UZH Hosts Visit from ASEAN Committee to Strengthen Partnerships in Southeast Asia
During a visit to the University of Zurich (UZH) on 3 December, the ASEAN Committee met with UZH President Michael Schaepman and a panel of UZH researchers to learn more about the importance of Southeast Asia to the University's global strategy and reaffirm a shared commitment to the success of the bilateral partnership.
Led by, H.E. Bernard Dy, Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Berne and Ambassador of the Philippines to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, the delegation included senior representatives of ASEAN member state embassies and missions to Switzerland, with the Ambassadors of Brunei Darussalam and Laos participating in the proceedings by video call.
Delegates were joined by representatives from the ASEAN Secretariat, including Ms Nisanat Watthayu, Senior Programme Officer of the ASEAN University Network (AUN), which is hosted by Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok and represents over fifty universities across Southeast Asia, and Ms Amalia M. Serrano, Senior Officer at the Secretariat’s Education, Youth, and Sports Division, based in Jakarta.
Showcasing UZH’s academic partnerships and research
President Schaepman welcomed the visitors by drawing attention to the transformative role of engagement with Southeast Asia, which provides a unique opportunity to enrich the diversity of research and academic perspectives, connect with new partner institutions across the ASEAN region, and invite cultural reflection. He especially highlighted the role of the new Leading House Asia Pacific - which is hosted by UZH on behalf of the entire Swiss higher education sector - in fostering impactful knowledge exchange.
A panel of UZH researchers showcased the impact of collaborative research and education projects with partners in countries including Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia. Addressing some of the most pressing global challenges and regional policy priorities, projects highlighted the role of equitable partnerships as well as student and researcher mobility to inform topics like inclusive development, nature-based solutions, One Health, or the role of AI and ethical data-sharing in high-profile initiatives like the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health.
A visit at a pivotal moment for ASEAN–Switzerland relations
The visit to UZH took place at an important juncture in the bilateral relationship of UZH and Switzerland with the ASEAN region. Next year will mark the 10th anniversary of the ASEAN-Switzerland Sectoral Dialogue Partnership, which provides a formal framework for shared policy and innovation priorities, including for the higher education sector. Also, from January 2026, the Philippines will assume the rotating chair to lead and represent the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. In his remarks, Ambassador Dy of the Philippines noted the prominent role of the University of Zurich and the Leading House in building impactful connections between Switzerland and ASEAN countries, with a shared vision for a peaceful, innovative and inclusive future.
Tina Schilbach
