The 31st ASEACCU Annual Conference was successfully held from August 18 to August 21, 2025, in Taichung, Taiwan. Co-organised by the University of Saint Joseph, Macao (USJ) as the ASEACCU Secretariat and this year’s host institution, Providence University, the Conference was attended by around 270 faculty, staff, and students from 60 institutions representing Catholic higher education across Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, South Korea, Timor-Leste, Australia, Macao, Taiwan, Thailand, and Hong Kong.

Guided by the theme “Pilgrims of Hope: Spiritual Development and Action of Gen Z”, the conference explored how Catholic universities can accompany the younger generation in their spiritual and social journeys. Through lectures, forums, workshops, and cultural activities, participants engaged in cross-generational dialogue and shared best practices aimed at fostering hope, service, and intercultural understanding.

At the Opening Ceremony, Bishop So Yao-wen, Chairman of Providence University’s Board, welcomed church leaders, dignitaries, and Catholic higher education partners from across Asia, including Monsignor Maddox, Chargé d’Affaires of the Apostolic Nunciature in China. In his address, he emphasized that Catholic universities are entrusted with providing holistic formation—not only imparting knowledge and skills but also nurturing values, responsibility, and service inspired by love. He underlined that the conference theme, “Pilgrims of Hope: Spiritual Development and Action of Gen Z,” closely reflects this mission.

Professor Stephen Morgan, Rector of the University of Saint Joseph, Macao, and ASEACCU Executive Secretary, highlighted the significance of gathering at Providence University and the participation of more than 60 institutions across 10 countries and regions. He noted that the conference underscores the responsibility of Catholic educators to accompany students in their faith and growth while deepening international ties among member universities.

Speaking on behalf of the host city, Taichung Deputy Mayor Zheng Zhaoxin welcomed delegates warmly, praising Providence University’s longstanding contributions to education and its close connection to the city’s cultural and social development. He invited participants to discover Taichung’s heritage, attractions, and hospitality during their stay.

Professor Lucia Shih-Ling Lin, President of Providence University, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to its founding motto of “Advancing Morality and Learning.” She stressed that Providence continues to promote holistic education rooted in faith and values, fully aligned with ASEACCU’s mission of building an international Catholic higher education community grounded in truth, service, and care.

[Professor Lucia Shih-Ling Lin, President of Providence University, delivering her remarks during the Welcome Reception at the ASEACCU Annual Conference 2025.]

The programme featured keynote speeches, four panel discussions—including one student-led session—workshops, and spiritual activities, complemented by networking opportunities for ASEACCU member institutions to solidify new partnerships. Delegates also joined cultural visits to landmarks such as the Yuanlin Luocuo Catholic Church, the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, and the Gaomei Wetlands, which provided both academic enrichment and a deeper connection to Taiwan’s cultural and natural heritage.

[Conference delegates at the Gaomei Wetlands in Taichung during the 31st ASEACCU Annual Conference, August 2025. The cultural visit provided participants with an opportunity to experience Taiwan’s natural beauty while fostering community and intercultural exchange.]

On the second day of the conference, the ASEACCU Secretariat held the General Assembly, where two new member institutions were formally welcomed: Saint Francis University, Hong Kong, and Colegio San Agustin – Bacolod, Philippines. With their addition, ASEACCU now represents 93 member institutions across 12 countries and regions. It was also announced that the 32nd ASEACCU Annual Conference will be co-hosted by Sanata Dharma University and Atma Jaya Yogyakarta University, Indonesia, under the theme “Education, Hope, and Human Flourishing: Fostering Intercultural Encounter and Dialogue.”

[Professor Stephen Morgan, Rector of the University of Saint Joseph, Macao, and ASEACCU Executive Secretary, addressing members during the General Assembly at the International Conference Hall, Anthony Kuo Hall, Providence University]

On the final day of the conference, participants gathered for the MoU Signing Ceremony, a key moment where 25 institutions signed a total of 71 Memoranda of Understanding, reinforcing ASEACCU’s mission of strengthening collaboration across borders in teaching, research, and service.

[MoU Signing Ceremony at the 31st ASEACCU Annual Conference, where 25 institutions signed 71 agreements to strengthen collaboration]

The event concluded with inspiring student performances, a Closing Ceremony, and the symbolic handover to Sanata Dharma University and Atma Jaya Yogyakarta University, Indonesia, as hosts of the 32nd ASEACCU Annual Conference (August 19–21, 2026). The next gathering will take place under the theme: “Education, Hope, and Human Flourishing: Fostering Intercultural Encounter and Dialogue.” A Closing Mass at the Our Lady of Providence Chapel brought the conference to a memorable and meaningful conclusion.

[Student performances – Top: University of Saint Jospeh, Macao, Saint Francis University, Hong Kong. Bottom: Universidade Caatólica Timorense São João Paulo II]

[Dr. Lucia Shih-Ling Lin, President of Providence University, Taiwan, representing the current host institution, passes the ASEACCU flag to fr. Albertus B. Laksana, Rector of Sanata Dharma University, and Dr. G. Sri Nurhartanto, Rector of Atma Jaya Yogyakarta University, the next co-hosts of the ASEACCU Annual Conference, witnessed by ASEACCU Executive Secretary Rev. Prof. Stephen Morgan]

[Group photo of clergy concelebrating Mass at the Our Lady of Providence Chapel during the ASEACCU Annual Conference 2025, hosted by Providence University]

View the Conference Highlights reel 

Special thanks to all Speakers and Panellists at the 30th ASEACCU Annual Conference:

Rev. Prof. Stephen Morgan, University of Saint Joseph, Macao

Fr. Emery Ebumea Mwako, Saint Louis University, Philippines

Prof. Nobuyuki Kanzawa, Sophia University, Japan

Dr. Lucia Shih-Ling Lin, Providence University, Taiwan

Dr. Gregory S. Ching, National Chengchi University, Taiwan

Dr. Francis Yi-Chen Lan, Fu Jen Catholic University, Taiwan

Dr. Seil Oh, SJ, Sogang University, Korea

Dr. Keiko Hirao, Shirayuri University, Japan

Prof. Yorizumi Watanabe, Fuji Women’s University, Japan

Dr. Hwei-Lin Chuang, Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages, Taiwan

Fr. Mike Cheung, University of Saint Joseph, Macao

Mr. Suryo Adi Pramono, Atma Jaya University, Indonesia

Dr. Zlatko Skrbis, Australian Catholic University, Australia

Ms. Aurelia Hillary Wibisono, Student of Atma Jaya University, Indonesia

Ms. Maria Clara dos Santos Queiroz, Student of the University of Saint Joseph, Macao

Mr. Adam Ramuta, Student of Australian Catholic University, Australia

Mr. Kyung Chan Kim, Student of Sogang University, Korea

Dr. Darin Jan Tindowen, University of Saint Louis, Philippines

Dr. Thananporn Sethjinda, Assumption University, Thailand

Fr. Francis X Yang Ed. D, Providence University, Taiwan

Prof. Rah Kyung Kim, Catholic University of Korea, Korea

Dr. Phon Sophal, St. Paul Institute, Cambodia

Prof. Makoto Ikeda. Sophia University, Japan