Asian Universities Alliance

Co-organized by the Asian Universities Alliance (AUA), Tsinghua University, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and the journal Building Simulation, the hybrid-format BAS2026 was successfully held in Hong Kong from June 11 to 13.

Centered on the theme “Climate-Neutral Buildings and Cities”, the conference brought together leading global industrial and academic experts to address urgent climate change challenges and to advance the green, low-carbon and intelligent transformation of the building and urban sectors across the globe.

This high-impact global academic event attracted 375 scholars from 22 countries and regions, among whom 74 researchers are affiliated with six AUA member universities, to jointly explore pathways toward climate-neutral, smart and low-carbon built environments and cities.

The full conference agenda comprised 17 keynote speeches, 27 thematic sub-forums and poster presentations. All submissions underwent rigorous double-blind peer review, presenting cutting-edge research advances in building energy simulation and sustainable urban design.

Ready to tackle health impacts from climate change? Join the 2026 ACTION Hackathon Info Session on May 7, 1 pm (GMT+8). Be part of the change to learn more about how you can contribute, gain mentorship, and even present at COP31! 🌱 Register here: bit.ly/4dfJ8Ba

The 2026 AUA–UM Postgraduate Academic Forum on AI-Powered Insights: The New Era of Data-Driven Intelligence was held on 17–18 April 2026. Organized by Universiti Malaya, this two‑day flagship postgraduate forum focused on cutting‑edge developments in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and trustworthy AI, with four key subthemes covering technical advances, cross‑domain applications, ethical governance, and emerging trends such as generative AI.

Around 100 postgraduate students and researchers from AUA member universities, including United Arab Emirates University, Universitas Indonesia, The University of Tokyo, Chulalongkorn University, Seoul National University, and Universiti Malaya, gathered to explore AI and data-driven technologies, facilitating knowledge sharing, in-depth discussions, and academic collaboration,

Besides AUA students and researchers, speakers from other renowned institutions and industries shared their valuable expertise and insights on AI and data-driven technologies in the forum.

✨ Bridging Generations through “Silver Arts”: 2026 AUA-CU Arts & Culture Workshop Concludes in Bangkok

The 2026 AUA-CU Arts & Culture Workshop successfully wrapped up at Chulalongkorn University from 18–24 March under the theme “The Art of Aging: Creative Expression and Cultural Engagement in Later Life.”

Over seven inspiring days, AUA students joined expert lectures on aging trends and social policies, hands-on arts workshops (painting, music, dance, and storytelling), intergenerational games at Yannawa Elderly School, and cultural excursions. The program ended with collaborative group art projects and a farewell cultural performance.

Students captured the experience best. This workshop was truly rewarding. As XIONG Yixin said: "We explored Thailand’s aging society, visited the elderly school, communicated with community members, and worked on group projects with diverse cultural ideas. Interacting with peers from across Asia made it incredibly meaningful and enriching”.

Another participant, D**G Tianyi, shared: “This AUA experience strengthened empathy, cross-cultural understanding, and commitment to active aging. Thank you to Chulalongkorn University and all participants!”

This AUA Arts & Culture Program strengthened empathy, cross-cultural understanding, and commitment to active aging within the Asian community. 🌟

Innovating Sustainability: Universities and Frontier Technologies for the SDGs, co-hosted by the AUA Secretariat and Tsinghua University as a side event for the 13th APFSD, was successfully held on 26 February 2026 at the UNCC in Bangkok!

Gathering distinguished speakers and experts, the event featured inspiring keynote speeches and two dynamic roundtables—exploring AI’s power to advance SDG innovation and green growth solutions from research to practice, and driving insightful exchanges on universities’ role in sustainable development with frontier technologies.

Representatives from Chulalongkorn University, Nazarbayev University, Seoul National University, Tsinghua University, and Universitas Indonesia, delivered insightful remarks and actively contributed as panel speakers across both roundtables.

AUA Secretary, Professor Liu Jian, moderated Roundtable 1: AI Technology Empowers SDG Innovation, guiding a profound and engaging discussion among the panelists.

