The 32nd ASEACCU Annual Conference themed “Education, Hope, and Human Flourishing: Fostering Intercultural Encounter and Dialogue” was held from 18 to 21 August 2026, in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
The 32nd ASEACCU Annual Conference themed “Education, Hope, and Human Flourishing: Fostering Intercultural Encounter and Dialogue” was held from 18 to 21 August 2026, in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
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03/09/2026
The 32nd ASEACCU Annual Confenrence, organised by ASEACCU Secretariat – University of Saint Joseph, was co-hosted by two ASEACCU member universities: Universitas Sanata Dharma (USD) and Universitas Atma Jaya Yogyakarta (UAJY).
For the first time, this year’s ASEACCU Conference was co-hosted by two ASEACCU member universities, Universitas Sanata Dharma (USD) and Universitas Atma Jaya Yogyakarta (UAJY), with collaborative assistance from the ASEACCU Secretariat, University of Saint Joseph, Macao (USJ). The Conference welcomed 258 participants from 60 institutions across Australia, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Macao, the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Timor-Leste, as well as institutions from India participating for the very first time.
From left: Dr. Thananporn Sethjinda, Director of the Office of International Affairs, Assumption University; Professor Álvaro Barbosa, Vice-Rector at USJ and representative of ASEACCU Executive Secretary; Dr. Gregorius Sri Nurhartanto, Rector of UAJY; and Fr. Albertus Bagus Laksana, S.J., Rector of USD, during the official handover ceremony]
The Conference programme began on August 19 at Universitas Sanata Dharma with an Opening Mass at St. Robertus Bellarminus Chapel, presided over by Mgr. Antonius Subianto Bunjamin, OSC, Chairman of the Bishops’ Conference of Indonesia. During the Opening Ceremony, Fr. Albertus Bagus Laksana, S.J., Rector of Universitas Sanata Dharma, and Professor Álvaro Barbosa, USJ Vice-Rector for Internationalisation and Academic Affairs, and representing the ASEACCU Executive Secretary, delivered the welcoming remarks to the ASEACCU community, followed by a message from Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, which was shared with the audience.
Continuing the tradition of keynote lectures, panel discussions and student activities, the Conference explored themes of individual, collective and holistic human flourishing through education, hope and intercultural dialogue.
From left: Dr. Teresa Loong, Vice-Rector at USJ and Chair of the ASEACCU Conference Steering Committee; Dr. Nicolas Vergier, IFCU representative; and USJ student Saw Khin Maung Maung during the student-led panel, “Hope, Education and Health]
A formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Signing Ceremony was held to foster dynamic collaboration and exchange among member institutions. On behalf of USJ, Professor Álvaro Barbosa, Vice-Rector for Internationalisation and Academic Affairs, signed eight MoUs, namely, Christ (Deemed to be University), India; Sacred Heart College (Autonomous) Thevara, India; La Consolacion University, Philippines; Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod, Philippines; Holy Name University, Philippines; Saint Louis College of San Fernando, La Union, Philippines; Universitas Atma Jaya Yogyakarta, Indonesia; and Universidade Católica Timorense São João Paulo II, Timor-Leste. These agreements establish a comprehensive framework for cooperation encompassing student and faculty exchanges, joint research initiatives, academic collaboration, and cultural engagement, thereby further consolidating USJ’s partnerships within the ASEACCU network.
On the second day at Universitas Atma Jaya Yogyakarta, delegates were welcomed by Dr. Gregorius Sri Nurhartanto, Rector of Universitas Atma Jaya Yogyakarta (UAJY). A student-led panel on “Hope, Education and Health” brought young people’s perspectives and experiences to the centre of the Conference discussions. The session featured Dr. Nicolas Vergier from the International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU) as a speaker and was moderated by Dr. Teresa Loong, USJ Vice-Rector for Student Life. A USJ student also presented “Love in the Service of Hope: Cyber Youth -The Loss and Loneliness? The 1st Joint Catholic Universities Service-Learning Programme.” In addition, two USJ student representatives participated in the Conference’s Student Programme and delivered a cultural performance, offering creative perspectives on Macao to fellow delegates.
On the final day, delegates gathered at Hati Kudus Tuhan Yesus Ganjuran Church in Bantul, Yogyakarta, for the Closing Mass, presided over by Fr. Albertus Bagus Laksana, S.J., S.S., Provincial of the Society of Jesus in Indonesia. The Closing Ceremony marked the official handover to Assumption University, Thailand, which will host the 33rd ASEACCU Annual Conference in 2027. Professor Álvaro Barbosa, representing the ASEACCU Executive Secretary, together with the Rectors of the two co-host universities, formally handed over to Dr Thananporn Sethjinda, representing Assumption University, bringing the 32nd ASEACCU Annual Conference to a memorable conclusion.
As the ASEACCU Secretariat, USJ worked closely with the two co-host universities throughout the preparation and coordination of the Conference, including a post-conference debriefing to review good practices, challenges and areas for improvement for future gatherings. Through its active participation and engagement with ASEACCU members, the Conference further strengthened USJ’s international cooperation network and visibility, promoted Macao within the regional Catholic higher education community, and created opportunities for future academic partnerships, exchanges and student recruitment. The event also reinforced USJ’s role as an international platform connecting China, Portuguese-speaking countries and ASEAN higher education institutions.
USJ acknowledges the support of the Education and Youth Development Bureau of the Macao SAR Government (DSEDJ) and the Education Fund of Macao, which made its participation possible.
The next ASEACCU Annual Conference will be hosted by Assumption University, Thailand, from 9 to 12 August 2027.
