5th Forum on ASEAN-China Private Higher Education Development and Cooperation Held in Hainan Province
The University of Sanya in Hainan province, China, hosted the 5th Forum on ASEAN-China Private Higher Education Development and Cooperation from December 5 to 6, 2023. Organized in conjunction with the 3rd Annual Meeting of the ASEAN-China Alliance of Private Higher Education Institutions (ACAPHEI), the event saw participation from esteemed organizations such as SEAMEO RIHED, ASEAN-China Centre (ACC), the Department of Education of Hainan Province, the Sanya Municipal Government, the Chinese Association for Non-Government Education, and Association of Private Higher Education Institutions of Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand.
The Forum served as a pivotal platform facilitating collaboration and strengthening ties among private higher education institutions from Southeast Asia (SEA) and China. With over 100 participants and representation from more than 30 private universities across SEA and China, including government officials, university leaders, lecturers, researchers, and students, the event marked the first physical gathering post-COVID-19 pandemic.
Under the theme "New Trend, New Partnership, New System - Fostering Synergy through University-Industry-Community Engagement in Higher Education," participants engaged in discussions, knowledge exchange, and exploration of collaborative opportunities. Asst. Prof. Dr. Romyen Kosaikanont delivered the introductory remarks, highlighting the significance of ACAPHEI and its establishment in 2018 by ACC and SEAMEO RIHED. She emphasized the Alliance's role in promoting cross-border partnerships, internationalization, and People-to-People Connectivity between ASEAN and China.
The Alliance aims to benefit learners and drive socio-economic development through industry engagement and community involvement. SEAMEO RIHED continues to support the Alliance, urging private universities to share best practices and pool resources to enhance cross-border learning collaboration for sustainable and harmonized higher education development in the region.
