More than 220 universities across Southeast Asia (65 in-person and 155 online) participated in the IQA System Implementation Workshop, held at the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH). The workshop was jointly organised by the Viet Nam Education Quality Management Agency (VNEQMA), the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for Higher Education and Development (SEAMEO RIHED), and the ASEAN University Network (AUN).
The event provided a platform for universities to strengthen education quality through the ASEAN University Network’s Internal Quality Assurance (AUN-IQA) system.
Addressing Key Challenges in Higher Education
One of the central themes of the workshop was the challenge of sustaining academic motivation and engagement. As some academic staff may become passive over time, institutions risk reduced innovation, weaker teaching, and lower levels of participation in academic life.
The AUN-IQA system was presented as a comprehensive framework to address these challenges by inspiring leadership, motivating staff, and ensuring accountability within universities.
Framework for Implementation
To guide institutions in implementing the AUN-IQA system, the workshop highlighted four essential sets of tools:
Organisational tools – for structuring and coordinating quality assurance processes.
Authoritative tools – for establishing clear leadership and decision-making mechanisms.
Financial tools – for ensuring sustainable quality management practices.
Information tools – for strengthening evidence-based and data-informed decision-making.
Building Blocks of University Quality Assurance Management
Discussions also centred on the eight building blocks of effective university quality assurance management:
Leadership commitment
Balanced implementation
Aligned QA policies
Simplified and integrated systems
Capacity building
Reward and recognition
Institutionalised quality assurance
Measured and continuous improvement
These components provide a roadmap for higher education institutions to embed a strong and sustainable culture of quality.
Expected Outcomes
Through the AUN-IQA system, Southeast Asian universities are progressing toward becoming future-ready institutions equipped with stronger teaching, research, and service functions. The system also promotes enhanced student learning experiences and cultivates more motivated and active academic staff, ensuring that quality assurance contributes meaningfully to institutional transformation and regional development.