Date: November 22 –24, 2019

Location: Host University: Daffodil International University (DIU)

Number of Participating Countries and Regions: 13，China, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Iran, Lithuania, Malaysia, Philippines, Poland, South Korea, Thailand, Turkey and Taiwan, China.

Number of HEIs attending: 38

Number of representatives: 73

Theme: Future of Entrepreneurship Education and Experiential

Learning: Determinants of Developing Successful Entrepreneurial Eco-System in Asian Economies.

Main Contents:

Daffodil International University (DIU), in collaboration with the Association of Private Universities of Bangladesh (APUB), organized the 18th Asian University Presidents Forum (AUPF) 2019 for the first time in Bangladesh with the theme “Future of Entrepreneurship Education and Experiential Learning: Determinants of Developing Successful Entrepreneurial Eco-System in Asian Economies”. A three-day conference of academicians and presidents of 38 Asian universities began with a focus on showcasing the universities’ best practices and entrepreneurial education. Around 75 participants, including Presidents, Rectors, and Vice-Chancellors of 13 Asian countries and regions’ universities, joined the 18th Asian University Presidents Forum (AUPF) 2019. This event was also a part of Global Entrepreneurship Week in Bangladesh.

Honorable Education Minister Dr. Dipu Moni, Ministry of Education, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh graced the opening ceremony as the Chief Guest.  The conference illustrated different ideas and concepts which will lead to identifying research problems for conducting empirical research into relevant areas. A panel discussion was also organized on the keynote where speakers stressed the need for collaborative efforts among government, businesses, and universities.

Through the standing committee meeting, Dr. Md. Sabur Khan, Founder and Chairman of Daffodil International University, Bangladesh was in the Chair and conveyed his gratitude to all delegates and universities for their valuable presence and contribution at the 18th AUPF, hosted by DIU, Bangladesh. The committee discussed Asian Faculty Workshop for teachers as well as administration to develop their pedagogical techniques as well as adaptation to technologies and changes. It was decided to combine with the ASP 2020 which will be held in UniMAP, Malaysia. The committee also discussed for future implementation of Social Business MBA plan, UNESCO accreditation, Expansion of AUPF network, etc. The Chair also thanked the cordial support to the rest of the member institutions who could not be able to join for unavoidable reasons. Mr. Mohibul Hassan Chowdhoury, MP, Honorable Deputy Minister, Ministry of Education, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh was present at the Gala Dinner of 18th AUPF and handed over the memento to distinguished participating universities. The Gala Dinner built a buzz and excitement with the colorful cultural performances of DIU students.

Curtains fell on the 18th AUPF 2019 on 24th November with a vision to have stronger collaborations among Asian universities in cooperation and technology transfers. Participating universities signed around 200 academic partnerships among them on exchange of students & faculties, research collaboration, scholarships, on the concluding ceremony of the event.