The entry of two new members brings together 15 participating,universities in the AUN. Laos is expected to identify its institutes of higher learning that will participate in the network.

Dr. Tin Aung Aye, Rector of the Yangon University said he expects the institution to contribute substantially to the work of the AUN through its facilities and experience in research. The University has invested in more that US$200 million worth of research equipment and has turned out 428 research papers over the past five years.

In March this year, a team from the AUN Secretariat led by its Executive Director, Dr. Supachai Yavaprabhas, visited Yangon University and discussed with officials and faculty the role of universities in Myanmar as well as preparations for the forthcoming meeting of the AUN Board of Trustees which will be hosted by Myanmar in June 1998.

In May 1998, AUN held its first educational forum in Bangok, gathering together the young faculty members of the Network's member universities in a series of programmes to widen their knowledge and develop insights on ASEAN.

At the opening ceremony of the forum, Thai Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai stressed that ASEAN must give the highest priority to the continued development of human resources, especially through education at all levels. He also urged the ASEAN University Network (AUN) to facilitate a free flow of ideas and knowledge within the ASEAN higher education community and build a reservoir of "inner strength" for each of the ASEAN members and the region.

Established by virtue of a decision at the Four, ASEAN Summit of 1992 and a subsequent agreement signed in 1995 by the ASEAN Ministers responsible for higher education, the AUN is now completing its woi programme that will guide its activities. The work programme covers student and faculty exchange, scholarships, ASEAN studies, information networking and collaborative research. The work programme will be submitted for approval at the Fourth Meeting of the AUN Board of Trustees in June 1998.

The AUN is projected to expand its present activities in the years to come in view of the interest expressed ASEAN's Dialogue Partners in intensifying collaboration in the area of higher education.

The seat of the AUN chair is now based in Thailand and will be rotated every three years. The AUN Secretariat is hosted by Thailand's Minister of University Affairs. More information about the AUN and its activities can be obtained from its website at URL http://www.aun.csc.chula.ac.