On December 13, the 18th ASEAN Teacher Education Network (AsTEN) Presidents’ Meeting took place at the Rex Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. The event was hosted by the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (USSH VNUHCM), under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Ngo Thi Phuong Lan, President of AsTEN and of USSH.
In her opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Ngo Thi Phuong Lan warmly welcomed all delegates, educators, and distinguished guests to the event. She emphasized the special significance of this year’s meeting, which marks a decade of successful cooperation within the AsTEN network. She stated: "Over the past decade, we have continuously fostered knowledge exchange and shared best practices, working together to address key challenges in improving teacher training quality and promoting sustainable educational development in Southeast Asia."
The 18th AsTEN Presidents’ Meeting, held in conjunction with the 6th AsTEN International Conference under the theme of Pedagogical Approaches in the Digital Age: Emerging Trends and Global Perspectives, which reflects AsTEN’s strong commitment to innovating and advancing teacher education.
Prof. Dr. Ngo Thi Phuong Lan further highlighted: "In an era of global uncertainties, equipping educators with essential skills, knowledge, and resilience is crucial for their ability to adapt to ever-evolving demands while ensuring that education systems remain relevant, inclusive, and forward-thinking." She also expressed her gratitude to the conference organizers and AsTEN Secretariat for their relentless efforts in making this significant event a success.
Prof. Dr. Ngo Thi Phuong Lan speaking at the meeting
The meeting primarily focused on discussing the outcomes of collaborative research projects, quality assurance activities of the AsTEN Teacher Education Quality Assurance Agency (ATQA) and AsTEN’s strategic initiatives to enhance training quality, professional development, and internationalization in response to the new demands of Education 4.0. This event also marked the 10-year anniversary of AsTEN’s establishment, providing a platform for in-depth discussions on education innovation strategies in the digital era.
An overview of the 18th AsTEN Presidents’ Meeting
Following the President’s address, delegates received reports from the AsTEN Secretariat on various matters, including the network’s general operations and financial updates. A report on ATQA activities, presented by representatives from Indonesia, highlighted ongoing efforts to establish common standards, assess teacher training quality, and develop curricula that align with regional needs—an important step toward elevating Southeast Asia’s education sector on the global stage.
Mr. John Carlo M. Ramos, Executive Director of the Philippine Normal University and AsTEN Secretariat, presenting a report at the meeting
Prof. Fuad Abdul Hamied, Ph.D. from Indonesia University of Education and Executive Director of ATQA presenting a report on ATQA activities
Additionally, the AsTEN Teacher Education Journal provided updates on key education policy issues in the region, offering leaders deeper insights into evolving requirements within education systems. Other significant topics discussed included regional research collaboration projects and plans for the 19th AsTEN Meeting.
Mr. Sasigaran Moneyam from Sultan Idris Education University (Malaysia) and Executive Director of the Consortium of Asia-Pacific Education Universities (CAPEU) sharing insights at the meeting
As part of the meeting, USSH VNUHCM signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with two key partners—Philippine Normal University (Philippines) and Kasetsart University (Thailand). These agreements mark an important milestone in establishing strategic collaborations, paving the way for joint training programs, research initiatives, and academic exchanges, ultimately enhancing teacher education quality in Southeast Asia.
Signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding between USSH VNUHCM and the Philippine Normal University (Philippines)
Signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding between USSH VNUHCM and Kasetsart University (Thailand)
Beyond formal discussions, the conference served as a valuable networking platform, fostering long-term collaboration among delegates. On the evening of December 12, the host university organized an informal gathering with representatives from AsTEN member institutions. Led by Prof. Dr. Ngo Thi Phuong Lan, this social event not only facilitated educational discussions but also provided an opportunity for delegates to experience Vietnamese culture.
Prof. Dr. Ngo Thi Phuong Lan delivering remarks at the informal gathering with representatives of AsTEN member universities
The 18th AsTEN Presidents’ Meeting was not only a forum for connecting regional education leaders but also a testament to the collective efforts of Southeast Asian universities in building a high-quality education system aligned with contemporary trends. The active participation of representatives from multiple countries, combined with the dedicated leadership of Prof. Dr. Ngo Thi Phuong Lan, contributed to the success of the event, reaffirming a shared commitment to fostering cooperation, enhancing teacher education, and creating sustainable value for the regional education landscape.
AsTEN President and representatives of AsTEN member universities taking a commemorative photo after the meeting
The ASEAN Teacher Education Network (AsTEN) is a regional organization established to foster collaboration among leading teacher education universities in Southeast Asia. AsTEN serves as a crucial bridge for knowledge exchange, experience sharing, and educational innovation. With a mission to enhance the quality of teacher education, the network focuses on developing international collaboration programs, organizing specialized conferences, and advancing research projects to meet the demands of modern education.
Story by LÝ NGUYÊN & THU THẢO
Translation by THÁI TƯỜNG
