12th ASEAN+3 IRO Meeting: Strengthening Glorecal Connections for a Digitally Sustainable Education Future

The ASEAN University Network (AUN) and Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), successfully hosted the 12th ASEAN+3 Heads of International Relations Meeting, held under the theme “Glorecal Connections: Driving Digital Transformation for a Sustainable Education Future in ASEAN+3 Countries.”

Now in its twelfth year, this annual gathering continues to serve as a vital platform for fostering strategic dialogue and cross-border cooperation among international relations professionals from ASEAN Member States and the ASEAN+3 countries—China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea to build a digitally resilient and inclusive future for higher education in the region.

Bilateral Meetings: Strengthening Institutional Partnerships

The first highlight of the programme was the Bilateral Meeting session in the morning of Thursday 8th of May, which provided dedicated space for university representatives to engage in discussions with their intended partner universities. Held in a structured format, the session was met with strong participation and high engagement from more than 50 pairs of successful meetings as a practical platform for advancing strategic partnerships and strengthening long term collaborations.

A Platform for Strategic Dialogue and Engagement

The official meeting opened with welcome remarks from Prof. Dr. Tatacipta Dirgantara, Rector of the ITB, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanapan Laiprakobsup, Acting AUN Executive Director, highlighted the growing need to integrate digital innovation, regional frameworks, and local implementation—a concept emphasised by the meeting’s “Glorecal” theme. In recognising the evolving responsibilities of International Relations Offices (IROs), the speakers reaffirmed the crucial role they play in steering institutional and technological transformation and building bridges for sustainable international cooperation.
Collaborative Pathways and Institutional Exchanges
Following the opening of the event, the agenda progressed into plenary sessions and institutional showcases where university leaders and researchers presented forward-thinking strategies for advancing digital innovation. The keynote presentations featured valuable showcases from:

• Dr. M Sonny Abfertiawan, Institut Teknologi Bandung: "Advancing Environmental Sustainability through Digital Innovation"
• Prof. Dr. Suhono Harso Supangkat, Institut Teknologi Bandung: "Leveraging Digital Solutions for Smart City Development through Collaboration”
• Prof. Lee Pooi See, Vice President International Engagement, Nanyang Technological University: “Institutional Innovative Pathways in Digital transformation”
• Prof. Dr. Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and International), Universiti Utara Malaysia: “Institutional Innovative Pathways in Digital transformation”
• Dr. Jun-ichi Takada, .Executive Vice President for Global Affairs, Institute of Science Tokyo: “Sustainable Practices in Digital Education Infrastructure”
• Assist. Prof. Dr. Chidchanok Choksuchat, Vice-Director, AUN Dx Thematic Network and Director, the Office of Digital Innovation and Intelligent Services, Prince of Songkla University: “Sustainable Practices in Digital Education Infrastructure”

These presentations—ranging from community technology platforms to sustainable campus models, have collectively addressed a shared regional commitment to aligning digital transformation with environmental sustainability, inclusive policy, and social impact.

Workshop Sessions: From Discussion to Practical Solutions

The heart of the meeting, however, lay in the collaborative workshop session designed around the “Glorecal” concept. Participants rotated across three discussion rooms, each focused on one scale: global, regional, or local. These facilitated dialogues provided a space to critically examine how global innovations could be adapted to ASEAN+3 contexts, how regional collaboration could overcome shared obstacles, and how locally rooted solutions could be elevated to broader frameworks. Moderated by the following international relations leaders from AUN member institutions:

• Matthew Lee, Director, Singapore Management University
• Cristina M. Alikpala, Assistant Vice President for University Partnerships and Internationalization, Ateneo de Manila University
• Dr. Joyce Teo Siew Yean, Assistant Vice Chancellor / Vice President (Global Engagement), Universiti Brunei Darussalam
• Prof. Dr. Andri Andriyana, Director of International Relations Centre, Universiti Malaya
• Prof. Dr. Anthony Shun Fung Chiu, Vice President for External Relations and Internationalization, De La Salle University
• Asst.Prof. Dr. Punwalai Kewara, Assistant to the President for International Relations, Burapha University

The sessions encouraged dynamic exchanges and resulted in a rich collection of insights and practical recommendations.

Among the key takeaways were the importance of flexible, context-aware digital policies; the potential for shared infrastructure platforms to reduce redundancy and enhance interoperability; and the need for continuous, community-based feedback in the implementation of digital initiatives. These outcomes were later presented in a closing plenary, offering concrete ideas for future regional programming and collaboration. The workshop format, with its emphasis on mutual learning and strategic application, was widely praised by participants as one of the meeting’s most impactful components.

Beyond the Conference Room: Culture and Innovation in Motion

Complementing the formal agenda were a series of cultural and institutional visits that deepened the engagement experience. Delegates toured ITB’s innovation and research facilities, enjoyed an interactive Angklung music session, and participated in a traditional batik workshop which provided a joyful and meaningful encounter with Indonesia’s cultural heritage. These activities not only fostered meaningful connections among participants beyond the formal programme but also to illustrate how cultural context can enrich the discourse around innovation in education.

Looking Ahead

As ASEAN+3 institutions continue to navigate the fast-evolving digital landscape, the 12th IRO Meeting reaffirmed the region’s collective readiness to work together in shaping higher education systems that are inclusive, sustainable, and future-oriented. The outcomes of the meeting will inform ongoing AUN initiatives and support the growth of internationalisation across diverse institutional settings.

This article marks the beginning of a dedicated content series that will highlight key insights, featured speakers, and institutional innovations presented during the 12th ASEAN+3 IRO Meeting. In the coming weeks, articles will feature deeper explorations into the ideas and partnerships that emerged from this pivotal gathering.

Stay tuned.