ASEAN Quality Assurance Network AQAN

Overview

The ASEAN Quality Assurance Network (AQAN) is a regional network of quality assurance agencies in higher education across the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region. Established in 2008, AQAN aims to promote quality assurance and enhance the quality of higher education within ASEAN member states. The network serves as a platform for collaboration among national quality assurance agencies, facilitating the sharing of best practices, capacity building and the development of a regional quality assurance framework.

1. Historical and Legal Framework

AQAN was officially established in July 2008 following the adoption of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration by quality assurance authorities and ministries responsible for higher education in ASEAN member countries. The network was registered as an international association under the Societies Act 1966 of Malaysia on July 25, 2014. Its Secretariat is hosted by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency. AQAN was accredited as an entity associated with ASEAN on August 1, 2016, further solidifying its role in regional higher education initiatives.

2. Mission, Vision and Objectives

AQAN's mission is to promote and share good practices in quality assurance in higher education across the ASEAN region. Its vision is to enhance the quality of higher education in ASEAN member states through collaboration and mutual recognition. The network's key objectives include:

• Developing and implementing quality assurance systems and practices in higher education institutions.
• Facilitating the recognition of academic qualifications across ASEAN member states.
• Promoting mutual understanding and cooperation among quality assurance agencies in the region.
• Developing a regional quality assurance framework for Southeast Asia.

3. Governance, Structure and Independence

AQAN operates as a registered international association under Malaysian law. It is governed by a General Assembly comprising representatives from its member agencies. The network's Executive Committee oversees its operations, with the Secretariat based at the Malaysian Qualifications Agency. AQAN maintains its independence while collaborating with regional and international organizations to achieve its objectives.

4. Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

While AQAN does not directly accredit higher education institutions, it plays a significant role in enhancing quality assurance practices across the region. The network develops and promotes the ASEAN Quality Assurance Framework (AQAF), which serves as a common reference point for aligning quality assurance systems in ASEAN member states. AQAF supports the development of internal and external quality assurance processes, institutional quality assurance systems and national qualifications frameworks, thereby contributing to the overall quality of higher education in the region.

5. International Cooperation and Network Memberships

AQAN collaborates with various regional and international organizations to strengthen quality assurance in higher education. It is a member of the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE) and works closely with the Asia-Pacific Quality Network (APQN). AQAN also engages with the European Union's SHARE programme to promote quality assurance and higher education integration in Southeast Asia.

6. Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

AQAN's initiatives have a significant impact on the quality assurance landscape in ASEAN higher education. By promoting the adoption of AQAF, AQAN facilitates the harmonization of quality assurance practices across member states, enhancing the comparability and recognition of qualifications. The network's capacity-building programs and collaborative efforts contribute to the continuous improvement of higher education quality in the region, supporting the ASEAN Economic Community's goals of regional integration and competitiveness.

7. Summary

The ASEAN Quality Assurance Network plays a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of higher education in the ASEAN region. Through its collaborative efforts, development of the ASEAN Quality Assurance Framework and engagement with international partners, AQAN contributes to the advancement of quality assurance practices, the recognition of academic qualifications and the overall improvement of higher education standards across ASEAN member states.

8. FAQs

1. What is AQAN?
   AQAN is a regional network of quality assurance agencies in higher education across ASEAN member states, established to promote quality assurance and enhance the quality of higher education in the region.
2. When was AQAN established?
   AQAN was officially established in July 2008 following the adoption of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration by ASEAN member countries.
3. Where is AQAN's Secretariat located?
   The Secretariat of AQAN is hosted by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency in Malaysia.
4. Does AQAN accredit higher education institutions?
   No, AQAN does not directly accredit institutions but develops and promotes quality assurance frameworks and practices to enhance the quality of higher education in the region.
5. Is AQAN affiliated with any international organizations?
   Yes, AQAN is a member of the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE) and collaborates with other regional and international organizations to strengthen quality assurance in higher education.

Organization Name

ASEAN Quality Assurance Network

Acronym

AQAN

Year of Establishment

1/01/2008

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

c/o MQA 13 th Floor, Block B, Menara PKNS-PJ; Jalan Yong Shook Lin
Petaling Jaya
46050 Selangor Darul Ehsan Malaysia

Phone

+60 3 7968 3358

Fax

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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