ASAIHL Introduction
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 unversities in Southeast
Asia. Field Marshal Pibulsongkram, the Prime Minister, supported its foundation
and approved setting up the Secretariat in Thailand. His government began
by giving financial and material support, which continued for several years
until the Association had other sources of funds. More recently, in addition
to physical facilities, the Thai government has been supporting the Association
with a grant of US$ 5,000 annually.
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-operativc 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 regivn; und recognizes and acknowledges distinctive
achievements among Southeast Asian institutions of higher education.