EduAsiaNews, Surabaya – Changes in the global landscape are presenting new challenges for the younger generation, requiring them to understand and anticipate the direction of these transformations. In response to these challenges, the 7th ASEAN University Network-Student Affairs Network (AUN-SAN) and the 2nd VOX (Voice, Opportunity, and eXchange) Meeting were once again convened. Hosted by Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), the event was held on Wednesday (September 2, 2026), at the THE IX Hall, MERR-C Campus.
Vice Rector for Human Resources, Prof. Dr. Ardianto, S.E., M.Si., Ak., CMA., CA., said the meeting provided an opportunity for students from different countries to learn from one another. “This meeting provides an opportunity for us to learn from one another, share knowledge, and broaden our global perspectives. We need to develop global minds so that we can understand diverse perspectives,” he said.
Preparing Competencies Amid Global Change
Prof. Ardianto noted that advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology have transformed the competencies required in the professional world. At the same time, climate change, social equality, and global connectivity require the younger generation to develop capabilities that extend beyond technical expertise and encompass substantive competencies as well.
Vice Rector for Human Resources Prof. Dr. Ardianto, S.E., M.Si., Ak., CMA., CA., delivers his opening remarks at the AUN-SAN and VOX Meeting. (Photo: UNAIR Public Relations)
The AUN-SAN and VOX Meeting serve as platforms for discussing various best practices in student development. Participants discussed strengthening student mobility, leadership development, entrepreneurship, digital literacy, as well as the use of technology in learning and everyday life without compromising environmental sustainability.
The exchange of experiences is expected to help higher education institutions identify more relevant approaches to developing students who demonstrate integrity and responsibility. “Cross-border collaboration also provides participants with opportunities to bring ideas from this forum back to their respective campuses and communities,” Prof. Ardianto said.
Strengthening the Role of Student Affairs
AUN Executive Director Prof. Dr. Thanapan Laiprakobsup emphasized the importance of student affairs networks in supporting student development across the ASEAN region. “Students’ experiences are shaped not only through academic activities. Higher education institutions also need to provide platforms that help students develop their skills,” he said.
Through the meeting, participants were able to exchange ideas and practices that could subsequently be developed into policy recommendations to support solutions across the ASEAN region. “Student affairs practitioners and students can exchange ideas and develop mechanisms that support sustainability in ASEAN,” he added.
The AUN-SAN and VOX Meeting also form part of broader efforts to develop an ASEAN younger generation capable of understanding and responding to global changes. The forum is expected to generate ideas that can create a meaningful impact on communities across the ASEAN region.
