Website: http://www.seameo.org/asaihl/   The Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning (ASAIHL) was founded in 1956 as a non-governmental organization at a meeting in Bangkok of the heads of eight state universities in Southeast Asia. Originally based in Thailand, ASAIHL has since expanded beyond Southeast Asia to include 183 member universities in 21 countries. For its role, ASAIHL was granted UNESCO status in 1973.

ASAIHL's purpose is to assist member institutions to strengthen themselves through mutual self help and to achieve international distinction in teaching, research and public service. In so doing, the institutions contribute strength to their respective nations and to the entire region. Specifically, the Association exists to foster the development of the institutions themselves, the cultivation of a sense of regional identity and interdependence and liaison with other regional and international organizations concerned with research and teaching. It serves as a clearing-house of information; provides regular opportunities for the discussion of academic development and general university development; assists member institutions in the recruitment and placement of faculty and staff, exchanges of professors and students and in the development of co-operative arrangements on specific projects; provides advisory services of consultants; strengthens the relationship with regional and international bodies and keeps member institutions informed about developments in the region; and recognizes and acknowledges distinctive achievements among Southeast Asian institutions of higher education.

List of Members

ASAIHL member universities are found in 21 countries in Asia-Pacific. Of the 183 member universities, 148 are in Southeast Asia, 23 are in Australia and New Zealand, 7 are in North America, 4 in Europe, and 1 in the Middle East (Iran).