About ASAIHL

ASAIHL Introduction

The Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning (ASAIHL) was founded in 1956 as a non-governmental organization at a meeting in Bangkok of the heads of eight state universities in Southeast Asia. Field Marshal Pibulsongkram, the Prime Minister, supported its foundation and approved setting up the Secretariat in Thailand. His government began by giving financial and material support, which continued for several years until the Association had other sources of funds. More recently, in addition to physical facilities, the Thai government has been supporting the Association with a grant of USD 10,000 annually.

ASAIHL's purpose is to assist member institutions to strengthen themselves through mutual self-help and to achieve international distinction in teaching, research and public service. In so doing, the institutions contribute strength to their respective nations and to the entire region. Specifically, the Association exists to foster the development of the institutions themselves, the cultivation of a sense of regional identity and interdependence and liaison with other regional and international organizations concerned with research and teaching. It serves as a clearing-house of information; provides regular opportunities for the discussion of academic development and general university development; assists member institutions in the recruitment and placement of faculty and staff, exchanges of professors and students and in the development of co-operative arrangements on specific projects; provides advisory services of consultants; strengthens the relationship with regional and international bodies and keeps member institutions informed about developments in the region; and recognizes and acknowledges distinctive achievements among Southeast Asian institutions of higher education.

Click HERE to see the ASAIHL Members

Founding Fathers

1. Sir Nicholas Attygalle, University of Ceylon
2. Air Marshal Muni M. Vejyant Rangshrisht, Chulalongkorn University
3. Dr. Lindsay Ride, University of Hong Kong
4. Prof. Bahder Djohan, University of Indonesia
5. Sir Sydney Caine, University of Malaya
6. Dr. Vidal A. Tan, University of the Philippines
7. Dr. Htin Aung, University of Rangoon
8. Prof. Nguyen-Quang-Trinh, National University of Vietnam

ASAIHL Conference 2023

Established in 1971, Soka University has developed advanced academic curricula and support systems recognizing that students' needs are paramount. Soka University celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2021 and has made a new start towards the next 50 years to continue fostering creative individuals based on a student-first spirit, following the founding principles set forth by the University founder.

In recognition of our achievements, the University was selected as one of the universities for the Go Global Japan Project in 2012 and also for the Top Global University Project in 2014 by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Science, Sports and Technology (MEXT). These two initiatives were launched to enhance the global competitiveness of Japanese universities (higher education throughout Japan), to facilitate system reforms, and to foster capable global individuals. The initiatives have been progressing well, and the University received the highest evaluation of “S” for the Top Global University Project in both interim evaluations in 2017 and 2021 and has been further advancing the University’s initiatives towards the last year of the project in 2023.

In the spring of 2018, the ASAIHL Conference was held in Japan for the very first time, with Soka University as the host university. We are truly honored to host the ASAIHL conference again on our campus and to assume this significant role. We are determined to take full responsibility for a successful conference.
The main theme is “The Role of Universities in Realizing Inclusiveness and Resilience in a Global Society,” and the sub-themes are the following:

• 1) Global Citizenship Education through Innovation and Partnership
• 2) Research, Science and Education Toward Achieving the SDGs
• 3) Digital Transformation in University Education

ASAIHL plays a significant role as the source of valuable insight and inspiration for the development of higher education not only in Southeast Asia but also throughout the world.

We sincerely hope for and are working hard in making this conference held at Soka University a meaningful and a successful one.

President Masashi SUZUKI
Soka University