“"Today, the question isn't what we teach, but how we can foster wisdom in our students. As the world remains 'young' and constantly changing, universities must cultivate students who can learn, think critically, and take action effectively."
Opening Ceremony of ASAIHL Conference 2025 on December 4-5, 2025 ณ New World Saigon Hotel Ho Chi Minh CityVietnamIt became the starting point for a new conversation about the future of higher education when professorDr.ExcellentPhuriwat chairman ASAIHL and the President of the Council of University Presidents of Thailand The opening keynote address, which explores the perspectives of the education sector in the region, began with key questions reflecting the changing times: “The question is no longer what we teach, but how we empower the next generation to learn.” The message is clear—in this era, it's not about who has the most content, but about who can best develop learners who can think, analyze, make decisions, and cope with the future.
The world that “Still young”(The World Stays Young)
One of the most important issues raised was the view that The world still “Youthful” — Rapid changeDon't stop and wait for anyone. Technologies emerge, knowledge becomes obsolete in a matter of months, economies shift unexpectedly, and human work is constantly challenged. Universities can no longer stand still. While the world is young — Education itself must “youthful” Enough to adaptLearn quicklyAnd dare to experiment This is a message sent directly to higher education institutions across ASEAN:
- The curriculum must be flexible.
- Learning must be connected to the real world.
- Research must address urgent problems
- Executives must look to the future without fear of change.
Key contents of various sessions of the meetingMention Experiential Learning: The Engine of Wisdom CreationIt is clear that "wisdom" is the answer for this era, not "knowledge" that may become obsolete in a short period of time. Experiential learning, or learning through doing, has been elevated to become a key tool of higher education in the 21st century.
Because when the learner
- Get down to solving real problems
- Facing real challenges
- Self-reflection
It is a profound understanding that no textbook can replace.
ASAIHL: connecting bridge “wit” Cross the border
Another important point is the role of ASAIHL, which is not just a forum, but“A bridge connecting people, ideas, experiences and cultures of higher education in the region” The purpose of education today transcends institutional walls. Universities must work together to create learning communities that thrive together in a rapidly changing world.
Thailand presented its Cooperative and Work-Integrated Education (CWIE) model – sparking ASEAN-level interest – with Associate Professor Supaporn Peeratansamran from Sripatum University being selected for presentation in Thailand's Country Report. The promotion of Cooperative and Work-Integrated Education (CWIE) policies has received considerable attention, with an emphasis on tangible outcomes such as:
- More than universities 100 of Apply
- Almost course 3,000 course Log in
- More than students 98,000 person/year Gain real-world experience
- Unemployment rate of graduates only 1% Which is considered the lowest in the region.
This model reflects Thailand's "system change before curriculum adjustment" and creates in-depth cooperation with businesses from upstream to downstream.
Beyond the opening keynote address, which highlighted how the world is “young” and universities need to accelerate transformation, the conference was packed with insights into the future of higher education, starting with Keuka College’s keynote highlighting how experiential learning is a bridge connecting universities to the workforce through a model. Field Period Every year, all students are required to do their part, to Country Reports from the Philippines, Indonesia, Taiwan and Malaysia, which presented frameworks, policies and structures to support learning experiences that meet the needs of the new world. Meanwhile, several in-depth sessions expanded on the vision for learning innovation—from using AI to create personalized learning experiences and serve as a “new research lab,” developing global citizens through field projects and digital media, building PolyU’s cross-cultural learning ecosystem, to case studies of learning in a new way. Offline & On Purpose Emphasizing that “real-world exposure” is the heart of building leaders with profound and social responsibility, the two-day event reflected how real-world experience, reflection, and international cooperation are key drivers shaping ASEAN higher education for a future of constant change.
The conclusion of this ASAIHL conference clearly emphasized that the “future of higher education” will be driven by real-world experiences, learning innovation, and cross-border collaboration to enable universities to prepare learners to thrive in a world that remains “young” and constantly changing.
