Key Insights into ASEAN QA Advancements: Recap of the AUN-QA International Conference 2023 Agendas 3 & 4

Agenda 3: Quality Assurance & World-Class Curriculum Delivery – Unleashing the Synergy

At the heart of this agenda was the CALOHEA Project, a collaboration between the ASEAN University Network (AUN) and the Tuning Academy, University of Groningen, the Netherlands. The project, supported by Erasmus+, aims to harmonize qualifications in Southeast Asian higher education, promoting student mobility, internationalization, and degree recognition through its three Recognition Mechanisms (RMs). These mechanisms focus on creating a robust framework for educational comparability, international standards, and authentic student assessments.

Key Speakers & Discussion Highlights:

• Prof. Dato’ Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah, Vice Chancellor, School of Civil Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia
• Dr. Richard R. Jugar, Dean of School of Education, University of San Carlos
• Dr. Muhamad Saiful Bahri Yusoff, Director, Center for the Development of Academic Excellence (CDAE), Universiti Sains Malaysia

Moderator: 

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ornsiri Cheunsuang, Chulalongkorn University

The three panelists, each representing a key subject area—civil engineering, teacher education, and medicine—provided in-depth insights on how the CALOHEA Project’s Recognition Mechanisms can address critical challenges in regional higher education.

RM1: Regional Subject-Specific Qualifications Frameworks (Prof. Dato’ Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah)

Prof. Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah led the discussion on RM1, which aims to develop subject-specific qualifications frameworks that align programs across institutions and regions. This framework will enable better comparability of degree profiles, facilitating credit transfers—a significant hurdle in student mobility programs. He stressed that mutual recognition of qualifications is essential for seamless student transitions between universities.

He also discussed how this framework promotes flexible education, ensuring that students pursuing studies across ASEAN institutions will have smoother pathways for degree completion, especially regarding credit alignment between programs.

RM2: Student Workload Calculation (Dr. Richard R. Jugar)

Dr. Jugar’s session focused on how workload calculation impacts curriculum design. In many ASEAN institutions, student workloads are traditionally measured through contact hours (time spent in the classroom), but this neglects the significant independent study hours that students spend outside of class.

Dr. Jugar highlighted that CALOHEA’s approach advocates a more holistic understanding of student workload by factoring in both contact and independent hours. The method relies on desk estimates, surveys, and student logbooks to calculate actual workloads and balance them across different tiers of courses. This ensures students are not overburdened and can truly engage with the course material.

RM3: Authentic Assessment (Dr. Muhamad Saiful Bahri Yusoff)

Dr. Saiful emphasized the importance of authentic assessment, which ensures that students are not just memorizing information but are developing practical skills applicable to real-world contexts. He explained that authentic assessments could take the form of real-life tasks, problem-solving exercises, or simulated environments, allowing students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in practical, meaningful ways.

The goal is to create a more adaptive, skills-based educational model, where students are better equipped for post-graduate employment or further academic pursuits. Dr. Saiful underscored that authentic assessment is key to producing graduates who can contribute meaningfully to society and the global workforce.

The insights shared during this session demonstrated the potential of QA systems to revolutionize curriculum delivery. By embracing standardized qualifications frameworks, refining workload calculations, and implementing authentic assessments, universities across ASEAN are better equipped to enhance educational quality and promote student success. The CALOHEA Project remains a cornerstone in realizing these goals, laying the foundation for a more connected and agile higher education landscape in the region.

Agenda 4: The Catalyst of Success – Leadership at the Core of Quality Assurance Enhancement in Universities

The discussion in Agenda 4 was a deep dive into the pivotal role of leadership in driving QA processes. As QA frameworks and systems become more complex, effective leadership is critical to ensuring all components work harmoniously to maintain and enhance institutional quality.

