ASEAN+3 Universities Focus on Collaboration and Lasting Development in Can Tho
Table of Contents
Can Tho, Vietnam – November 20, 2025 – Leaders from higher education institutions across the ASEAN region, Japan, the Republic of Korea (RoK), and China convened in Can Tho on November 19-20 to discuss strategies for strengthening regional networks and promoting sustainable development through enhanced collaboration.
Conference Highlights: Strengthening Regional Ties
The ASEAN+3 Rectors’ Conference,themed “Strengthening networks,Sharing Excellence,and Promoting Sustainable ASEAN+3 Cooperation,” underscored a shared commitment among universities to deepen partnerships and advance sustainable practices. The conference served as a platform for exchanging insights on governance and charting a course for higher education in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Can Tho’s Vision as a Regional Hub
Nguyen Van Khoi, Vice Chairman of the Can tho municipal People’s Committee, articulated the city’s ambition to become a leading knowlege and innovation hub for the Mekong Delta. He emphasized Can Tho’s readiness to expand cooperation with ASEAN+3 universities through joint initiatives in training, research, and technology transfer.The city specifically pledged to support cross-border education programs focusing on key areas like artificial intelligence, big data, robotics, smart agriculture, and ecological urban development.
Key Discussion Pillars
Conference delegates centered discussions around three core pillars: health equity, climate resilience and food security, and technological cooperation for sustainable growth. Sessions explored critical topics including:
- sustainable agriculture and fisheries
- Climate adaptation strategies
- Effective water resource management
- The application of digital technologies in regional development
Delegates also had the prospect to visit Can Tho University’s laboratories and witness a presentation of unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology applied to agricultural production.
Strategic Solutions for a Stronger ASEAN Higher Education System
Experts and higher education leaders proposed several strategic solutions to bolster the ASEAN higher education system. These included:
- Expanding joint training and dual-degree programs
- Establishing joint research clusters to address regional challenges
- Promoting student and lecturer exchange programs
- Strengthening partnerships with businesses and international organizations
- Accelerating digital conversion towards the “smart university” model
Commitment to Quality and Resilience
Associate Prof. dr. Thanapan Laiprakobsup, Executive Director of the ASEAN University Network, reaffirmed the network’s dedication to prioritizing education quality. He stressed the importance of building resilience and strengthening internal quality assurance systems to foster continuous improvement within institutions.
Dr. Laiprakobsup commended Vietnam and Can Tho University for their dedication to enhancing quality and international engagement. He highlighted that collaborative ASEAN+3 initiatives – including interdisciplinary research, scholar exchanges, and scientific data sharing – will be crucial in addressing regional challenges such as climate change, food security, and sustainable development.
Related reading