UNAIR NEWS – Shifts in the global landscape present new challenges for young people striving to understand the direction of change. In response to these challenges, the 7th ASEAN University Network-Student Affairs Network (AUN-SAN) and the 2nd VOX (Voice, Opportunity, and eXchange) Meeting were once again held. The event was hosted by Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) on Wednesday (September 2, 2026) at THE IX Hall, MERR-C Campus.
Vice Rector for Resources Prof Dr Ardianto CA said the meeting offered students from across countries the opportunity to learn from one another. “This meeting offers the opportunity to learn from each other, share knowledge, and build global perspectives. We must cultivate global minds in order to understand different perspectives,” he said.
Building competencies amid change
Prof Ardianto noted that the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology has transformed the demands placed on professional competencies. At the same time, climate change, social equity, and global connectivity require young people to develop skills that go beyond technical ability to include substantive competencies as well.
The AUN-SAN forum and VOX Meeting served as a platform for discussing best practices in student development. Participants explored ways to strengthen student mobility, leadership development, entrepreneurship, and digital literacy, as well as how to apply technology in learning and daily life without compromising environmental sustainability.
This exchange of experience is expected to help universities identify more relevant approaches to shaping students with integrity and a sense of responsibility. “Cross-national collaboration also gives participants the opportunity to bring ideas from this forum back to their own campuses and communities,” Prof Ardianto said.
Strengthen the role of student affairs
AUN Executive Director Prof Thanapan Laiprakobsup emphasized the importance of student affairs networks in supporting student development across the ASEAN region. “A student’s experience is not shaped by academic activities alone. Higher education institutions also need to provide platforms that help students build their skills,” he said.
Through the forum, participants were able to share ideas and best practices, which then evolved into policy recommendations to support solutions across the ASEAN region. “Student affairs practitioners and students can exchange ideas and develop mechanisms that support sustainability in ASEAN,” he said.
The AUN-SAN forum and VOX Meeting served as part of a broader effort to shape a generation of young people in ASEAN capable of understanding and responding to change. The forum is expected to generate ideas that create a meaningful impact for the wider community across the region.
Author: Maia Chaerunnisa
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
