The Philippine Normal University participated in a series of activities conducted by the Association of Southeast Asian Teacher Education Network (AsTEN) in Vietnam. PNU President Dr. Bert J. Tuga was represented by its Vice President for Student Success and Stakeholder Services, Dr. Denmark L. Yonson.
On December 13, 2024, the 18th Meeting of Presidents was held at the Rex Hotel Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The event was graciously hosted by the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City (USSH, VNUHCM), led by the new AsTEN Chairperson, Prof. Ngo Thi Phuong Lan. All ten member institutions discussed the agenda presented by the AsTEN Secretariat regarding the Network’s current activities and initiatives.
The AsTEN meeting underscored the collective mission of its member institutions to elevate the standards of teacher education. With a focus on sharing best practices, participants engaged in dynamic discussions, exploring strategies for enhancing teacher competencies within the ASEAN context. Topics discussed during the 18th Meeting of Presidents included significant policies and initiatives of the Network, such as strengthening the AsTEN Journal of Teacher Education. The delegates also revisited the previous plans regarding the AsTEN Strategic Directions for 2024-2028 and planned the implementation of necessary activities aligned with the Network’s goals. Discussions also touched on the Network’s participation in various ASEAN initiatives. The Board of Trustees agreed to further align the Network’s activities with ASEAN’s core mission and vision for the region.
During the meeting, a formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between PNU and the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH) in Vietnam was executed. This milestone agreement lays the foundation for meaningful collaboration in the areas of instruction, research, extension, and production. By fostering exchanges among faculty, staff, and students, the MOU aims to expand opportunities for joint initiatives and mutual learning, enriching the academic and cultural landscapes of both institutions
The signing of the MOU exemplifies PNU’s proactive approach to building international partnerships that align with its vision of producing future-ready educators. It also reflects the university’s strategic focus on engaging with like-minded institutions to address the evolving demands for quality education.
Following the Board Meeting, the 6th AsTEN Conference was conducted on December 14, 2024, at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City. The conference began with a plenary session featuring Dr. Roger Y. Chao, Jr., former Assistant Director/Head of Education, Youth, and Sports at the ASEAN Secretariat, and Dr. Le Hoang Dung, Vice President of USSH, VNUHCM.
Dr. Roger delivered a keynote speech on “New Challenges in Teacher Education: Higher Education among SEA in the Digital Transformation Era.” He discussed the role of teacher education in addressing educational challenges and introduced innovative ideas to improve education quality. He emphasized that teachers have always been at the core of education and highlighted the importance of ensuring lifelong learning opportunities for teachers and students to help them adapt to workplace challenges.
Dr. Le Hoang Dung gave his keynote speech on “Challenges and Dilemmas Imposed by New Technology-Oriented Education and a Call for Adequate Assessment for Lifelong Learning,” where he emphasized the critical role of teachers in addressing immediate classroom concerns and supporting learners, including mental health challenges. He stressed the importance of understanding students’ contexts, noting that courses and knowledge require time to be absorbed and digested, skills need practice and reinforcement, and life and stress-related factors significantly impact learning.
Following the plenary sessions, participants were divided into clusters for the parallel sessions, where presenters discussed various topics, including educational technology, languages, social sciences, STEM, early childhood education, and other teacher education-related subjects.
The 18th Meeting of Presidents and the 6th AsTEN Conference are regular initiatives of the Network aimed at advancing teacher education within the region through collaboration and research. PNU serves as the permanent secretariat of AsTEN.