The 18th AsTEN Conference: Shaping the Future of Teacher Education in Southeast Asia

 

On the morning of December 13, the 18th Rectors’ Conference of the Southeast Asian Teacher Education Network (AsTEN) was held at the Rex Hotel, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. The event was hosted by the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH), Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM), under the leadership of Professor Ngo Thi Phuong Lan, President of AsTEN and Rector of USSH.

In her opening remarks, Professor Ngo Thi Phuong Lan expressed her delight in welcoming delegates, educators, and guests to the event. She emphasized the special significance of this year’s conference, marking a decade of successful collaboration within the AsTEN network. She stated:
"Over the past decade, we have continuously promoted knowledge exchange and shared best practices, working together to address critical issues to enhance the quality of teacher education and foster sustainable development in education across Southeast Asia."

The 18th AsTEN Rectors’ Conference, together with the upcoming 6th AsTEN International Conference themed “Educational Methods and Approaches in the Digital Era: Emerging Trends and Global Experiences,” reflects the network’s strong commitment to innovation and development in teacher education. Professor Ngo Thi Phuong Lan further highlighted:
"In an ever-changing global context, equipping educators with robust skills, knowledge, and resilience is key to their ability to adapt to evolving demands while ensuring that education systems remain relevant, inclusive, and forward-thinking."

She also extended her gratitude to the Conference Organizing Committee and the AsTEN Secretariat for their tireless efforts and dedication in ensuring the success of this meaningful series of events.

Professor Ngo Thi Phuong Lan, President of the Southeast Asian Teacher Education Network (AsTEN) and Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, delivers a speech at the Conference – Photo: Ly Nguyen

This year’s conference primarily focused on discussing the outcomes of collaborative research projects, activities of the AsTEN Teacher Education Quality Assurance Agency (ATQA), and strategic actions by AsTEN to enhance teacher training quality, foster professional development, and internationalize education to meet the demands of Education 4.0. The 18th AsTEN Rectors’ Conference also marked the 10th anniversary of the establishment and growth of the AsTEN network. It provided an important platform for in-depth discussions among delegates on strategies for educational innovation in the context of global digital transformation.

Overview of the 18th Rectors’ Conference of the Southeast Asian Teacher Education Network (AsTEN) – Photo: Ly Nguyen

Following the opening speech by the President of AsTEN, delegates attended presentations from the AsTEN Secretariat, which covered topics such as the network’s general activities and financial matters. Additionally, a report on the activities of the AsTEN Teacher Education Quality Assurance Agency (ATQA) was delivered by a representative from Indonesia. This report highlighted the members’ continuous efforts in establishing common standards, assessing the quality of teacher education, and developing training programs tailored to regional needs. These initiatives represent a significant step forward in elevating the standing of Southeast Asian education on the global stage.

Mr. John Carlo M. Ramos, Executive Director of the Philippine Normal University and AsTEN Secretariat, presents a report at the Conference – Photo: Ly Nguyen

Prof. Fuad Abdul Hamied, Ph.D., from Indonesia University of Education, Executive Director of ATQA, delivered a report on ATQA's activities - Photo: Ly Nguyen

In addition, the AsTEN Teacher Education Journal has provided updated information on key educational policy issues in the region, helping leaders gain deeper insights into the changes and demands within the education system. Other important topics discussed at the conference included regional research collaboration projects and plans for the 19th AsTEN Conference.

Mr. Sasigaran Moneyam from Sultan Idris Education University (Malaysia), Executive Director of the Consortium of Asia-Pacific Education Universities (CAPEU), spoke at the conference - Photo: Ly Nguyen

As part of the conference, the university signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two major partners: Philippine Normal University (Philippines) and Kasetsart University (Thailand). This marks a significant milestone in establishing strategic partnerships, paving the way for joint training programs, collaborative research, and academic exchange initiatives, thereby contributing to the enhancement of teacher education quality in Southeast Asia.

The signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding between the USSH-VNUHCM and Philippine Normal University (Philippines) - Photo: Ly Nguyen

The signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding between the USSH-VNUHCM and Kasetsart University (Thailand) - Photo: Ly Nguyen

In addition, this conference was not only a formal platform for dialogue but also an opportunity for delegates to connect, share experiences, and build long-term partnerships. On the evening of December 12, the university hosted an informal gathering with representatives from universities in the AsTEN network. This side event was part of AsTEN's special series of activities and was chaired by Prof. Dr. Ngô Thị Phương Lan, the university's rector and president of the AsTEN network. Alongside discussions on educational activities, the event also provided a chance for delegates to network and explore more about Vietnamese culture.

Prof. Dr. Ngô Thị Phương Lan, President of the Southeast Asian Teacher Education Network (AsTEN) and Rector of the university, delivered a speech at the gathering with representatives from universities in the AsTEN network - Photo: Ly Nguyen

The 18th Rectors’ Conference of the Southeast Asian Teacher Education Network (AsTEN) was not only an opportunity for education leaders in the region to meet and connect but also marked the collective efforts of universities in Southeast Asia to build a high-quality education system that aligns with contemporary trends. The active participation of representatives from various countries, combined with the passionate leadership of Prof. Dr. Ngô Thị Phương Lan, contributed to the event's success, affirming the shared commitment to fostering cooperation, enhancing teacher training capacities, and creating lasting value for the region's education system.

The Chair of the AsTEN Network, along with representatives from universities in the AsTEN Network, took a commemorative photo after the conference - Photo: Ly Nguyen

The group took a commemorative photo after the conference - Photo: Ly Nguyen

The Southeast Asian Teacher Education Network (AsTEN) is a regional organization established with the goal of promoting collaboration among leading teacher education universities in Southeast Asia. AsTEN plays a vital role as a bridge in sharing knowledge, experiences, and innovations in the field of education. With a mission to enhance the quality of teacher training, the network focuses on building international cooperation programs, organizing thematic workshops, and developing research projects to meet the demands of modern education.

LÝ NGUYÊN - THU THẢO