The ASEAN in Today’s World (AsTW) program, founded by Kyushu University in 2009, is a unique two-week international study program focused on ASEAN and East Asian affairs. This program, designed for undergraduate students from around the world, offers courses primarily in English, making it accessible to a global audience.

Since its inception, AsTW has been a collaborative initiative involving several prestigious universities in the ASEAN region. It began in Thailand, co-organized by Kyushu University and Mahidol University from 2009 to 2011. The program then moved to the Philippines, hosted by Ateneo de Manila University from 2012 to 2014. Following this, Vietnam National University Hanoi took over from 2015 to 2017. From 2018 to 2020, the program was held at Universiti Malaya in Malaysia, and from 2021 to 2024, it returned to its origins with joint hosting by Kyushu University and Mahidol University. In 2025, Universitas Gadjah Mada in Indonesia will host the program on its vibrant campus.

ASEAN today continues to realise the vision of its Founding Fathers and the aspirations of its peoples to live in peace, harmony, and prosperity. In this context, we recognize the important role of our youth as a catalyst for economic, social and cultural progress. We strive to instil in them a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, which is crucial for future ASEAN leaders.

In line with this, programmes such as ‘ASEAN in Today’s World’ are welcomed in strengthening ASEAN awareness among the peoples of the region, as well as in promoting a culture of peace and mutual understanding. To this end, I commend the ‘ASEAN in Today’s World’ initiative for enabling the region’s young people to get to know each other better while developing the knowledge and life skills they need to successfully navigate today’s world and the future.

The ASEAN Secretariat remains committed in promoting positive initiatives such as this, with a view towards increasing people-to-people interactions and mobility within and outside the ASEAN region.

Secretary –General of ASEAN

The AsTW curriculum consists of Multiculturalism Course and Social innovator Incubation Course, supplemented by co-curricular Study Trips, providing students with an enriched and unique learning opportunities.
The Multiculturalism course gives AsTW its distinction as a rigorous introduction to selected ASEAN issues that increasingly affect global and regional “ASEAN+3” relations.
Students will broaden their knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of ASEAN and “ASEAN+3” cooperation through the AS courses. A valuable part of the program is the opportunity to approach ASEAN and East Asia topics from different perspectives.

A series of cultural study trips is another attractive part of the program. Each excursion is intended to provide students with the opportunity to increase their awareness and enhance their appreciation of the history, culture, and social life of the country where AsTW is held.
To complete the AsTW program, students must enroll in both courses for credit and participate in all essential events. Students who meet all AsTW requirements will be awarded a certificate issued jointly by Kyushu University and the co-hosting university.