✨ Join Us at the 13th Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development! ✨

AUA Secretariat and Tsinghua University are hosting a side event for the 13th Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD), themed "Innovating Sustaubability: Universities and Frontier Techonologies for the SDGs", at the UN Conference Center (UNCC) in Bangkok. The forum will dive into how frontier technologies power sustainable development for the SDGs. This is the perfect gathering for innovators, scholars, and changemakers passionate about a greener future!

【Side Event Details】
Time: 11:15-12:15 (GMT+7) | 26 Feb 2026
Venue: Theatre 109, UNCC Bangkok

Highlights:
✅ Keynotes from ESCAP & Tsinghua University leaders
✅ 2 Roundtables: AI for SDG Innovation + Green Growth Solutions (Research → Practice)
✅ Cross-sector dialogue with academia, industry, and international organizations

【Parallel Exhibition】
Time: 24-27 Feb 2026 | 09:00-17:00 (GMT+7)
Venue: Level 2, UNCC Bangkok

Highlights：
Cutting-edge SDG projects from Asian Universities Alliance member universities and industry partners—featuring AI, renewable energy, smart infrastructure, digital heritage, and climate resilience innovations.

🎯 LIVE FROM THE AUA-SNU YOUTH FORUM 2025!

The AUA-SNU Youth Forum’s substantive agenda commenced on January 20th.

In the morning, the forum kicked off with a program orientation and agenda overview centered on the theme “Global Development Agenda: From MDGs to SDGs,” which highlighted just how critical partnerships are within the post-2015 development framework—setting the perfect tone for a day of meaningful dialogue and collaboration. Following the orientation, delegates came together for an open discussion, where they shared preliminary perspectives and insights, sparking engaging exchanges that laid the groundwork for the forum’s ongoing conversations.

In the afternoon, the agenda shifted focus to a thought-provoking thematic lecture on “Safe and Affordable Housing,” which included an in-depth analysis of housing indicator (SDG 11.1) and emphasized a key point: affordability is a necessary condition for inclusive housing, but it’s far from sufficient. After the lecture, participants took part in structured activities, including completing a paper-based checklist, before gathering in dynamic group discussions; all student working groups then presented their outputs, followed by thorough, collaborative deliberations that enriched the day’s intellectual exchange and deepened collective learning.

AUA extends gratitude to every delegate, speaker, and partner contributing to this impactful forum—stay tuned for more live updates as the conversation continues! 💡

✨AUA-SNU Youth Forum 2025 Kicks Off in Seoul!✨

January 19 marked the official start of the AUA-SNU Youth Forum 2025, as enthusiastic participants descended on Seoul National University (SNU).

Student participants from AUA member universities arrived in Seoul and were greeted with seamless arrangements and a warm welcome from the organizing team. After a smooth check-in, they explored the scenic SNU campus, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere ahead of the forum’s activities.

The highlight of the arrival day? A welcome dinner in the evening! The relaxed setting was the perfect icebreaker, letting students from diverse countries and academic backgrounds meet face-to-face, swap introductions, and strike up casual conversations. Laughter filled the room as new connections were forged, laying the groundwork for a strong, collaborative community throughout the forum.

Looking forward to a week of inspiring exchanges, meaningful friendships, and groundbreaking ideas! 🎉

🎉 AUA Joint Lecture Series 2026: Navigating the Future with Sustainable Practices and Ethical Governance—Launching Tonight! 🌱

The AUA Joint Lecture Series 2026, themed “Navigating the Future with Sustainable Practices and Ethical Governance” and hosted by Universitas Indonesia (UI), is finally set to launch tonight, 20 January 2026!

Through four well-designed topics and 10 sessions, this program will run from Jan 20th to the 4th week of Feb, exploring the challenges and opportunities of sustainability practices in Asia. Get ready to dive into five weeks of insightful learning, meaningful connections, and thought-provoking discussions!

Tonight marks the start of an incredible adventure—one where ideas will collide, networks will grow, and your understanding of sustainability in business will reach new heights. Dr. Yohanna M.L. Gultom from Universitas Indonesia will deliver a lecture on the Corruption and Economic Development in Indonesia at 18:00 (GMT+7).

Let’s embark on this transformative journey together! 🚀