ASEAN in Today's World (AsTW) was held at Vietnam National University, Hanoi, from Monday, March 2, to Thursday, March 12, 2026.

The program, developed by Kyushu University, aims to foster future contributors to Asian relations. The focus is on the ASEAN region, which has recently been gaining significant influence in the global political economy. This year's program marks its 18th iteration and was attended by 18 participants, including students from Kyushu University and international students from ASEAN countries. Participants from Japan, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia gathered at Vietnam National University, Hanoi, having completed pre-program, on-demand online lectures. Over the course of the two-week program, they shared classes and daily life experiences, fostering active international exchange and a deeper mutual understanding of different cultures.

At the opening ceremony on Monday, March 2, Executive Vice President Iwata, a professor at Kyushu University and director of the International Student Center, attended and delivered a welcoming speech to the participating students and representatives from the partner universities co-organizing this program.

At the closing ceremony on Thursday, March 12, each participant received a certificate of participation from Vice President Konomi, a professor at Kyushu University. After the ceremony, participants continued to enjoy each other's company, celebrating the bonds formed over the two weeks together. It is hoped that the connections made through the program will continue to flourish across borders long into the future.

The next AsTW 2027 is scheduled to be held at Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines, the joint host institution.

AsTW co-organizing institutions: Vietnam National University, Hanoi; Ateneo de Manila University; Mahidol University; University of Malaya; Universitas Gadjah Mada