The University of San Agustin (USA) participated in the ASEAN–Australia Education Dialogue (AAED) 2025, held from 01 to 04 December 2025 in UNESCO World Heritage Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia. The University was represented by the Director of its International Relations Office, John Paul Mondejar.
Hosted by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and co-hosted by the ASEAN Focus Group (AFG VG) in association with the ASEAN University Network (AUN), AAED 2025 brought together leading voices in higher education, including researchers, students, policymakers, and institutional leaders from across ASEAN and Australia.
This year’s theme, “Education in Motion: Reimagining Mobility, Inclusivity, and Sustainability Across Borders,” underscored the need for forward-looking and collaborative strategies in international higher education. Discussions explored key issues such as regional mobility, digital learning, climate action, maritime sustainability, and inclusive educational frameworks.
The programme featured thematic panels, interactive sessions, a roundtable, a masterclass, site visits, and extensive networking opportunities, all designed to strengthen academic partnerships and encourage sustainable regional collaboration.
By taking part in the Dialogue, the University of San Agustin engaged in conversations on:
- Reimagining cross-border mobility in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape
- Embedding inclusivity and ethical partnership practices in internationalization
- Integrating sustainability, innovation, and climate-conscious perspectives into academic cooperation
- Building resilient and future-ready collaborations between ASEAN and Australian institutions
USA’s participation allowed the University to deepen its understanding of emerging trends in global engagement and identify avenues for enhancing its internationalization agenda. The insights and partnerships built during the Dialogue support the University’s commitment to fostering global citizenship, academic excellence, and impactful international collaboration.
Reflecting on the event, Director Mondejar noted that AAED 2025 “provided a valuable platform for institutions across the region to exchange best practices and explore innovative models of cooperation that respond to today’s academic and societal challenges.”
The University of San Agustin looks forward to sustaining the connections and learnings from AAED 2025 as part of its mission to cultivate transformative, globally engaged Augustinian education.
