Introducing the AUN Thematic Network Series #2 - AUN-BE

By Dhvani Sanghavi, AUN Intern
Supervised by Phasawit Jutatungcharoen, Programme Officer

The AUN-BE was established to operationalize the AUN vision and the ASEAN spirit in the field of business and economics. The primary mission of AUN-BE is to facilitate collaboration among ASEAN universities in order to strengthen education, research, and industry relevance in business and economics primarily for the benefit of the ASEAN community.

The network was established in 1999 at Gadjah Mada University (UGM), Indonesia. Formerly known as the ASEAN Graduate Business and Economics Program (AGBEP), the Secretariat initially rotated around various ASEAN universities. This represented a gesture of AUN-BE’s shared leadership before UGM served as a permanent host in 2013. In the same year, the name of the thematic network was changed to the ASEAN University Network for Business and Economics Program (AUN-BE) at the 13th Annual Meeting. It was decided therein that the network should include undergraduate and non-degree programs as well.

The goals and objectives of AUN-BE are:

• to strengthen and leverage the relationship among members in the areas of business and economics;
• to uplift the quality level of programs in the areas of business and economics among members with a possible engagement of other ASEAN universities, and;
• to enhance the internationalization of programs in the field of business and economics.

One of the network’s most prominent activities is the International Week (IWeek) — a short academic program that engages professionals and university students at undergraduate and graduate levels to understand the ASEAN better. Topics regarding the economic, financial, and socio-political environment are discussed with activities such as public lectures, company visits, and CEO talks.

Recently, AUN-BE also offers the ASEAN Master in Sustainability Management in cooperation with the University of Agder in Norway. The 18-month long study program teaches various subjects including the importance of multi-stakeholder engagement, corporate social responsibility, and climate change mitigation. The program provides full scholarships to ASEAN students, especially for Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar.

On the administrative level, AUN-BE organizes their Annual General Meeting, involving various representatives from the faculties of Business and Economics of different ASEAN universities. The purpose of the Annual General Meeting involves knowledge sharing of curricula, publications, study programs, and business school performances, as well as formal acceptance of new affiliate members.

The activities in AUN-BE not only serve AUN Member Universities, even though that is one of their primary goals. In addition, it also plays a critical role in the policies of business and economics. The network wishes to also enhance its position and serve as a think tank for the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). The history of AUN-BE has shown both a constant expansion and growth as well as its utmost commitment to strengthen the field of business and economics in the ASEAN region and beyond.

Contact information

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: http://aun-be.org/
• Tel: +62 274 548510 ext 333/334
• Fax: +62 274 563212
• Office Address: Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Gadjah Mada Jl. Sosio Humaniora Bulaksumur No. 1 Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia

In our next article, we will dive into AUN/SEED-Net, one of AUN’s earliest partnerships with external partners outside of ASEAN.