AUN-QA International Conference (AUN-QAIC) 2025

Universiti Malaya Hosts AUN-QA International Conference 2025, Strengthening Regional Collaboration in Higher Education Quality

Universiti Malaya (UM) successfully hosted the AUN-QA International Conference (AUN-QAIC) 2025 from 5 to 7 November 2025 at Dewan Tunku Canselor, reaffirming its role as a key regional hub for advancing quality assurance (QA) in higher education. The conference brought together more than 400 quality assurance leaders, academics and practitioners from over 100 institutions across 11 countries, providing a vibrant platform for dialogue, peer learning and collaboration within the ASEAN higher education community.

Held under the theme “Fortifying Higher Education: Strategic QA for Resilience and Institutional Immunity in ASEAN,” the conference highlighted the evolving role of quality assurance beyond compliance, positioning it as a strategic mechanism to strengthen institutional resilience amid rapid global and sectoral change.

The opening ceremony was officiated by the Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaya, Prof. Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Noor Azuan Abu Osman, who also delivered the opening keynote address. In his remarks, he emphasised the importance of cultivating a strong quality culture grounded in trust, collaboration and continuous improvement to ensure the long-term vitality of higher education institutions.

Over the course of the programme, participants engaged in keynote sessions, plenary discussions and interactive breakout workshops covering key themes such as internal and external quality assurance, micro-credentials, qualifications frameworks and the digitalisation of QA processes. The conference featured speakers from leading international and regional quality assurance bodies, including INQAAHE, ABET and ENQA, alongside senior QA leaders from universities across ASEAN.

The conference concluded with a symbolic handover of the AUN-QA flag to the representative of the University of Santo Tomas, Philippines, host of the next AUN-QA International Conference in 2026, symbolising continuity and shared commitment among ASEAN universities.

In conjunction with the main conference, UM also hosted the AUN-QA Assessors’ General Assembly and the AUN-QA Chief Quality Officers’ Meeting, further reinforcing the University’s role as a strategic platform for regional engagement in higher education quality assurance.

The opening of the AUN-QA International Conference 2025, held in conjunction with ASEAN Chairmanship 2025, at Dewan Tunku Canselor, Universiti Malaya. (Photo: Pusat Komunikasi Korporat UM)

More than 400 QA leaders, academics and practitioners from over 100 institutions across 11 countries gathered at Dewan Tunku Canselor for AUN-QAIC 2025. (Photo: Pusat Komunikasi Korporat UM)