ASEA-UNINET

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  • New Summer School: Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology (PTIT), Vietnam

    New Summer School: Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology (PTIT), Vietnam

    With the aim of enhancing academic and cultural exchange among students from member countries of ASEA-UNINET, the Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology (PTIT) is planning to organise the PTIT International Summer School 2026, scheduled from June 15-30, 2026 at PTIT, Ha Dong Campus. The programme is designed for international undergraduate students and will include academic activities in the fields of:

    • Information Technology,
    • Artificial Intelligence,
    • Media & Communication,
      along with cultural experiences, student interaction, and field trips.

    Detailed programme information and materials are also available at the following link . Please note that, for ASEA-UNINET member universities, the application deadline will be extended to February 15. 2026. Additional materials or an official invitation letter in English may be provided upon request.

    Source: PTIT Summer School: Global Innovation 2026 Guide

  • Meeting with the University of the Philippines on funding opportunities in the arts within the framework of ASEA-UNINET

    Meeting with the University of the Philippines on funding opportunities in the arts within the framework of ASEA-UNINET

    On October 8, 2025, an online meeting took place between representatives of the ASEA-UNINET Network Office in Vienna and high-ranking representatives of the University of the Philippines. The aim was to explore funding opportunities within the network between Austria and the Philippines, primarily in the art sector.

    The University of the Philippines, with its 9 campuses, has been a member of ASEA-UNINET since 1997. The fruitful collaboration within the network is reflected in a large number of bilateral research and teaching collaborations. Four of these were awarded the Bernd Rode Award (BRA): 2016, 2019 (twice) and 2024. The BRA recognizes extraordinary achievements in (bilateral) research between Austrian and ASEAN ASEA-UNINET member universities.

  • Visit to the Universidade Nacional Timor Lorosa’e (UNTL) in Timor Leste

    Visit to the Universidade Nacional Timor Lorosa’e (UNTL) in Timor Leste

    From February 12 to 15, 2025, Prof. Roberto Ranzi, ASEA-UNINET President (till September 2025), Prof. A Min Tjoa, ASEA-UNINET Coordinator for Technology, Innovation and Sustainability for Europe, and Prof. Moh. Iqbal Djawad, ASEA-UNINET National Coordinator for Indonesia, visited the UNTL, in order to discuss with high-ranking university representatives this university’s inclusion into the network and thus future cooperation opportunities. The intensive discussions took place in a very friendly atmosphere.

    © A Min Tjoa
    © A Min Tjoa
    © A Min Tjoa

    The visit to Timor-Leste was also used for a meeting with the Austrian Honorary Consul, Stefan Hlavac. The political, economic and university situation in the country was discussed. Last but not least, a meeting took place with the Vatican representative in Timor-Leste, Monsignor Marco Sprizzi.

    Another highlight was the visit to the very impressive Timorese Resistance Archive and Museum (AMRT). What should be highlighted here is Austria’s role in two meetings of the resistance in Timor-Leste against the Indonesian occupation (1975-1999) in Schlaining Castle (especially the second meeting on March 19, 1996), in which most of Timor’s active leaders today took part.

    At the 20th ASEA-UNINET Plenary Meeting in September 2025, in Brescia, Italy, the UNTL applied for membership was unanimously accepted as a new candidate member of the network.

    © A Min Tjoa

  • 20th ASEA-UNINET Plenary Meeting

    20th ASEA-UNINET Plenary Meeting

    The 20th Plenary Meeting of ASEA-UNINET, held in Brescia, Italy from 8–12 September 2025, brought together universities from across Europe and ASEAN under the theme “for a peaceful and sustainable development”.

    Expanding the Network

    During the network’s elections, ASEA-UNINET welcomed new institutions as Candidate Members, marking a significant expansion:

    • Cambodia: Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC)

    • Czech Republic: Palacký University Olomouc (UP)

    • Italy: University of Torino (UniTo)

    • Malaysia: Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA)

    • Romania: Transilvania University of Brașov (UniTBV)

    • Romania: Western University of Timișoara (UVT)

    • Thailand: Princess Galyani Vadhana Institute of Music (PGVIM)

    • Timor Leste: Universidade Nacional Timor Lorosa’e (UNTL)

    The addition of Romania and Timor Leste introduces two new countries into the network, with Timor Leste’s participation especially significant, as it brings forward the voice of ASEAN’s youngest nation.

