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Coventry University explores pathways to more inclusive and impactful UK–Southeast Asia research collaborations
Tuesday 20 May 2025
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Coventry University is developing new approaches to UK–Southeast Asia research and education collaborations through a growing portfolio of projects focused on inclusion, mutual learning and long-term impacts.
As part of this commitment, the university co-hosted a policy forum “Co-creating Equitable and Sustainable UK–ASEAN Knowledge Partnerships” with the High Commission of Malaysia, which supported the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the UK’s ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The event, co-organised by Coventry University’s Research Centre for Global Learning (GLEA), brought together government officials, funders, policymakers and education counsellors, to explore more inclusive and collaborative ways of working centred on shared expertise and mutual benefit.
Since 2021, Coventry University researchers have contributed to shaping policy and practice through a series of collaborative projects with Southeast Asia. These initiatives focus on knowledge sharing and capacity building, including a mentoring and writing network for early-career researchers, inclusive higher education experiences for students with disabilities and leadership development among academics.
In his opening remarks, Dato’ Zakri Jaafar, the High Commissioner of Malaysia to the United Kingdom, welcomed the initiative, calling it a timely and important step for strengthening future cooperation between the UK and ASEAN:
The UK’s role as an ASEAN dialogue partner since 2021 has opened new avenues for collaboration, particularly in education and research. For decades, Malaysia and ASEAN have shared deep ties with the UK. But partnerships must evolve.
The usual format of partnership that talked about “knowledge transfer” is no longer sufficient. We must now co-create knowledge-recognising and making good of the diverse expertise that exists between ASEAN and the UK in the field of higher education including, technical and vocational education and training, research and innovation.
This is where equity and sustainability become more than buzzwords. They are to become the foundation of partnerships that empower communities towards the future and build social resilience.
Dato’ Zakri Jaafar, High Commissioner of Malaysia to the UK
Panel sessions at the forum explored how research policy and academic practice can better support these aims, including the role of academics connected to both regions in bridging gaps, and how funders can encourage more inclusive ways to measure success in knowledge exchange.
Professor Lynn Clouder, Director of GLEA, said:
It is an honour for Coventry University researchers to join the colleagues assembled for the policy forum in the spirit of promoting equitable partnerships that sustain.
Emphasising the importance of mutual respect and openness to learning she highlighted GLEA’s global footprint in longstanding collaborative projects built on trust and a shared passion for researching education and its societal impacts
Professor Lynn Clouder, Director of GLEA
Dr Que Anh Dang, principal investigator of the UK-Southeast Asia PEER (Partnerships and Exchanges baselinE Research) project, said:
It is important for governments and universities to adopt effective policies and practices to better engage diaspora academics and mobilise their bicultural insights, linguistic skills and networks in building mutually beneficial partnerships.
Dr Que Anh Dang, GLEA
Find out more about the Research Centre for Global Learning.
