Jian LIU

Abstract: As higher education faces increasing geopolitical uncertainty, funding constraints, technological disruption and evolving societal expectations, universities are seeking new models of international engagement beyond traditional bilateral partnerships. Global university associations have emerged as influential platforms that facilitate collaboration, connect diverse stakeholders and accelerate institutional internationalisation through collective action. This forum explores how leading associations—including the ASEAN University Network (AUN), Asian Universities Alliance (AUA) and the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU), —have evolved into strategic ecosystems supporting research collaboration, academic mobility, leadership development, policy dialogue, grants and fellowships, innovation networks, sustainability initiatives and university-industry engagement. Drawing upon comparative experiences across multiple regions, the session examines the distinctive collaboration models employed by these associations and discusses how they foster long-term partnerships that transcend institutional and national boundaries. Participants will gain practical insights into leveraging international associations to strengthen global engagement strategies, create collaborative research ecosystems, develop future leaders and expand opportunities for students, academics and industry partners. Learning objectives: Participants will be able to: - Understand the evolving role of international university associations in shaping global higher education collaboration. - Compare the different collaboration models adopted by major regional and global university associations. - Examine how networks, conferences, grants, fellowships and thematic working groups contribute to sustainable international partnerships. - Explore the role of university associations in connecting academia, government and industry to address global challenges. - Identify strategies for universities to maximise institutional impact and internationalisation outcomes through active participation in global associations. Target audience: Senior university leaders, international office directors, partnership managers, policymakers, higher education researchers, international education practitioners, global engagement professionals and institutional leaders responsible for internationalisation strategy.