    Five Candidate Members were also elected as Full Members:

    • Austria: University of Arts Linz

    • Indonesia: Universitas Padjadjaran (UNPAD)

    • Thailand: Walailak University (WU)

    • Thailand: Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC)

    • Vietnam: Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology (PTIT)

    The Plenary Meeting also marked a change in leadership, with Dr. Mullika Sungsanit, Vice Rector for Engagement, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship at Suranaree University of Technology (SUT), Thailand, elected as the new President of ASEA-UNINET. Dr. Sungsanit brings extensive experience in fostering academic innovation and international collaboration, and her leadership is expected to further strengthen the network’s role in promoting peace, sustainability, and cross-regional academic exchange.

    The Significance of Timor Leste’s Participation

    Timor Leste’s representation within ASEA-UNINET is deeply symbolic. As ASEAN’s newest member, the country embodies resilience, peacebuilding, and regional cooperation after a turbulent history. The emphasis on peace was also echoed in the opening ceremony, with keynote addresses highlighting human fraternity, international relations, and pathways toward sustainable futures.

    Addressing Global Challenges

    Beyond the network’s elections, the Plenary Meeting hosted working groups that focused on pressing global issues and interdisciplinary collaboration:

    • Digital Humanism and Arts in Academia

    • Ocean Sciences and Climate Change

    • Renewable Energy

    • Global Health and Sustainable Food Production

    • Ecological Economics and the Bioeconomy

    These sessions underscored the role of universities in providing knowledge, innovation, and international partnerships to tackle today’s complex challenges, from climate change to food security and digital transformation.

    Looking Ahead

    With an expanded membership and renewed vision, ASEA-UNINET continues to strengthen bridges between Europe and ASEAN. The Meeting Minutes will be made available here by the end of November, 2025. Preparations for the next Plenary Meeting, to take place in Thailand in early 2027, are already underway.

    Appendix:

    Full Programme to the 20th Plenary Meeting of ASEA-UNINET

  • New International Classes: Bachelor and Master Programmes at Udayana University (Unud), Indonesia

    New International Classes: Bachelor and Master Programmes at Udayana University (Unud), Indonesia

    Udayana University (Unud) has announced the introduction of new international programmes at both the Bachelor’s and Master’s levels, aimed at offering globally competitive education and expanding opportunities for local and international students.

    The new programmes will be taught in English and will follow international curricula, integrating global academic standards with the unique cultural and environmental context of Bali. These classes are designed to attract a diverse student body, enhance academic mobility, and foster cross-cultural exchange.

    Prospective students can apply to the International Class for selected faculties; coursework for both undergraduate and graduate degrees will include international collaborations, opportunities for internships, and access to global research networks.

    Applications for the international programmes are now open. For more details on eligibility, faculty offerings, tuition fees, and application procedures, interested students are encouraged to visit Udayana University’s official site or contact the admission office. The individual programme brochures may also be consulted in the link below.

    Source: Unud Programme Brochures

  • 25 Years of Cooperation between and New Development Prospects with Partners in Vietnam and Austria

    25 Years of Cooperation between and New Development Prospects with Partners in Vietnam and Austria

    On September 5, 2025, BOKU University, represented by Rector Prof. Dr. Eva Schulev-Steindl, held a ceremony to celebrate and honour a quarter century of cooperation with Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST), and ten years of cooperation with Vietnam National University of Agriculture (VNUA) in a solemn and warm atmosphere of friendship. Delegations of HUST, headed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Huỳnh Quyết Thắng, President of the University, and VNUA, represented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Hoàng Anh, Dean of the Faculty of Food Science and Technology, took part in this event. The ceremony was also honoured by the presence of Dr. Vũ Lê Thái Hoàng, the Ambassador of Vietnam to the Republic of Austria and Slovenia and the Ambassador of Austria to Vietnam, Mag. Philipp Agathonos.

