Dr. Bert J. Tuga: Growing ASTEN's strength and solidarity

"Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success." - Henry Ford

As we look back to the moment when AsTEN was established, we reflect on the aspirations that led to the creation of a platform dedicated to teacher education in the ASEAN region. Today, we celebrate this success alongside the Founding Members of ASTEN.

As we mark the completion of our first decade of service, it is with immense pride and joy that we consider how AsTEN has fulfilled its mission to elevate teacher education within the region. The journey of ASTEN has been shaped not only by initiatives designed to improve practices in teacher education but also by the collaborative growth of its members and our unwavering commitment to the Network's shared vision.

The Philippine Normal University (PNU) has had the privilege of serving the Network as its Founding Chair from 2014 to 2018 and as its Permanent Secretariat. This role has brought with it significant responsibilities. The top priority of which is ensuring the smooth operation of the Network while creating an environment where members feel a strong sense of belonging to the AsTEN family. Much like the principles of ASEAN, ASTEN thrives as an organization that values a sense of community, meaningful dialogues, and deep respect for each member institution. Through this unity, we have achieved a deeper understanding of one another and built stronger ties among ASEAN nations through education.

Our active involvement in the Network has also enabled us to initiate and conduct activities that have provided valuable experiences and opportunities to our pre-service teachers and teacher educators. Programs such as the AsTEN Student Teaching Exchange Program (ASTEN-STEP), International Collaborative Research Projects, ASTEN I-Connect Webinar Series, and the AsTEN Journal of Teacher Education have all been part of these efforts. We are pleased to have shared these endeavors with you, and with PNU's commitment to excellence and collaboration, we would be honored to continue making these initiatives possible. Additionally, we have worked diligently to secure recognition for ASTEN as an official entity of ASEAN in 2021, creating more opportunities for the Network to advance its advocacies and strategic directions.

Many challenges persist in the teacher education sector across the ASEAN region. However, I believe that with our strength and solidarity as a Network, we can overcome them together through our commitment to excellence and collective pursuit. All the work we have accomplished so far through collaboration proves that unity is what will help us overcome these challenges.

Appreciation goes to all of AsTEN's stakeholders who have interacted and collaborated with us and the Secretariat over the years. We look forward to continuing our work with you as we commence a new chapter for ASTEN.

Maraming salamat! Mabuhay, AsTEN!