Kuala Lumpur, 06 March 2025 – Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Commissioner Dr. Marita R. Canapi led the Philippines' participation in the ASEAN Universities Exhibition and Forum (AEF) 2025 held from 23 to 25 February 2025 at the Grand Lagoon Ballroom, Sunway Hotels and Resorts, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Philippine delegation was composed of CHED officials and over 50 participants from 18 Philippine Higher Education Institutions.

AEF 2025 is hosted by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) and the Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), under Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship. The event brought together more than 90 exhibitors from higher education institutions and 500 mobility (exchange) students from the ASEAN Member States and Timor Leste.

The Philippines’ participation in the forum allowed the delegation to showcase the achievements of PHEIs in global partnerships and engage with ASEAN universities and industry leaders. Students were also able to showcase their talents during the ASEAN Young Speaker Contest where delegates from MSU-Illigan Institute of Technology and the National University Philippines - Dasmariñas bagged all top three places. Taking 1st place is Mr. Fahadh P. Abbas of MSU-IIT, with the topic ASEAN Climate Action - Pathways to Sustainability and Resilience. In 2nd place is Mr. Christian K. Lachica, with the topic Empowering ASEAN Youth - Leadership for Sustainable Future. In 3rd place is Ms. Hidelwina P. Tendero of National University - Dasmarinas, with the topic Strengthening ASEAN Partnerships - Collaboration for Inclusive Development.

Ambassador Maria Angela Ponce congratulated the delegation on the resounding success of the Philippines' participation in AEF 2025 during the latter’s courtesy visit to the Embassy. Ambassador Ponce emphasized that the active participation of the Philippines reinforces CHED's leadership in the internationalization of higher education and the move to increase the country's linkages with the ASEAN higher education sector.

Participating PHEIs are Asia Pacific College, Central Philippine University, Holy Cross of Davao College, Inc., Iloilo Science and Technology University, Isabela State University, Kalinga State University, Mapua University, Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology, Occidental Mindoro State College, Philippine Christian University, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Romblon State University, University of Mindanao, University of Perpetual Help System - Laguna, University of San Agustin, University of San Carlos, Trinity University of Asia, and Visayas State University.