    Ideas for developing training and research programmes in areas such as climate change mitigation, food safety, green transition, and emissions reduction were proposed to further promote academic exchange between faculty and students, seek new funding opportunities, and leverage the research potential of the Vietnamese and Austrian institutions.

    Source: HUST

  • 12th EU-ASEAN STI Dialogue: Strengthening Scientific Collaboration

    12th EU-ASEAN STI Dialogue: Strengthening Scientific Collaboration

    On 24 June 2025, the 12th EU-ASEAN Dialogue on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) highlighted both regions’ commitment to deepening collaboration in key research areas.

    The discussions focused on shared priorities for 2025–2027, including green and digital transitions, health, biodiversity, and innovation ecosystems. The EU’s Horizon Europe programme was presented as a key platform for joint initiatives, alongside existing regional partnerships.

    Both sides reaffirmed their support for open science, mobility, and inclusive innovation, principles that are also central to ASEA-UNINET’s mission in fostering academic cooperation across Europe and Southeast Asia.

    Source: European Commission

  • Scholarship Opportunity: PhD Programme at Prince of Songkla University (PSU), Thailand

    Scholarship Opportunity: PhD Programme at Prince of Songkla University (PSU), Thailand

    ASEA-UNINET is pleased to share that Prince of Songkla University (PSU) is offering fully-funded PhD scholarships to outstanding international students under the PSU Presidential Scholarship Programme.

    Scholarship Highlights

    • 100,000 THB for scholarship recipient & 80,000 THB for an international supervisor monitoring the research progress at PSU
    • 20 scholarships
    • for international students currently enrolled in a PhD programme who maintain their student status throughout the research period (minimum of 8 months)

    Key Dates

    • Application Deadline: August 31, 2024
    • Results Announcement: October 2024
    • Enrollment: January 2025

    Eligibility

    • Non-Thai nationals with a Master’s degree
    • Strong academic and research background
    • English language proficiency

    Fields of Study

    Open to a broad range of disciplines including Engineering, Sciences, Medicine, Environmental Studies, and more.

    Source: PSU

  • Event: Alumni Talk with ASEA-UNINET Scholar Retno Ardhani at OeAD in Vienna, Austria

    Event: Alumni Talk with ASEA-UNINET Scholar Retno Ardhani at OeAD in Vienna, Austria

    On May 22, 2025, the OeAD – Austria’s Agency for Education and Internationalisation will host an Alumni Talk event featuring Retno Ardhani from Indonesia, a distinguished postdoctoral scholar of ASEA-UNINET. The event will take place at the OeAD in Vienna and spotlight Retno’s academic journey in Austria and her continued contributions to international collaboration.

    As a scholarship holder of the Ernst Mach Grant – ASEA-UNINET, Retno will share how her studies in Austria shaped her professional path and strengthened ties between Indonesia and Austria. Her talk promises to offer valuable insights into the long-term impact of academic mobility and intercultural exchange.

    The event aims to inspire current scholars and alumni alike, reaffirming ASEA-UNINET’s mission to promote sustainable academic partnerships across continents.

    Source: OeAD

  • Words of Solidarity for our Partners in Myanmar & Thailand

    Words of Solidarity for our Partners in Myanmar & Thailand

    We are deeply saddened by the devastating earthquake that recently struck Myanmar and Thailand — two valued partner countries within our network. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this disaster, including the many families who have suffered loss, injury, and displacement.

    In times like these, we are reminded of the importance of solidarity, compassion, and cooperation across borders. ASEA-UNINET stands united in support of our partners and friends in Myanmar and Thailand. We express our heartfelt sympathy and extend our hopes for strength, safety, and a swift recovery to all impacted communities.

    We also wish to acknowledge and commend the courage of the emergency responders, volunteers, and local authorities who are working tirelessly in the face of hardship to provide relief and assistance.

    Together, as a network founded on collaboration and human connection, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting one another — both in times of progress and in times of adversity.