Bandar Seri Begawan, 3rd June 2026 — Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) hosted the 6th ASEAN University Network for Technology-Enhanced Personalised Learning (AUN-TEPL) Symposium, bringing together educators, researchers, and institutional leaders from across the AUN+3 region to advance discussions on ethical, inclusive, and technology-enhanced personalised learning.
Held from 3rd to 4th June 2026 at Chancellor Hall, UBD, the symposium centred on the theme ‘AI Ethics in Personalised Learning.’ The event was hosted by UBD and co-organised with Singapore Management University, Universiti Malaya, Mahidol University, and the University of the Philippines Diliman, in conjunction with Brunei Mid-Year Conference and Exhibition (MYCE) 2026.
The two-day symposium served as a regional platform for knowledge exchange, practical learning, and collaboration on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is shaping personalised learning environments. Discussions addressed key issues including data privacy, algorithmic bias, transparency, equitable access, academic integrity, and the responsible use of emerging technologies in higher education.
In his opening remarks, Associate Professor Dr Thanapan Laiprakobsup, Executive Director of the ASEAN University Network (AUN), highlighted the transformative role of technology in creating more inclusive and flexible learning environments. Reflecting on the rapid advancement of AI, he emphasised the importance of ensuring that innovation remains grounded in ethical principles. “It is our utmost responsibility as educators to ensure the use of AI is grounded in ethical principles as our ultimate goal is to nurture young talents and create a safe and supportive learning environment that brings them closer towards their academic goals without undermining academic integrity,” he said
Highlighting the significance of the symposium, Professor Dr Haji Noor Azam Orang Kaya Maha Bijaya Haji Othman, UBD Deputy Vice-Chancellor and UBD Host Chair for AUN-TEPL, described the platform as an important driver of regional collaboration in higher education.
“The AUN-TEPL Symposium has become an essential platform for driving regional collaboration that directly enhances teaching, learning, and societal impact across ASEAN higher education. As we gather for the 6th edition under the theme of AI ethics, we reaffirm our commitment to shaping personalised learning environments that are not only innovative but also responsible and inclusive. By uniting educators, researchers, and institutional leaders, AUN-TEPL continues to transform how higher education serves both learners and the wider community.”
The programme opened with a keynote address by Dr Jeremy Van Hof, Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation at Michigan State University. His address explored the role of student-centred, equitable, and engaging education in guiding technology-enabled teaching and learning.
A panel discussion titled ‘Balancing Innovation and Integrity: Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in Technology-Enhanced Personalised Learning’ brought together speakers from Mahidol University, Singapore Management University, Peking University, the University of the Philippines Diliman, and UBD. The session examined how universities can respond to ethical challenges while continuing to innovate in AI-enabled education.
The symposium also featured practical workshops on integrating Canva and AI in digital pedagogy, creating interactive digital learning resources with AI, and developing higher education AI policies that balance innovation with academic integrity, ethics, and security. An online seminar on best practices in credit transfer for standalone online courses across ASEAN further expanded discussions on flexible and technology-supported learning pathways.
Reflecting on the importance of regional cooperation in navigating the opportunities and challenges presented by AI, Associate Professor Tamas Makany, Chair of AUN-TEPL, emphasised the role of collaboration in preparing learners and educators for an increasingly AI-enabled future.
“AI brings genuine risks to personalised learning: bias, privacy, unequal access, and the silencing of students who stop thinking critically,” he said. “AUN-TEPL brings together educators and university leaders across the region to strengthen teaching and learning through faculty development, online course exchange, education research, and policy work on lifelong learning. It is exactly this kind of collaboration that helps students become confident partners with AI, active collaborators rather than passive consumers.”
On the second day, the symposium continued with a fireside chat on ‘Ethical AI and Transformative Learning: Empowering Educators, Inspiring Student Innovation.’ The session explored how ethical generative AI, Challenge-Based Project Learning, and creative digital learning approaches can support educators and inspire future-ready learners.
The symposium also strengthened regional collaboration among AUN-TEPL member institutions through continued dialogue and knowledge exchange on the future of ethical and technology-enhanced learning.
Through platforms such as AUN-TEPL, UBD continues to contribute to regional conversations on responsible digital transformation in higher education, while supporting collaborative approaches that place human values, accessibility, and meaningful learning at the centre of innovation.
About the AUN-TEPL Symposium
The ASEAN University Network for Technology-Enhanced Personalised Learning Symposium is an annual regional platform that brings together universities and education leaders from across the AUN+3 region. Now in its sixth edition, the symposium supports knowledge exchange, collaboration, and shared efforts to advance responsible, inclusive, and technology-enabled personalised learning.
About Universiti Brunei Darussalam
Universiti Brunei Darussalam is Brunei’s leading research university. Established in 1985, UBD is committed to producing well-rounded graduates through interdisciplinary education and research while contributing towards national development and regional knowledge advancement.