16th AUN Rectors’ Meeting and 40th AUN-Board of Trustees Meeting, Manila Philippines

The 16th ASEAN University Network (AUN) Rectors’ Meeting and 40th AUN-Board of Trustees (AUN-BOT) were held in Philippines on 24 and 25 July 2025. During the 16th ASEAN University Network (AUN) Rectors’ Meeting, the AUN-DPPnet Director, Prof. Dr. Loh Sau Cheong, S.A.P had presented on: Enhancing Inclusivity and Accessibility in Universities within the Context of SDGs, with the following objectives:

1. To propose strategies for enhancing accessibility and support for students with disabilities;

2. To seek collaboration from member universities in creating an inclusive campus environment;

3. To develop best practices in creating inclusive campuses for ASEAN countries.

Prof. Dr. Loh shared that AUN-DPPnet based at Universiti Malaya had developed the Guideline of Inclusive Campus for Disabilities, also known as UM-InOKU. The Guideline emphasises on four (4) important domains, namely: Policy and Governance, Teaching and Learning, Campus Accessibility and Support System. This guideline serves as a comprehensive framework to promote and ensure an inclusive learning environment that accommodates the diverse needs of students with disabilities.

In the 40th AUN-Board of Trustees (AUN-BOT) meeting, members had been urged to adopt and adapt the UM-InOKU Guideline in respective universities. As a way forward, AUN-DPPnet looks forward to develop the Persons with Disabilities Inclusive Campus Guideline on Higher Education for ASEAN.