In early May 2026, an APRU delegation led by Prof. Thomas Schneider, Chief Executive and joined by Adriana Rojas, Senior Director, APRU Programs, Joey Chu, Senior Manager, Events, and Vini Damayanti, Communications and Administrative Officer undertook a series of new member onboarding and courtesy and collaboration visits across Southeast Asia. The visits reinforced APRU’s commitment to deepening engagement in the region and welcoming new members into the network, while advancing shared priorities in sustainability, global health, Indigenous knowledges, student leadership, and mobility.

Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), Brunei Darussalam (new APRU member)

The APRU delegation visited Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) on May 5, 2026 for high‑level discussions with the university’s senior leadership and academic community. Conversations focused on sustainability, student enrichment, mental health, lifelong learning, and research collaboration, with particular interest in APRU initiatives such as FELLI, micro‑credentials, and Indigenous Knowledges programs.

Located in one of the world’s most pristinely forested countries, UBD has built global expertise around tropical forest ecosystems and biodiversity, supported by its forest field research stations and the Botanical Research Centre. This unique living laboratory positions UBD as a natural leader in biodiversity, conservation science, and sustainability research within the APRU network.

Delegates from Universiti Brunei Darussalam

• Hazri bin Hj Kifle, Vice-Chancellor and President
• Hj Abdul Hanif bin DP Hj Mahadi, Assistant Vice-Chancellor and Vice President (Research, Innovation & Sustainability)
• Dr Hj Noor Azam bin OKMB Hj Othman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost
• Joyce Teo Siew Yean, Assistant Vice-Chancellor and Vice President (Global Engagement)
• Masairol bin Hj Masri, Assistant Vice-Chancellor and Vice President, (Industry Engagement & Enterprise Development)
• Hjh Maudena binti Hj Abdul Hamid, Assistant Vice-Chancellor and Vice President, (University Life & Governance)
• Basilios Tsikouras, Director of Research, OAVCRIS
• Pg Dr. Emeroylarriffion bin Pg Hj Abas, Director of Innovation, OAVCRIS
• Wardah Hakimah binti Hj Sumardi, Director of Sustainability, OAVCRIS
• Hjh Asiyah Az-Zahra binti Hj Ahmad Kumpoh, Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences
• Kenneth Yuh Yen Kok, Dean of PAPRSB Institute of Health Science
• Deeni Rudita bin Idris, Deputy Director of UniHEALTH UBD
• Lim Lee Hoon, Dean of Faculty of Science
• Hussein bin Hj Taha, Director of Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research (IBER)
• AP Dr. Rahayu Sukmaria binti Hj Sukri, Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research (IBER)
• AP Dr. Malai Haniti binti Sheikh Abdul Hamid, Director of Centre for Advanced Materials and Energy Sciences (CAMES)
• Dr Jose Hernandez Santos, Director of Centre for Lifelong Learning (C3L)
• Juliana binti Hj Zaini, Dean of Faculty of Integrated Technology
• Liyanage Chandratilak De Silva, Dean of School of Digital Science (SDS)

Universitas Indonesia (UI), Indonesia (Member since 1997)

On May 6, 2026, APRU conducted a courtesy visit to Universitas Indonesia (UI), meeting with key leaders to explore renewed collaboration following changes in the university’s leadership team. Discussions highlighted shared interests in sustainability, mental health, global health, Indigenous Knowledges, and internationalisation, with UI expressing strong interest in hosting APRU programs and contributing more actively across the network.

With sustained leadership in population aging and health, disaster research, and forests and biodiversity, UI continues to play a pivotal role in advancing APRU priorities. Its strong ecosystem of research institutes integrates education, research, and community engagement, and emphasizes UI’s leadership in modelling how a large, comprehensive university can translate sustainability and resilience research into meaningful regional and global collaboration. UI will host the Undergraduate Leaders’ Program (ULP) 2027.

Delegates from Universitas Indonesia

• Ir. Mahmud Sudibandriyo, M.Sc., Ph.D., Vice Rector for Academic Affairs
• Ahmad Gamal S.Ars., M.Si., MUP., Ph.D., Vice Rector for Strategic Plan, Finance and Human Resources
• Fadhilah Muslim S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., DIC, Director, Internationalization of Education
• Jaka Fajar Fatriansyah, M.Sc., Ph.D., ASEAN Eng., IPU, Head of the Sub-Directorate of International Education Development, Directorate for Internationalization of Education
• Yunitha Fajarwati S.Hum, Section Head, International Partnership, Directorate for Internationalization of Education
• Devie Rahmawati, M.Hum., CICS, Associate Professor, Public Relations Program
• Dr. Indri Hapsari Susilowati, SKM., M.K.K.K, Dean of The Faculty of Public Health
• Dr. Besral, S.K.M., M.Sc, Vice Dean for Academic, Research, and Student Affairs of The Faculty of Public Health
• Prof. Dr. Budi Hartono, S.Si., M.K.M., Manager of Collaboration and Venture of The Faculty of Public Health
• Prof. Rizka Maulida, S.K.M., M.H.Sc., Ph.D, Manager of Research and Community Engagement of The Faculty of Public Health

VinUniversity (VinUni), Vietnam (new APRU member)

The APRU delegation concluded its visits on May 8, 2026 at VinUniversity (VinUni), engaging with the university’s leadership to discuss strategic alignment, leadership development, and regional visibility. VinUni expressed strong interest in APRU platforms, including the Asia‑Pacific University Leaders Forum (AULF), women’s leadership initiatives, Sustainable Cities and Landscapes, AI education, and global health programs.

As a rapidly emerging flagship private university with a national mandate, VinUni is positioning Vietnam on the global higher education map. Backed by strong industry and government connections, the university is advancing ambitious agendas in sustainable cities and food security, aligning closely with APRU’s mission.

Delegates from VinUniversity

• Dr. Le Mai Lan, Vice Chairwoman of Vingroup, President of VinUniversity
• Prof. Tan Yap Peng, Provost
• Prof. Laurent El Ghaoui, Vice Provost of Research & Innovation, Dean, College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Prof. Sunmee Choi, Vice Provost of External Engagement
• Prof. Duong Nguyen Vu, Vice Provost of Graduate Education, Chief Scientific Officer, Center for AI Research
• Prof. John Evans, Dean, College of Business & Management
• Associate Prof. Le Cu Linh, Executive Vice Dean, College of Health Sciences
• Assistant Prof. Phung Thi Viet Bac, Director of Research Management Office
• Mikhail Spektor, Program Director, Psychology Program, College of Arts and Sciences
• Assistant Prof. Nguyen Thanh Tuan, College of Health Sciences
• Tam Truong Donnelly, College of Health Sciences
• Le Tong Giang, Chief Operations Officer, Center of Innovation in Health Sciences
• Associate Prof. Lisa Lim, Director of Engagement and Development, UNESCO Chair
• Nguyen Hoang Viet, Head of Campus Services Development
• Hanh Bui, Director of Global Engagement

Looking ahead

These visits underscore APRU’s growing engagement in Southeast Asia and the strong contributions of both established and new members. The addition of members from Vietnam and Brunei brings two new economies into the APRU network, expanding APRU’s regional presence and opening new pathways for future partnerships. Together, these institutions contribute diverse strengths ranging from rainforest research and biodiversity to living laboratories and next‑generation flagship universities shaping national and regional futures. APRU looks forward to translating these conversations into concrete collaborations that advance impact across the Asia Pacific.