APRU is a consortium of 42 leading research universities in the Pacific Rim. The consortium aims to foster cooperation in education, research and enterprise thereby contributing to the economic, scientific and cultural advancement of the Pacific Rim.
Established in 1997
APRU’s establishment was envisioned by Professor Steven B. Sample, former President of University of Southern California, former University of California, Los Angeles Chancellor Charles Young, former California Institute of Technology President Thomas Everhart and then University of California, Berkeley Chancellor Chang-Lin Tien.
APRU began with 34 charter members with the declaration: “The objective of this association of chief executive officers of premier universities around the Pacific Rim is to help these institutions become more effective contributors to the development of an increasingly integrated Pacific Rim community.”
The first annual meeting of presidents took place in Los Angeles from 1 to 3 June, 1997. Twenty university leaders attended this meeting.
Mission
APRU aims to promote scientific, educational and cultural collaboration among Pacific Rim economies. In both its objectives and guiding principles, APRU embodies a commitment to global academic and research standards.
APRU recognizes that its activities can be powerful catalysts for expanding educational, economic and technological cooperation among the Pacific Rim economies. The association seeks to promote dialogue and collaboration between academic institutions in Pacific Rim economies so that they can become effective players in the global knowledge economy.
Professor Yuichiro Anzai
Former President, Keio University
2006-2008:
Professor Gavin Brown FAA CorrFRSE
Inaugural Director, Royal Institution of Australia
Former Vice-Chancellor and Principal, University of Sydney
2002-2006:
Professor Choon Fong Shih
President, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
Former President, National University of Singapore
1997-2002:
Professor Steven B. Sample
Former President, University of Southern California
Steering Committee
The Steering Committee provides leadership for the association. Members of the Steering Committee are presidents elected from member universities in the Americas, Asia and Australasia. The APRU Chair heads the Steering Committee.
Dr Lawrence Loh
Associate Professor, National University of Singapore
Former Vice President (University and Global Relations), National University of Singapore
1997-2002:
Dr Richard Drobnick
Secretary General Emeritus, APRU
Director, Center for International Business Education and Research
Marshall School of Business, University of Southern California
Member universities
To see who our members are, please click here.
Our members’ profiles are also available here.
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