Key Speakers & Discussion Highlights:

• Prof. Dr. Didi Sukyadi, Vice Rector for Education and Student Affairs, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia
• Dr. Yu Un Oppusunggu, AUN-QA Council Member, Universitas Indonesia
• Prof. Dr. Eddy Chong Siong Choy, AUN-QA Council Member & Executive Dean, Faculty of Business and Law, Taylor’s University
• Dr. Maria Resurreccion P. Alejo, AUN Council Member & Director, Loyola Schools Quality Assurance Officer, Ateneo de Manila University

Moderator: 

• Prof. Wan Ahmad Kamil Mahmood, Ph.D., Special Advisor to AUN Executive Director

Leadership Styles in Higher Education (Prof. Dr. Didi Sukyadi)

Prof. Sukyadi shared valuable lessons from his 29 years in service to higher education, focusing on how leadership styles must adapt to different challenges. He illustrated how strategic and situational leadership—tailored to the specific needs of universities—can influence institutional quality.

One insightful example he provided was the use of data to influence decision-making. In situations where progress stalls, leveraging hard data can provide the necessary push for management to act. Prof. Sukyadi argued that leaders who base their actions on data-driven strategies have the best chance of mobilizing change and improving institutional performance.

Simplifying Complex QA Concepts (Dr. Yu Un Oppusunggu)

Dr. Oppusunggu’s key message was clear: leadership must make QA concepts accessible to all stakeholders. He underscored that overly complex systems can create barriers to implementation. By simplifying processes and communicating them in a way that resonates with all levels of an institution, leaders can foster a culture of continuous improvement.

This approach, he noted, is essential for ensuring buy-in from staff and faculty, who may otherwise view new QA initiatives as an additional burden.

Leadership in the Digital Era (Prof. Dr. Eddy Chong Siong Choy)

Prof. Chong highlighted the growing challenges posed by rapid technological advancement in higher education. With Generation Alpha approaching university age and AI tools like ChatGPT transforming the academic landscape, leadership must stay ahead of these shifts. He emphasized that leaders need to not only understand the emerging trends but also proactively implement strategies to address issues such as academic integrity and digital learning.

He also pointed out that the next generation of students will expect more from universities, requiring leaders to be forward-thinking and adaptive to technological and educational shifts.

Navigating Change with People-Centered Leadership (Dr. Maria Resurreccion P. Alejo)

Dr. Alejo spoke about the importance of people-centered leadership, stressing that change must be navigated with the support and engagement of staff and students. Leaders who create an environment where people feel valued and included in the QA process are more likely to succeed in implementing lasting changes.

She also cautioned against change for change’s sake, advocating instead for thoughtful, strategic improvements that address real challenges while maintaining a stable foundation.

Leadership stands as the linchpin of successful QA initiatives, with each speaker highlighting the necessity of adaptability, clear communication, and people-centered strategies. As universities navigate the complexities of digital transformation and evolving educational landscapes, it is evident that leadership must evolve in tandem to maintain institutional excellence. A proactive, data-driven, and inclusive leadership approach will be key to ensuring sustainable growth and quality improvement in ASEAN universities.

Looking Ahead

These sessions underscore the importance of synergy between curriculum development and leadership in enhancing the quality of higher education. As we prepare for this year’s AUN-QA International Conference, the lessons learned from last year’s event continue to inspire a collective effort to strengthen education systems, foster student mobility, and create a future-ready workforce.

As we look back at the remarkable discussions from last year, we’re excited to invite you to the AUN-QA International Conference 2024. This year promises to build on these powerful insights and foster even more collaboration among QA experts across the region. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with thought leaders and peers who are shaping the future of higher education in ASEAN. Register now to secure your spot and be part of the conversation!

Registration for AUN-QA International Conference 2024 is available now at: https://aunqaic2024.tdtu.edu.vn/registration.

Stay tuned for next week’s recap, where we’ll cover two more agendas that will further deepen our understanding of the transformative power of QA in ASEAN universities.

If you would like to visit our previous recap, the article can be found here:

• Get Ready for the AUN-QA International Conference 2024: Revisiting the Key Highlights of 2023!