Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) is hosting the 2nd AUN Dx Thematic Network Annual Meeting on 25th to 26th June 2026 at the Senate Room, Chancellor Hall, UBD, bringing together representatives from member universities of the ASEAN University Network – Digital Transformation (AUN Dx) to advance regional cooperation on ICT management, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence (AI) governance in higher education.
The meeting opened on 25th June 2026 with a ceremony officiated by Hajah Tutiaty Haji Abdul Wahab, Deputy Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, as the Guest of Honour. Welcoming remarks were delivered by Dr Haji Abdul Ghani Haji Naim, Director of the Information Communications Technology Centre (ICTC), UBD, followed by remarks from Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thakerng Wongsirichot, Chair of the AUN Dx Executive Board, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanapan Laiprakobsup, Executive Director of the ASEAN University Network (AUN).
In his welcoming remarks, Dr Haji Abdul Ghani said that “Across our region and globally, higher education institutions are navigating rapid technological change, evolving digital ecosystems, and the increasing influence of artificial intelligence. These developments present both significant opportunities and complex challenges. It is therefore essential that we come together – not only to exchange ideas – but also to co-develop frameworks, standards, and strategies that are relevant, practical, and impactful.” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanapan Laiprakobsup echoed this sentiment: “As digital transformation continues to shape higher education across ASEAN, we acknowledge AUN Dx’s important role in strengthening universities’ capacities in responding to the emerging challenges, as well as in fostering regional collaboration in advancing innovative practices.” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thakerng Wongsirichot added: “We have continuously refined the AUN Dx Framework with the aim of establishing a leading and unified framework that promotes best practices in digital services and capacity building for digital transformation across the AUN community.”
The opening ceremony featured a keynote address by UBD’s Vice-Chancellor, Dr Hazri Haji Kifle, titled “Living with AI: The Role of UBD in Brunei’s Digital Future.” The address examined how artificial intelligence is reshaping higher education and called on universities to deliberately “live with AI” rather than be governed by it while keeping learners, educators, and institutional purpose at the centre of digital transformation, anchored by sound governance and grounded in UBD’s own initiatives in digital literacy and capacity building.
Held over two days, the Annual Meeting is convening representatives from AUN Member Universities and AUN Dx Associate Member Universities, together with officials from the AUN Dx Secretariat and the AUN Secretariat, for workshops on the AUN Dx Framework Version 2.0 and the AUN Dx AI Governance and Ethics Framework Version 1.0, alongside a panel discussion on the future direction of the network. Established following its approval at the 39th AUN Board of Trustees Meeting in July 2024, the AUN Dx Thematic Network serves as a platform for ASEAN higher education institutions to share expertise, standardise ICT management practices, and strengthen institutional capacity for digital transformation.
As host of the 2nd AUN Dx Thematic Network Annual Meeting, UBD reaffirms its commitment to regional collaboration in digital transformation and ICT governance. The Meeting also reflects UBD’s own efforts in this space, having already integrated generative AI into its curriculum, research, and campus policies, with a digital transformation roadmap currently in development to guide its future direction.
