AUN-TEPL Online Course Exchange Socialisation and Briefing Session
23th Feb 2026
The AUN-TEPL Online Course Exchange initiative is a collaborative effort to connect member universities and broaden access to high-quality online learning. By curating courses from across the network, the initiative supports flexible, self-directed, and globally oriented education. It empowers students to explore diverse topics beyond their home institutions, while providing universities with clear guidelines for recognizing and transferring credits.
One of the key highlights of the 5th AUN-TEPL Symposium was the launch of the AUN-TEPL Online Course Exchange Initiative, jointly led by the University of Malaya (UM) and Singapore Management University (SMU). This initiative broadens access for students across ASEAN to enrol in online courses offered by AUN-TEPL member universities, with the option to have the credits earned recognised and transferred back to their home institutions, in accordance with each university’s credit transfer policies.
To facilitate smooth implementation across the network, colleagues from Teaching & Learning Centres, International Offices and Offices of the Registrar within AUN+3 were invited by AUN-TEPL to an online socialisation session on 23rd Feb 2026 (Mon) with the aim of:
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Providing an overview of the Online Course Exchange initiative
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Sharing the Credit Transfer Guidelines
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Clarifying the roles, responsibilities, and common operational questions
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Addressing queries from participating units
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The summary of the session is provided below:
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Online Course Exchange Initiative
Professor Sharifah from Universiti Malaya introduced the AUN-TEPL Online Course Exchange initiative as a scalable regional solution to address students' desire for global learning while managing cost constraints. She outlined four core pillars of the platform: flexibility in learning, quality assurance, mutual recognition of achievements through credit transfer, and regional solidarity.
Professor Sharifah also outlined a roadmap that emphasises institutional support, student engagement, and continuous improvement. In addition, she presented a curated catalogue of courses offered by ASEAN universities to support flexible, self-directed learning. Institutions were encouraged to nominate suitable courses, align internal credit recognition processes, and promote cross-border learning opportunities through the thematic network's course offering page.
AUN Online Course Exchange Framework
Mr. James Foo from Singapore Management University presented on the ASEAN University Network (AUN) online course exchange initiative, outlining a framework for credit transfer of online courses across participating universities in the region. The framework aims to establish standardised yet flexible guidelines for credit transfer, including requirements for course authenticity, assessment methods, and equivalency standards.
James also explained the four-stage credit transfer process and demonstrated the current online course catalogue, which currently features ten curated courses from participating universities. He encouraged attendees to review the comprehensive guidelines document and register their interest in contributing courses, noting that the steering committee would review submissions and periodically announce new approved courses through AUN communication channels. steering committee before inclusion.
​​AUN-TEPL warmly invites institutions to join this initiative and be part of a growing regional network committed to expanding flexible learning opportunities across ASEAN.
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The presentation deck and recording of the session are available below for your reference.
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Resources:
For queries or more information, please contact us at auntepl@smu.edu.sg