AUS-AUN Engagement: Overview of the Network’s Past and Prospective Strategic Partnerships with Australia

ASEAN University Network (AUN) is currently leading various impactful programmes encompassing a wide range of enablers for ASEAN universities to bolster their institutional capabilities and advance the university’s internationalisation efforts. These include initiatives in Cross-border Research/Academic Collaboration, Student Mobility, Qualifications Transformation, University’s IT Capabilities, University English Language Capabilities Building, Internal Quality Assurance, and Institutional-Level Quality Enhancement.

Recognised as a key driver and enabler for developing and enhancing human resources in ASEAN higher education, AUN is vigorously pursuing initiatives to enhance English language capabilities in ASEAN higher education. A recent visit by delegates from the AUN Secretariat to Australia in February-March 2024 further explored collaborative opportunities with international partners to promote systematic and regional English language capability training for academic staff, instructors, and professionals from ASEAN higher education institutions.

Before delving into recent developments and upcoming activities resulting from the AUN Secretariat’s engagement and discussion with various prospective partners on this area of cooperation, let us highlight some of AUN-Australia strategic partnerships that have shaped AUN's drive to enhance English language capabilities in ASEAN higher education.

ASEAN Focus Group Pty Ltd (AFG Venture Group)

A long-standing partner of AUN since 2019, AFG facilitated connection with key stakeholders and universities in New South Wales during the AUN Secretariat’s December 2022 scoping visit under the ASEAN-Australia Education Dialogue (AAED). This visit identified potential for collaboration in English language capacity building and English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI).

Currently, AFG and AUN are building on their partnership to provide ongoing support for activities that strengthen ties between ASEAN and Australian higher education institutions throughout 2024.

Coverage of Past Engagement 

• Open Up New Opportunities for AUN Universities with Australia in 2023

NEAS Australia

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in January 2023 established a framework to advance towards effective enhancement of the process as well as the management of quality assurance (QA) of English Language Teaching (ELT). Building on this momentum, NEAS conducted two successful online introductory meetings about NEAS ELT Quality Endorsement/Certification. Over 60 ELT administrators and lecturers from ELT Departments/Centres from 24 AUN Member/Associate Member Universities, in 8 ASEAN countries attended these informative sessions.

This year, NEAS has scheduled a series of activities, designed to highlight the significance of quality assurance in English language teaching centres and departments. More information regarding the future line-up of AUN-NEAS engagement will be available soon.

Coverage of Past Engagement

• Introducing NEAS Australia: The Global Leader in Quality Assurance for the English Language Teaching Community
• Virtual MoU Signing Ceremony between NEAS Australia and AUN
• NEAS Australia Sparks Interest Among ASEAN Universities: Promoting Educational Excellence of English Language Teaching Community
• ASEAN Higher Education Institutions on Track towards English Language Teaching Excellence with NEAS Australia
• Cultivating the QA Community, AUN-QA IC Agenda 7

 

Macquarie University

Macquarie University collaborated with AUN to conduct a successful webinar on "Online English Medium Instruction" in September 2023. The webinar explored the importance of EMI, challenges, and pathways to success, with participation from over 125 attendees across 13 countries.

In 2024, the hands-on workshop on EMI is currently in the planning stage. The AUN Secretariat will provide updates on the development and confirmation of the webinar.

Coverage of Past Engagement

• Unlocking the power of EMI: Leveraging English as a Medium of Instruction for Academic Success Webinar

Western Sydney University: 

Western Sydney University, Ho Chi Minh City campus is partnering with AUN to host a 3.5-day onsite workshop on EMI training in August 2024 (date to be confirmed). The workshop itself is designed to equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively conduct teaching in English (registration details coming soon!).

A free online introduction session will precede the workshop to introduce the EMI concept and workshop details to interested participants.

Coverage of Past Engagement 

• English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI): What it is and the Current state of EMI in the Landscape of Higher Education (Reference to Professor Jinghe Han, from the Centre for Educational Research, School of Education, Western Sydney University)

 

As we look ahead to 2024, AUN, as a network of premier universities in ASEAN, continues its commitment to fostering collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing English language capabilities across ASEAN higher education institutions. The partnerships established with organisations and institutions such as ASEAN Focus Group Pty Ltd (AFG Venture Group), NEAS Australia, Macquarie University, and Western Sydney University signify our dedication to this cause. With upcoming workshops, webinars, and initiatives on the horizon, please stay tuned for further information and opportunities to participate.

Next in the AUN-Australia Engagement series, we will provide a more comprehensive look at the recent Australia visit by the AUN Secretariat, offering insights into the discussions and initiatives that will shape AUN's future efforts in enhancing English Language Capabilities Building within ASEAN universities.