The Philippines and Malaysia signed an agreement to expand the ASEAN Global Exchange for Mobility and Scholarship (ASEAN GEMS) platform to include research grants, researcher exchanges, and innovation partnerships.
The agreement was signed by CHEd Commissioner Michelle Aguilar-Ong and EMGS CEO Novie bin Tajuddin on Oct. 27 during the 4th ASEAN-EU Policy Dialogue on Higher Education in Manila.
The proposed ASEAN GEMS Plus aims to strengthen academic cooperation and address regional sustainable development challenges.
ASEAN and EU officials also discussed using education and skills development to support the region’s blue economy.
The dialogue gathered policymakers, universities, and industry representatives to promote research, innovation, and greater learning opportunities across Southeast Asia.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 31, 2026
