The ASEAN+3 network is a forum for cooperation between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) University Network (AUN) and universities in the three East Asian nations of China, Japan, and South Korea. Kyoto University concluded an academic cooperation agreement with the AUN in 2009. The 5th ASEAN + 3 Rectors’ Conference was held online by Kanazawa University on October 14, 2021. Representing Kyoto University, Prof. Yasuyuki Kono, vice-president for international strategy attended the meeting on behalf of President Nagahiro Minato. Prof Eiji Nawata, director of Kyoto Unveristy’s ASEAN Center, Dr. Taro Sonobe, a university research administrator, also attended the conference. In total, the meeting was attended by representatives from 36 universities and two organizations from 12 countries.
The theme of the conference was “ASEAN+3 University Education and Graduate Employability: Sharpening the Edge.” The conference was opened by welcome remarks from Dr. Hirofumi Makino, president of Okayama University, Ms. Tomoka Satomi, deputy director-general of the Higher Education Bureau of Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), and Dr. Choltis Dhirathiti, Executive Director of the ASEAN University Network. The participants then watched a video overview of Kanazawa University, which was followed by a keynote speech by its president, Dr. Koetsu Yamazaki.
Following the keynote speech, presentations were delivered by representatives of Malaya University (Malaysia), Okayama University, Bandon Institute of Technology (Indonesia), Coventry University (UK), and Kyoto University. The presentations introduced good practices at the respective institutions, focusing on topic such as global network projects in the ASEAN region, the employment status of graduates, student mobility, and suggestions for strengthening cooperation among ASEAN+3 universities.
Vice-President Kono delivered a presentation titled “Co-Promoting Cutting-Edge Research and Co-Fostering the Next-Generation of Intellectuals: Collaboration among ASEAN+3 Universities.” During his presentation, Vice-President Kono discussed the career paths of Kyoto University graduates, the university’s education policy, and the future development of collaborative research projects with the AUN. Kyoto University intends to continue developing its collaboration and exchange with AUN partners in the future.
