APRU is delighted to announce the expansion of our network to 64 members across 20 economies, with three distinguished universities joining: Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), and VinUniversity (VinUni). This marks APRU’s first members from Brunei Darussalam and Viet Nam, further strengthening our reach and diversity across the Asia-Pacific.
Professor Dawn Freshwater, Vice Chancellor, The University of Auckland and APRU Chair said, “We are delighted to welcome three outstanding institutions to the APRU network from Mexico, Viet Nam, and Brunei Darussalam. UNAM brings unparalleled depth as one of Latin America’s leading research universities, VinUniversity adds fresh energy with its innovative approach to global education, and Universiti Brunei Darussalam contributes unique expertise rooted in sustainability and cultural diversity. Together, they expand our reach into two new economies and strengthen our collective capacity to tackle the Asia Pacific’s most urgent challenges. Their addition reflects our commitment to building a network that is not only diverse, but also dynamic in its leadership and vision.”
Together, these institutions will contribute to APRU’s mission to foster collaboration among leading universities in the Americas, Asia, and Australasia, advancing innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth.
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)
Founded in 1910 as the successor to the Royal and Pontifical University of Mexico (1551), UNAM is Mexico’s leading public university and one of the most influential institutions in Ibero‑America. As a comprehensive university with a mission to educate, conduct research, and disseminate culture, it offers extensive high school, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs and leads a significant share of Mexico’s national research. UNAM houses major national collections and services, maintains a UNESCO‑recognized main campus, and operates sites across Mexico and worldwide. Its vast academic community plays a defining role in the country’s cultural and scientific development.
Rector Dr. Leonardo Lomeli Vanegas says, “UNAM is proud to be a part of APRU. We believe that fostering and maintaining international collaborations and cooperation is crucial for the future of our societies, and engaging with the Pacific Rim is vital if we are to face and resolve the current environmental, economic, technological, and educational challenges. We are excited to offer UNAM’s capabilities in this joint endeavor within the framework of APRU.”
Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD)
Established in 1985, UBD is Brunei Darussalam’s oldest and most prestigious higher education institution. Evolving into a research-intensive university in Brunei Darussalam, UBD advances strengths in biodiversity and environmental research, energy transition, health and bio-innovation, and digital futures. Sustainability is a defining priority, embedded across education, operations, and engagement through its Sustainability Masterplan. UBD is also pioneering innovative education frameworks such as the GenBESTARI curriculum (launching in 2026), building on its signature Discovery Year programme that integrates experiential learning into every degree.
Dr. Hazri bin Haji Kifle, Vice-Chancellor and President is optimistic about joining the association, he said, “This new venture with APRU opens doors to elite opportunities for UBD researchers to achieve greater international impact, while advancing UBD’s internalisation strategy and commitment to addressing Asia-Pacific priorities.”
VinUniversity (VinUni)
Founded in 2019 by Vingroup – the largest conglomerate in Vietnam, VinUniversity is Vietnam’s first private, not-for-profit university. Despite its young age, VinUni has achieved remarkable milestones: a QS 5 Star overall rating (2024), appointment as the first UNESCO University Chair (2024), and institutional accreditation by FIBAA (2025). With strategic collaborations with Cornell University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Nanyang Technological University, VinUni is now transitioning into a research and innovation-oriented university with the ambitious vision of joining the world’s top 100 universities.
Dr. Le Mai Lan, President of VinUniversity, stated “VinUniversity is deeply honored to join the prestigious APRU. Founded by Vingroup, Vietnam’s largest private conglomerate, VinUniversity was created with the ambition to pioneer a bold, innovative model of higher education for the future. As the first APRU member from Vietnam, a dynamic country known for its warmth, resilience, and immense potential, we look forward to partnering with fellow APRU members to foster research, academic exchange, and meaningful impact across the Pacific Rim and the world.”
Amplifying Collaboration Across the Asia Pacific and Beyond
With the addition of UNAM, UBD, and VinUniversity, APRU continues to broaden its global academic alliance, fostering collaboration among university leaders, researchers, and students to address the pressing challenges of our time.
APRU Chief Executive, Professor Thomas Schneider said, “We are thrilled to welcome these outstanding universities into the APRU community. Each brings unique strengths, new perspectives and reach, and deepening commitments to excellence that will enrich our collaborative work and amplify our collective impact.”