Asia-Pacific Quality Network APQN

Overview

The Asia-Pacific Quality Network (APQN) is a non-governmental and non-profit organization established in 2003 to enhance the quality of higher education across the Asia-Pacific region. With a membership spanning over 45 countries and territories, APQN serves as a collaborative platform for quality assurance agencies, institutions and stakeholders, aiming to promote and improve quality assurance practices in higher education through networking, capacity building and sharing of best practices.

History and Legal Framework

Founded in 2003 in Hong Kong, China, APQN emerged from the need for a regional network to address the unique challenges and opportunities in higher education quality assurance within the Asia-Pacific region. The organization's establishment was driven by the recognition of the diverse educational landscapes and the importance of fostering cooperation among quality assurance agencies to enhance the overall quality of higher education. APQN operates under a constitution that outlines its mission, objectives, governance structure and operational procedures, ensuring a framework that supports its activities and strategic goals.

Mission, Vision and Objectives

APQN's mission is to enhance the quality of higher education in the Asia-Pacific region by strengthening the work of quality assurance organizations and extending cooperation among them. The organization's vision is to be a self-sustaining network, serving as a primary reference point for advice and support, efficient in its operations and open in its information sharing. APQN's objectives include:

• Promoting the development and implementation of quality assurance systems in higher education institutions.
• Facilitating the exchange of information, experiences and best practices among quality assurance agencies.
• Supporting capacity building initiatives to strengthen the effectiveness of quality assurance agencies.
• Enhancing regional collaboration to address common challenges in higher education quality assurance.

Governance, Structure and Independence

APQN operates under a governance structure defined by its constitution, which includes a General Assembly, an Executive Committee and a Secretariat. The General Assembly comprises representatives from member organizations and serves as the decision-making body, meeting regularly to discuss and approve strategic directions and activities. The Executive Committee is responsible for the day-to-day management and implementation of APQN's initiatives, while the Secretariat provides administrative support and coordination. APQN maintains its independence by operating as a non-governmental organization, ensuring that its activities are guided by the collective interests of its members rather than external political or governmental influences.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

APQN plays a significant role in the accreditation and quality evaluation processes within the Asia-Pacific region. Through initiatives such as the Asia-Pacific Quality Register (APQR) and the Asia-Pacific Quality Label (APQL), APQN provides platforms for recognizing and promoting quality assurance agencies and higher education institutions that meet established standards. The APQR serves as a register of external quality assurance agencies that demonstrate certain thresholds of maturity and effectiveness, while the APQL recognizes higher education institutions and programs that exhibit excellence in quality assurance practices. These initiatives contribute to the enhancement of quality assurance mechanisms and the overall quality of higher education in the region.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

APQN actively engages in international cooperation to strengthen quality assurance practices and promote the sharing of knowledge and experiences. The organization collaborates with various regional and international bodies, including the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE) and the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA). Through these collaborations, APQN contributes to global discussions on quality assurance in higher education and supports the development of international standards and frameworks.

Current and Future Impact on Higher Education

APQN's initiatives have a significant impact on higher education in the Asia-Pacific region. By promoting the development and implementation of quality assurance systems, APQN helps to enhance the credibility and recognition of higher education institutions and programs. The organization's capacity building efforts strengthen the effectiveness of quality assurance agencies, leading to more robust and reliable quality assurance processes. Looking forward, APQN aims to expand its membership, enhance its collaborative efforts and continue to play a pivotal role in improving the quality of higher education across the region.

Summary

The Asia-Pacific Quality Network is a key organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of higher education in the Asia-Pacific region. Through its mission to strengthen quality assurance practices and foster cooperation among quality assurance agencies, APQN contributes to the development of effective quality assurance systems and the improvement of higher education standards. Its governance structure, capacity building initiatives and international collaborations position APQN as a central player in the ongoing efforts to enhance the quality and relevance of higher education in the region.

FAQs

1. What is the Asia-Pacific Quality Network?

   The Asia-Pacific Quality Network is a non-governmental and non-profit organization established in 2003 to enhance the quality of higher education in the Asia-Pacific region through strengthening the work of quality assurance organizations and extending cooperation among them.

2. When was APQN founded?

   APQN was founded in 2003 in Hong Kong, China.

3. What is the mission of APQN?

   APQN's mission is to enhance the quality of higher education in the Asia-Pacific region by strengthening the work of quality assurance organizations and extending cooperation among them.

4. What initiatives does APQN have for accreditation and quality evaluation?

   APQN has established the Asia-Pacific Quality Register (APQR) and the Asia-Pacific Quality Label (APQL) to recognize and promote quality assurance agencies and higher education institutions that meet established standards.

5. How does APQN collaborate internationally?

   APQN collaborates with various regional and international bodies, including UNESCO, INQAAHE and ENQA, to strengthen quality assurance practices and promote the sharing of knowledge and experiences.

Organization Name

Asia-Pacific Quality Network

Acronym

APQN

Year of Establishment

1/01/2003

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

International

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

No. 202, South ShaanXi Rd
Shanghai
200031 Shanghai Province China

Phone

+86 (21) 5403 1620

Fax

+86 (21) 5467 0198

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Not available

X (Twitter)

Not available

LinkedIn

Not available

YouTube

Not available

Instagram

Not available

Wikipedia Article

Not available

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