’s Rector, Prof. Rina Indiastuti said that Unpad emphasizes the importance of strengthening partnership in ASEAN as an effort to increase reputation on an international level. Because of which, a chance to widen ones network and collaborate with ASEAN higher education institutions as well as ASEAN partner nations is created through this Ambassador Talks forum.
Collaboration is done not only in the education sector but also through research partnerships. According to the Rector, Unpad and Indonesia have a chance to build collaboration in the funding and commencement of research. “This collaboration is expected to be able to disseminate benefits to the people through downstream policies and projects to foster social welfare,” she added.
Education Is The Main Issue
Permanent Representative of Malaysia to ASEAN, Dato’ Nur Izzah Wong Mee Choo, said education is still an important issue, not only in Indonesia but also in other ASEAN nations. Because of which, higher education collaboration is needed to create an equal and inclusive education in all of ASEAN.
“With more ASEAN people being educated, it will create more ideas and thoughts to face issues and crises as well as becoming more resilient in confronting global challenges in the future,” she added.
In agreement with Ambassador Mee Choo, the Permanent Representative of the Republic of the Philippines to ASEAN, Hjayceelyn M. Quintana, said that the creation of an equal education is still an important issue in the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. Besides building an educated populace, education can also become a catalyst for economic development.
“That is why ASEAN nations are committed to building the economy through higher education collaboration,” she added.
Opportunities for Study
In realizing inclusive education in ASEAN nations, Unpad itself has postgraduate scholarships for students in the ASEAN region, especially for countries which need more scholarship programs.
“For example, we have awarded scholarships for students from Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Timor-Leste. We have provided scholarships so they can study at Unpad,” the Rector added.
This program is appreciated by Ambassador Derry. However, Indonesian higher education institutions also need to create their own appeal so that ASEAN students’ interest in studying in Indonesia increases.
“Of course, our students study abroad because there is appeal there. We ourselves can create that appeal also,” he ended.* (ICP)
