An analysis of the ASEM Education Process and its role in higher education

Worldwide, there is a pressing need for nations to seriously enhance the international dimension in higher education through international cooperation to stay competitive in a globalised higher education system. The Asia‐Europe Meeting (ASEM) is an inter‐governmental organisation formed in 1996. Since then, it has been actively involved in higher education programmes around the globe. The sixth ASEM Summit (2006) underlined the importance of multidimensional dialogue and cooperation in education. This led to the official formation of the ASEM Education Process (AEP) in 2008 and the inauguration of a recurring meeting of ministers with a focus on higher education. Also, more than 120 ASEM education meetings at political and stakeholder levels have been conducted. This article analyses the processes involved in embedding higher education in the AEP and assesses the prospects of intensifying the role of the AEP in ASEM higher education. The data were collected from participant observations, semi‐structured interviews and an analysis of ASEM education policy documents and reports. Our findings highlight the AEP's role in setting the agenda for making higher education a fundamental priority of Asia‐Europe cooperation. AEP offers numerous opportunities for ASEM partners to enhance the visibility of their higher education system. The creation of the right platform for all relevant parties to be involved in the development of ASEM education cooperation is vital. Thus, commitment from ASEM education partners and stakeholders is imperative in enriching the AEP and enabling continuous progress in higher education between Asia and Europe.