Launched on 6 August 2022, the ASEAN-EU Higher Education Fair (AEHEF) highlighted not just international relations, but also the importance of academic and research in terms of building knowledge-based societies, global competitiveness, and systems of institutional governance required by the modern world.

More importantly, the event, jointly organised by the ASEAN Secretariat and the EU Delegation to ASEAN (EUD) shed light on pressing multilateralism matters regarding human rights, innovation and sustainability. These sessions discussed what scholars can gain through academic exchanges and study abroad programmes, focusing on the unique experience Europe provides.

Hosted online, the combined promotional efforts by partners and other EU-funded initiatives encouraged more than 3 000 participants to register and visit over 120 higher education institutions. The opening ceremony on 6 August and the 16 subsequent sessions attracted over 6 000 views. Between 6 to 8 August, 980 people visited the website — 874 were participants, while the rest were university and country representatives.

Participants were given the chance to interact with university representatives, education agencies and scholarship providers. This included EU flagship programmes SHARE and Erasmus+.

The event served as a virtual bridge to higher education and career development opportunities in Europe, made available to ASEAN students and researchers.

As the ASEAN-EU Higher Education Fair coincides with the European Year of Youth and the designated ASEAN Year of Youth, the ongoing celebration of the next generation continues to fortify the synergy between the countries. This was highly appreciated by the ASEAN Secretariat and the Philippines Missions as the country coordinator of the ASEAN-EU relations. It is hoped that all these can keep the relationship’s foundation strong for more ventures to come in pursuit of excellence and knowledge.

Over 56 000 views were recorded between 4 July and 7 August, prompting the organisers to keep the platform and all recorded discussions accessible for everyone for the months to come. Check them out below!