Building human resources is essential to economic and social development. Whatever the stage of their development, each Southeast Asian country has tried to address this fundamental issue by improving their higher education system. Holding on to skilled human resources is yet another challenge in the context of global competition for highly qualified human resources.

This conference aims at providing a platform for experts from Southeast Asian institutions of higher education to explore three major themes. The first covers faculty development, which is the key human resource for any educational institution that wishes to provide students with the best learning experience. The second theme includes the analysis and evaluation of the role of information technology in the enhancement of teaching and learning. Finally, the issue of transnational higher education will be addressed in order to explore how a foreign educational model can enhance existing higher education institutions in Southeast Asia.

Discussion around these three themes, in a comparative context, may shed light on challenges posed by the intensification of the global economy and the fast pace of science and technology development that are both opportunity and threats to the current model of higher education in Southeast Asia.