On the evening of July 1, 2026, the Philippine Normal University (PNU) warmly welcomed delegates of the Association of Southeast Asian Teacher Education Network (AsTEN), former University presidents, distinguished guests, academic leaders, and partner institutions during the Welcome Dinner and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Signing Ceremony for New AsTEN Members held at the Ramon Hall, Golden Prince Hotel & Suites, Cebu City, Philippines.

Hosted by PNU in partnership with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Cebu Normal University (CNU), the event served as a celebration of regional friendship, academic collaboration, and the continued growth of the AsTEN community. The gathering brought together representatives from leading teacher education institutions across Southeast Asia ahead of the ASEAN Teacher Education Conference (AsTEC) 2026, reaffirming a shared commitment to advancing teacher education through cooperation and innovation.

A highlight of the evening was the formal welcome extended to Cebu Normal University (CNU), Leyte Normal University (LNU), and West Visayas State University (WVSU) as the newest Philippine members of AsTEN. Their admission into the regional network represents an important milestone not only for the institutions themselves but also for Philippine teacher education, as more universities become actively engaged in regional academic partnerships and collaborative initiatives.

PNU proudly congratulated the three institutions for joining the AsTEN family. As the nominating and endorsing institution for CNU, LNU, and WVSU, the University recognized their longstanding contributions to teacher education, research, extension, and community engagement. Their inclusion in the network further strengthens the Philippines’ presence within AsTEN and opens new opportunities for collaboration in faculty and student mobility, research, quality assurance, and educational innovation.

The ceremony celebrated the admission of two international institutions into the growing network: Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) and Hanoi National University of Education (HNUE). UBD joined AsTEN through the endorsement of Kolej Universiti Perguruan Ugama Seri Begawan (KUPU SB), while HNUE was nominated and endorsed by the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH), Vietnam. Their membership reflects AsTEN’s continuing commitment to expanding regional cooperation and fostering stronger ties among teacher education institutions across Southeast Asia.

The Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony formally welcomed the new member institutions into the network. On behalf of AsTEN, the MoU was signed by Prof. Dr. Ngo Thi Phuong Lan, Chairperson of AsTEN, and witnessed by Assoc. Prof. John Carlo M. Ramos, Executive Director of AsTEN.

Representing Cebu Normal University, Dr. Laurence L. Garcia, President, signed the Memorandum of Understanding, with Dr. Daisy R. Palompon, Vice President for Academic Affairs, serving as witness.

For Leyte Normal University, the agreement was signed by Dr. Gil Nicetas B. Villarino, President, and witnessed by Dr. Jonas P. Villas, Vice President for Research, Innovation, Extension, and Internationalization.

West Visayas State University was represented during the ceremony by Dr. Rosemarie G. Felimon, Associate Dean, Undergraduate, College of Education, who served as witness to the institution’s admission into the network.

Representing Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Prof. Dr. Haji Noor Azam bin Orang Kaya Maha Bijaya Haji Othman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, joined the signing ceremony, with Dr. Hajah Hardimah Haji Md Said, Dean, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Institute of Education (SHBIE), serving as witness.

For Hanoi National University of Education, the Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Assoc. Prof. Kieu Van Hoan, Vice President, and witnessed by Dr. Pham Thi Ngoc Quynh, Director of the Institute for Internationalization Education and Training (IIET).

Beyond the formalities, the Welcome Dinner provided an opportunity for AsTEN delegates, university leaders, former PNU presidents, and distinguished guests to strengthen existing partnerships and forge new collaborations. The evening reflected the enduring spirit of collegiality and shared purpose that has characterized AsTEN since its establishment.

As a founding member of the network, PNU reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the continued expansion of AsTEN and promoting meaningful regional engagement among teacher education institutions. The University likewise expressed its openness to nominating and mentoring qualified institutions that aspire to become part of the network, contributing to a stronger and more connected teacher education community across Southeast Asia.

The celebration concluded with renewed enthusiasm for future collaborations and a collective commitment to advancing excellence in teacher education throughout the region.

PNU extends its heartfelt congratulations to Cebu Normal University, Leyte Normal University, West Visayas State University, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, and Hanoi National University of Education on their admission to the AsTEN family. May their membership inspire greater collaboration, innovation, and impact as the network continues to grow and strengthen educational partnerships across Southeast Asia.