YOGYAKARTA, 17 February 2025 – The ASEAN in Today’s World (AsTW) 2025 program commenced today at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Indonesia, marking the inaugural round of its newly restructured program. Co-hosted by Kyushu University and UGM, this international academic initiative brings together students from ASEAN and Japan to deepen their understanding of regional affairs, cultures, and cooperation.
For the first time, AsTW participants engaged in a self-paced online course before attending in-person sessions, enhancing their learning experience and facilitating more profound discussions on-site. This innovative approach reflects AsTW’s commitment to adapting to evolving educational trends and maximising student engagement.
The opening ceremony featured remarks from Prof. Kenji Iwata, Executive Vice President of Kyushu University, who highlighted the program’s significance in strengthening ASEAN-Japan relations and fostering cross-cultural collaboration. In his speech, Prof. Iwata emphasised the program’s long-standing role in building connections across generations and shaping a future of peace and stability in the region.
Representing the ASEAN Secretariat, Ms. Marisol Hernandez, Assistant Director and Head of the Community Relations Division, delivered an engaging plenary lecture titled ASEAN Youth: Paving the Way for Sustainable Growth and Innovation. Her lecture encouraged students to recognise their role in shaping ASEAN’s future, exploring themes of innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. Through case studies and regional initiatives, she demonstrated how young leaders across ASEAN are tackling pressing challenges such as climate change, resource management, and access to education.
Dahliana Hasan, Ph.D., the Dean of the Faculty of Law at UGM, in her opening speech, welcomed participants and emphasizsed the importance of cross-cultural exchange in fostering international cooperation within ASEAN. “The AsTW program is a fantastic opportunity to foster cross-cultural exchange, deepen understanding, and build international cooperation within the ASEAN region and beyond,” She stated. She highlighted the program’s focus not only on academic lectures but also on cultural engagement, allowing students to explore ASEAN’s political, economic, and social dynamics. She also noted that this year’s participants would visit local NGOs to discuss crucial issues such as women’s rights, disabilities, and ethnic and religious diversity, providing them with both theoretical knowledge and practical exposure. Additionally, she encouraged students to immerse themselves in Yogyakarta’s rich cultural heritage through excursions to iconic sites like the Yogyakarta Palace, Borobudur Temple, and Desa Wisata Kembangarum.
This year’s AsTW cohort includes five students from Japan, four from Vietnam, two from the Philippines, one from Thailand, and six from Indonesia, reflecting the program’s diverse and inclusive spirit.
Looking ahead, AsTW 2026 will take place at Vietnam National University, Hanoi, in March next year. AsTW remains dedicated to fostering the next generation of ASEAN and Japanese leaders through academic excellence, cultural exchange, and regional cooperation.
For more details on the AsTW program, visit https://isc.kyushu-u.ac.jp/astw.
