ASAIHL 2026 Concludes in Sabah: Bridging Borders through Digital Transformation and Lifelong Learning
KOTA KINABALU, July 4, 2026 – The curtains have officially fallen on the Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning (ASAIHL) 2026 Conference. Hosted at the Chancellor Hall of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), the three-day event concluded as a resounding success, drawing distinguished academic leaders, delegates, and policymakers from eight nations, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Iran, Uzbekistan, Cambodia, and France.
Among the prominent dignitaries driving the event’s vision were Professor Wilert Puriwat, DPhil. (Oxon), the President Chulalongkorn University and the President of ASAIHL, Dr. Ninnat Olanvoravuth, Secretary-General Emeritus of ASAIHL, Dr. Suchin Worawichawong, the current Secretary-General of ASAIHL, and Professor Datuk Dr. Kasim Hj. Mansor, JP, Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS). Their presence underscored ASAIHL’s enduring commitment to fostering international academic cooperation and reshaping the future of higher education across Asia.
Aligning Higher Education with Strategic Growth: Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0
The official opening set a progressive tone for the conference, highlighting the critical alignment between state governance and higher education. In a speech read by Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Dr Andi Md Shamsureezal Mohd Sainal, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor emphasized the state's dedication to human capital development.
Through the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 Roadmap, the Sabah government aims to produce a highly skilled workforce tailored for future industries, particularly in:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
- Big Data Analytics and Digital Technology
- High-impact strategic economic sectors
Building the Future Together
The closing ceremony celebrated three remarkable days of inspiring dialogue, thought-provoking keynotes, and the signing of meaningful new partnerships. Organizer representatives extended their deepest gratitude to all speakers, delegates, sponsors, volunteers, and the UMS Corporate Communications Centre for their support in documenting the milestone event.
While ASAIHL 2026 has officially drawn to a close, the leadership team, alongside regional delegates, reaffirmed that the friendships, collaborations, and strategic frameworks forged in Kota Kinabalu will continue to actively shape the global higher education landscape.
Together, ASAIHL has bridged borders—and together, its member institutions are building the future. See you at the next ASAIHL Conference!
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