ASIA-PACIFIC UNIVERSITY-COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT NETWORK (APUCEN)
‘The hallmark of engagement is the development of partnerships that ensure a mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge between the University and the community’(Holland & Ramaley, 2008).
Asia-Pacific University - Community Engagement Network (APUCEN) is a regional network of academic institutions of higher learning concerned with promoting the culture of university-community engagement in a proactive, inclusive, holistic and participatory way APUCEN is motivated by the belief that institutions of higher learning and the community can collaborative to generate ideas on how to improve the quality of life of the society in the Asia Pacofoc region. Community engagement, from the viewpoint of APUCEN goes beyond outreach and extension or service. Instead, APUCEN is committed to the idea that universities should seek mutually beneficial relationships and partnerships with communities to address communities’ issues and needs; with a commitment to sharing and reciprocity that is guided by mutual respect among the partners.
The emerging trends in higher education placed a higher than ever expectations on universities. Institutions of higher learning are expected by the community and the government to make meaningful and tangible contribution to national, regional and international growth and well-being. APUCEN passionately believes that if universities are to achieve their mission to develop and apply knowledge with society in mind, then their core functions have to build not only on an academic base but also upon an intellectual civil base that can offer solutions to societal problems. APUCEN acknowledges the immediate needs for universities to embark on university-community engagement due to current changes in knowledge generation and diffusion, the need to address critical social, economic, cultural, and environmental concerns, to encourage engaged learning and to acknowledge academic involvement in nation building.
The increasing need for a home grown Asia Pacific network that not only addresses the immediate needs discussed above and but also having a network that appreciates the aspiration of the Asia-Pacific region inspired the setting up of APUCEN. APUCEN subscribes to the concept of an engaged institution that better address local/regional issues and problems with approaches/solutions that better suit local/regional cultures and values. In this, the adoption of local wisdom is encouraged.
APUCEN also acknowledges that volunteerism is pivotal in the development of a broader strategy of university-community engagement. Volunteerism is the pulse of APUCEN’s existence, for the spirit of volunteerism is strongly felt not just within APUCEN’s guiding principles and objectives but it is also strongly embedded in the type of projects it is associated with. With this in mind, volunteerism in institutions of higher learning is seen as a ‘two-way knowledge exchange’ by allowing both academicians and students to gain new perspectives, share and create knowledge with the community, enhance the quality of life for the surrounding communities and enable both parties to identify their critical needs.
APUCEN envisage making real difference to university-community partnership to informed progress particularly for the bottom billion or the underprivileged. It is in line with APUCEN’s aspiration to unite civil society and higher learning institutions and networks in common efforts to co-create knowledge, mobilize it to inform practice and policy, and improve the quality of life of the society within the region.
Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh, salam sejahtera and warmest greetings.
It has been two years since we faced one of the most significant global challenges of our time, the COVID-19 pandemic. As we move forward, our mission this year is clear: to rebuild, strengthen, and revitalize the connections among APUCEN members and the global community.
As APUCEN continues to grow, we recognize the need to enhance our outreach at both national and international levels. Expanding our membership, setting clear goals, and building a strong foundation for future progress remain at the forefront of our endeavours.
The world around us is changing rapidly at all levels - socially, politically, technologically, scientifically, and economically. These shifts demand that we step up as leaders and contributors to the resilient and adaptive communities. Together, we can embrace these challenges and transform them into opportunities for growth and development.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to all APUCEN members for your valuable contributions, unwavering support, and dedication. Your commitment has enabled APUCEN to establish a strong presence in the Asia-Pacific region, marked by significant achievements and progress.
It is my pleasure to officially announce that the 5th APUCEN Summit will be held this year (2024). This flagship event serves as a vital platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and strengthening relationships among our members and partner universities. It is an occasion to celebrate our shared purpose and to learn from one another.
I urge all members to join us in this momentous event, which takes place once every two years. Together, let us celebrate our diversity and unity as we strive towards a common vision for a better future.
With your continuous support and dedication, we would surely be able to move forward with renewed energy and commitment.
Thank you.
PROFESSOR DATO’ SERI IR. DR. ABDUL RAHMAN MOHAMED, FASc.
Vice-Chancellor
Universiti Sains Malaysia
