Closing Ceremony of AUN-QA IC Conference: New Directions for the Development of Higher Education in ASEAN

The 2024 International Conference of the ASEAN University Network - Quality Assurance (AUN-QA IC) officially concluded on the afternoon of December 12, 2024, at Ton Duc Thang University (TDTU), Ho Chi Minh City.

The conference focused on the theme of applying artificial intelligence to innovate higher education in Southeast Asia. Its aim was to provide education administrators in the region with opportunities for constructive and critical dialogue to address the rapid development of technology and digitalization in higher education. The information shared during the conference is expected to benefit not only universities within the ASEAN network but also educational institutions worldwide. The event attracted over 400 delegates from 153 universities, educational organizations, and regulatory agencies across ASEAN and international partners.

In his speech, Dr. Tran Trong Dao, President of TDTU, emphasized: “This year’s conference marks a significant step forward, not only in enhancing the quality of higher education in ASEAN but also in building a strong foundation for future regional collaboration. Hosting the AUN-QA 2024 conference has been a valuable opportunity for Ton Duc Thang University to contribute to the overall development of higher education in ASEAN. The results achieved from this conference will serve as a solid basis for long-term cooperation among universities in the region.”

Earlier, on behalf of the Minister of Education and Training of Vietnam, Prof. Dr. Huynh Van Chuong, Director General of the Quality Management Department, highlighted that the AUN-QA 2024 conference was a particularly meaningful event for the ASEAN higher education community. He also praised Ton Duc Thang University for being honored to host this year’s conference, noting that the meticulous organization of the event reflects Vietnam's openness and cooperative spirit within the ASEAN community, as well as the close collaboration between Vietnamese universities and their regional counterparts.

The conference is part of TDTU's strategic development efforts to strengthen international integration, promote global citizenship training, and achieve the university’s goal of becoming a world-class research institution.

This event represents a milestone in Vietnam’s deeper integration into the ASEAN and international quality assurance networks for higher education. For the first time, the conference was held at Ton Duc Thang University after six previous editions hosted in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines. It further reaffirms TDTU's leadership in meeting international quality assurance standards.

Over 400 delegates from 153 ASEAN and international institutions attended the AUN-QA IC 2024 Conference.