The Way Forward from the MoU Signing Between the AACCUP and the AUN Secretariat

The Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP) and the ASEAN University Network (AUN) officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 21 November 2023, whereby both parties have similar objectives in the advancement of quality assurance (QA) in ASEAN Higher Education Institutions (HEI), thus establishing closer relations and strengthening the mission of driving QA excellence in the ASEAN region. Both parties are also in full agreement to cooperate and collaborate on matters of mutual interest, benefit and concern, and will use their best endeavors to establish relevant and effective enhancements to the process and management of QA in HEIs in the jurisdictions of the ASEAN region.

In this connection, the MoU established a collaborative framework where AUN and AACCUP will be able to enhance QA in Higher Education Institutions (HEI) across the ASEAN region via:

• Dialogue Engagement: Engaging in dialogue and similar activities will benefit both parties and ASEAN HEIs by providing opportunities for the professional development of staff from both organizations to learn from and create opportunities for the sharing of best practices. 
• Sharing of non-confidential information: Stipulated as a part of this collaborative effort, AUN and AACCUP may share non-confidential intellectual property with one another in regards to each agency’s approach, systems, and processes around the delivery and assessment of QA. 
• Undertaking of Joint Projects: Joint projects in the future may be delivered by both parties through project management plans that include comprehensive schedules, contingent responsibilities itemized and added as an addendum to the MoU.

Ultimately, the MoU between AUN and AACCUP signifies  a new lasting and beneficial partnership adding to the regional efforts towards advancing QA in ASEAN higher education in the coming years. The AUN Secretariat is looking forward to new opportunities and collaborations which may arise from this new partnership.