Makassar 17 May 2017

ASAIHL CONFERENCE - Strengthening Regional Cooperation

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) has participated in the The Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning Conference (ASAIHL) 2017 from 16 May to 19 May 2017, held in Makassar, Indonesia. Hasanuddin University has been selected by the Board of ASAIHL as the host of this conference.

The theme of the conference is "Higher Education Challenges in Shaping The Nation Competitiveness". The conference was inaugurated by the Minister of Research, Technology and Higher Education Prof. Dr. H Mohamad Nasir. In his speech, Prof. Dr. Nasir urged the ASAIHL members to make this conference not only as a forum for discussion but also as a platform to strengthen mutual understanding, especially in leading higher education sector involving members in the region.

"As we all know, education, especially higher education strengthens individual competency development, social improvement and cultural enrichment. Through education, we find our place in the world, understand the world, and we foster mutual respect between each other," he said.

Prof. Dr. Dwia Aries From Pulubuhu, Rector of the Hasanuddin University, in her opening remarks stressed that greater public demand on the accountability has been another pressure for higher education institutions to develop better governance and healthier organization. She also expressed his heartfelt thanks to all members of ASAIHL who have given full support and commitment in ensuring the success of this conference.

Dr. Ninnat Olanvoravuth, the Honorary Secretary of ASAIHL express his gratitude and appreciation to the organizing committee and speakers who have contributed towards the success of this conference. Among the speakers of the keynote address were Prof. Jun Murai, former Dean of the Faculty of Environment and Information Studies, Keio University, Japan, Prof. Professor Cheng Kai-Ming Chair of Education at the University of Hong Kong, Gita Wirjawan, a member of the Board of Trustees of the University of Hasanuddin, who also is a successful entrepreneur and former Indonesian Minister of Trade and Industry.

Prof. Datin Paduka Aini Ideris, Vice Chancellor of UPM also attended the Board of Trustees ASAIHL meeting to discuss the direction and other issues including Fellowship program offered by ASAIHL. UPM has agreed in principle to send Faculty of Economics and Management UPM staff to Naresuan University, Thailand under the Air Asia ASAIHL Fellowship Program. This program includes staff exchanges between the two universities for a minimum period of 1 week to enhance academic cooperation of both universities. This Fellowship program is  offered by Air Asia to ASAIHL and UPM-Naresuan University is the first recipient of this programme.

UPM delegation consisting of Academician Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dato 'Syed Jalaluddin Syed Salim, Chairman of the Board, Prof. Datin Paduka Dr. Aini Ideris, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr.-Ing. Ir. Renuganth Varaharajoo Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Industry and Community Relations) and Mr. Mohd Nazri bin Md Yasin, Head of the Division of Administration, Office of the Vice-Chancellor. ASAIHL established in 1956, is a non-governmental organization to strengthen the role and contribution of universities in Southeast Asia.

ASAIHL has 239 instituional members from Asia, Europe and the US.

From left: Prof Datin Paduka Dr. Aini Ideris, Vice Chancellor of UPM, Prof. Dr. H Mohamad Nasir Minister of Research, Technology and Higher Education, Indonesia, Academician Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Dato’ Syed Jalaluddin Syed Salim, Chairman of the Board of UPM, Professor Dr.-Ing. Ir. Renuganth Varaharajoo Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Industry and Community Relations) dan Prof. Intan Ahmad, Director General Education and Students, Direktur Jenderal Pembelajaran dan Kemahasiswaan, Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education, Indonesia

Prof. Datin Paduka Dr. Aini Ideris, Vice Chancellor of UPM and Dr. Ninnat Olanvoravuth Secretary General of ASAIHL

Prof. Datin Paduka Dr. Aini Ideris, Vice Chancellor of UPM and Prof. Dr. Dwia Aries Tina Pulubuhu, Rector Universitas Hasanuddin

Date of Input: 25/05/2017 | Updated: 26/05/2017 | mnazrimy