Contents
Background
Higher education institutions (HEIs) face a growing number of challenges, among them the massification, diversification, internationalization, and commercialization of higher education. In addition, there are challenges specific to HEIs in ASEAN Member States (AMS), including the need to keep in step with the ASEAN International Mobility for Students (AIMS) initiative, gain recognition through the ASEAN University Rankings system, and prepare themselves for the unique local and regional challenges that come with the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) agenda.
To build the capacity of Southeast Asian HEI leaders with the relevant skills and knowledge needed to effectively lead thriving and resilient universities in the region, the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), in partnership with The HEAD Foundation (THF), has conducted six successful regional and in-country runs of the LDP-HEIs since 2019.
Intended Participants
The program is intended for top administrators, faculty deans/department heads, and other university leaders of HEIs in Southeast Asia who are at least a master's degree holder. Slots will also be given to newly appointed leaders or are poised for leadership positions in the university as endorsed by their immediate supervisor. Only 25 participants from across Southeast Asia will be selected for this program.
Program Objectives
At the end of the program, the participants are expected to be able to:
- Understand the role of HEIs and the inter-dependency with key stakeholders in a national, cross-national, and regional ecosystems;
- Internalize the importance of aligning educational objectives to future needs;
- Understand the trends that are driving changes in the labor market, business, and industry;
- Discuss common contemporary challenges and appropriate (country context) responses;
- Adopt a forward-looking work approach and strategies to address rapidly changing environment of higher education in the face of opportunities and challenges in the region;
- Gain relevant knowledge about higher education leadership and management;
- Gain new perspective of their roles as university leaders to empower them to drive change in their institutions through the 4Ps enablers;
- Learn tools and methodology to review and assess their current status, envision desired future, leadership and change management, strategic/process planning, and people engagement; and
- Explore potential collaborative efforts at national, cross-countries, and regional levels.
Program Outcomes
Participants will design and implement their Re-Entry Action Plan (REAP), a customized and contextualized plan tailored for their HEI, to lead their HEI towards their desired future. With incremental deliveries of REAP, combined with leadership coaching, alumni sharing, and ongoing engagement with key stakeholders, participants will be guided towards successful planning and execution of their vision and mission.
Program Design
The LDP-HEIs will be delivered in a hybrid modality from September to November 2025. There will be asynchronous and synchronous online learning sessions, three-day onsite sessions, and an online final presentation and closing program. Participants then apply their learning through individual/HEI group assignments, which will form the basis for their REAPs.
For the onsite sessions, participants will convene in IPB University in Bogor, Indonesia for a three-day REAP pitching and refinement, site visits, and guest lectures. After this, participants will implement incremental improvements to their REAP and consult key stakeholders to enhance the design and implementation of their REAP. Participants will then present online their final REAP and share best practices to sustain change after implementation.
The selected participants should be able to commit to attending all sessions, both online and onsite. Asynchronous sessions will last for around three hours. Participants need to complete asynchronous online learning before each session.
Program Format and Dates
The Program will use a hybrid format of online sessions, onsite sessions, and one-on-one online coaching sessions:
| Online onboarding session | Date: 16 September 2025 Time: 9:00–10:30 a.m. |
| Online sessions | Dates:
Time: 9:00 a.m.–12:00 n.n. |
| Onsite sessions | Date: 21–23 October 2025 Travel dates: 20 October (arrival in Indonesia), 24 October (departure in Indonesia) |
| Online one-on-one coaching sessions | TBA |
| Online Final re-entry action plan (REAP) presentation and closing program | Date: 18 November 2025 Time: 9:00 a.m.–12:00 n.n. |
Program Fees
| USD 2,250 - regular rate for citizens of non-SEAMEO member countries and for private sector employees | Inclusions:
Note: Airfares and travel insurance should be covered by the participants |
| USD 790 - subsidized rate for government employees of any SEAMEO member country |
Training Grants
SEARCA will be offering limited and competitive grants for a subsidized program fee for citizens of SEAMEO Member Countries (regular employees of government or public agencies). Please indicate in your application if you wish to apply for a SEARCA grant. If your grant application is unsuccessful, you are encouraged to seek sponsorship from your organization or other funding institutions.
How to Apply
- Register to the SEARCA Training Application portal.
- Fill out the online application form for the 2025 LDP-HEIs in SEA.
- Attach the required documents below:
- Valid ID
- Curriculum Vitae (maximum of 3 pages)
- Nomination Form
- Statement of Commitment Form
All applications shall be completed and submitted by 25 July 2025.
Note: Those who applied under the previous schedule (April-June 2025) need not apply again.
Contact Us
Interested in partnering or participating in this training? Please contact Dr. Nova Ramos, Head, Education and Collective Learning Department-Training for Development Unit (ECLD-T4DU):