The 11th Steering Committee Meeting of the AIMS Programme
25 – 26 June 2026
Bangkok, Thailand
From Strategy to Action: AIMS Steering Committee Advances the Implementation of the Bacolod Strategy in Bangkok
The Asian International Mobility for Students (AIMS) Programme took another important step in shaping the future of regional higher education cooperation as representatives from AIMS Member Countries gathered in Bangkok, Thailand, for the 11th Steering Committee Meeting on 25–26 June 2026.
Hosted by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation of Thailand (MHESI) and co-organised by Kasetsart University, Steering Committee members, representatives and observers from 10 participating countries discussed the next phase of the Programme following the endorsement of the AIMS Strategic Framework 2026–2028, widely known as the Bacolod Strategy.
Building on the theme of “Consolidate and Connect”, discussions focused on translating the strategic vision into practical actions that strengthen the Programme’s contribution to national priorities while reinforcing AIMS as a platform for developing future-ready regional talent.
Advancing the Implementation of the Bacolod Strategy
The Meeting marked an important transition for the Programme from strategy formulation to implementation. Steering Committee members reviewed progress on the Da Nang Objectives and discussed initiatives that support the operationalisation of the Bacolod Strategy, including the development of the AIMS Onboarding Programme and new e-learning modules designed to enhance students’ mobility experiences and strengthen their preparedness as regional talents.
The Meeting also explored ways to further align the Programme with national development priorities and higher education agendas across the ten AIMS Member Countries. The exercise highlighted the diverse strengths of each country’s higher education ecosystem while identifying common regional priorities that can be advanced collectively through student mobility and academic cooperation.
Strengthening the AIMS Ecosystem
As the AIMS network continues to grow, the Steering Committee welcomed new member universities and approved updates on changes to member universities’ participation in the disciplines across several countries. The expansion reflects the increasing confidence of universities and governments in the value of regional academic mobility and collaboration.
The Meeting also received updates on the development of Go Higher, Go AIMS, a multi-platform study guide that will showcase academic opportunities available through the Programme and support prospective students in navigating study options across member universities. Expected to launch in 2027, the initiative aims to strengthen the visibility and accessibility of AIMS for future participants.
Another milestone was the presentation of Version 1.0 of the AIMS Programme Standard Terminology, which seeks to promote a common understanding and consistent use of terms across the Programme while remaining flexible to accommodate future developments.
Implementing the AIMS Unique Competences
A major focus of the Meeting was the implementation of the AIMS Unique Competences, or the Student Experience and Competence Framework, which aims to leverage AIMS’ unique strengths and resources to develop graduates with not only academic knowledge, but also regional understanding, intercultural competence, and future-ready skills.
Following its development at the 10th Steering Committee Meeting and endorsement by the 33rd SEAMEO RIHED Governing Board in 2025, the Steering Committee agreed on an iterative approach to implementation. As a first step, the 20th Annual Review Meeting will feature a showcase event to map and highlight how AIMS Member Universities contribute to the development of the AIMS Unique Competences, while recognising their efforts through the Go Higher, Go AIMS initiative.
Improving AIMS Work Processes
Recognising that strong operational systems are essential for sustaining programme quality and growth, the Steering Committee reviewed progress on the AIMS Work Process Improvements (WPI) initiative, which forms part of the implementation of the Da Nang Objectives under the Bacolod Strategy.
SEAMEO RIHED presented a proposed process management framework covering the Programme’s core operational processes and outlined a roadmap for implementation over the next eighteen months. Building on AIMS’ experiences, the initiative will contribute to the development of Operational Standards for the Management of the Study Abroad Programme, aimed at enhancing transparency, quality, consistency, and efficiency while strengthening institutional memory and establishing regional standards across the AIMS ecosystem.
Looking Ahead
The Meeting reaffirmed the collective commitment of member countries to further strengthen AIMS as a regional platform for talent development, higher education cooperation, and people-to-people connectivity.
The Steering Committee welcomed the invitation to attend the 20th Annual Review Meeting in Iloilo City, Philippines, in October 2026, hosted by the Commission on Higher Education, Philippines, and the 12th Steering Committee Meeting in Surabaya, Indonesia, in 2027, hosted by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Indonesia.
As AIMS moves further into the implementation phase of the Bacolod Strategy, the Programme continues to evolve beyond a traditional student mobility initiative towards a broader platform for regional collaboration, shared competencies, and the development of a common higher education space in East and Southeast Asia.
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