Asia Summer Program(ASP)

Asia Summer Program (ASP) is a three-week credit-based program offering innovative perspectives on Asia. Participating students experience a highly international environment, allowing them to learn directly about the diverse cultures of Asia.

Many of the participating universities send leading professors to offer courses on relevant issues in Asia. Each of the courses taken may be applied toward a student’s graduation requirements at his or her home university based on an agreement for credit transfer between the participating universities.

Founding Members

The ASP began through a shared sense of responsibility felt by leaders of the five founding universities: Bangkok University, Thailand; Dongseo University, Korea; Josai International University, Japan; Petra Christian University, Indonesia; Universiti Malaysia Perlis, Malaysia.

It was agreed that given the increasing global importance of Asia, institutions of higher education should strive to create future leaders with a strong understanding of Asian perspectives.

ASP 2017

ASP 2017 was held by Guangdong University of Foreign Studies during the period of Aug 2-21, 2017. 156 participants from 13 countries in Asia participated in this program. This program offers 30 courses instructed by 36 professors. By having cultural courses, visiting tours, the participants got to know better about Chinese culture and traditions.

ASP 2018

ASP 2018 was held at Dongseo University, Busan, Korea from July 9-27, 2018. 52 courses from 31 universities in 12 countries were offered for students to choose among. Over 400 teachers and students from 42 universities in 12 countries participated in this program, which enabled them to meet different people and experience different cultures.

ASP 2019

Petra Christian University (PETRA) is the host of ASP 2019 which took place in Surabaya, Indonesia from July 1-19, 2019 (3 weeks). Per week consists of 5 days of study, 1 day of tour, and 1 day of free time. This program provides 24 courses with various topics. 325 participants from different countries took part in this program. Through specially designed courses, participants can gain insight and awareness of Asia’s diversity and regional issues, experience several foreign languages and cultures, and develop international network and exposure through multicultural friendship.

ASP 2021

ASP 2021 was conducted fully online by Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) from August 16-29, 2021. 129 representatives from universities in Asia participated in this program. This program offers 17 courses instructed by nearly 25 experts, allowing open and constructive discussion spaces for students from very different educational, linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

ASP 2022

ASP 2022 was held fully online by Josai International University from July 25 to August 1, 2022. The theme for ASP 2022 is “On the path to inclusion, diversity and understanding” and the aim is to foster future leaders with a strong understanding of Asian cultures, a broad and creative mindset, and a talent for international collaboration. Students could take this platform as a precious opportunity to reflect upon, and have discussions about, diversity and inclusion in Asia.

ASP 2023

ASP 2023 was hosted by Bangkok University in Thailand, offering two flexible program tracks under the theme “The Connected Classroom.” Program A was a fully online session held from July 3–14, focusing on “Digital Technology and Innovation in Emerging Industries” and “Soft Power and Interconnectedness,” allowing students to earn 6 credits. Program B combined two weeks of online learning with a one-week immersive cultural experience in Thailand from July 16–23, enabling participants to earn up to 9 credits. Both formats emphasized liberal arts and interdisciplinary topics, provided in English, and aimed to strengthen cross-cultural understanding and collaboration among students across Asia.

ASP 2024

ASP 2024 was hosted by Dongseo University in Busan, Korea from July 8 to 26, 2024. The program successfully attracted participants and representatives from multiple universities across Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea. Through a rich schedule of academic lectures, seminars, and cultural immersion activities, the program provided a meaningful platform for students and teachers to deepen their understanding of different educational systems, cultural characteristics, and academic frontiers in Asia. This initiative further promoted international cooperation and exchange among Asian universities, fostering the development of future talents with international perspectives and cross-cultural communication skills.

ASP 2025

ASP 2025 was hosted by Petra Christian University in Indonesia from July 14 to August 1, 2025. Under the theme “One Asia, Many Stories: Celebrating Diversity,” the 13th edition of the program attracted 100 students from seven countries: Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, and India. The program offered 21 academic courses covering fields such as economics, literature, sustainable energy, culinary arts, and health, with students allowed to take up to two courses (3 credits each) for credit transfer. Additionally, 13 non-academic cultural activities—including Banana Leaf and Origami Workshop and Eco Wayang Workshop—were organized to promote cross-cultural understanding and appreciation for Asia's diverse heritage through creative and engaging methods.