Institutional Milestone: AiSED and Hainan University Forge Strategic Alliance at LTU 2026 Summit

HAINAN, CHINA — The Asia Institute of Sustainability, Entrepreneurship & Diplomacy (AiSED) has officially entered into a landmark partnership with Hainan University (HNU), marking a transformative step forward for youth empowerment and sustainable development across the global tropical zone.

The strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was formally signed by Dato’ Stephen Cheah, Chairman of AiSED, alongside leadership representatives from Hainan University during the high-profile Signing Ceremony at the League of Tropical Universities (LTU) 2026 Summit.

## 🤝 Strengthening Ties for Global Impact

This newly forged alliance establishes a robust framework for long-term collaboration, leveraging Hainan University's academic excellence as the host institution of the LTU Secretariat alongside AiSED’s extensive regional network.

Moving forward, the partnership will strategically focus on:

• Entrepreneurship Education & Youth Empowerment: Aligning directly with AiSED’s role in the Southeast Asia Chapter of the UNESCO Entrepreneurship Education Network to build robust student incubation programs, mentorship pipelines, and leadership opportunities for the next generation.

• Sustainability & Cross-Border Cooperation: Fostering international, collaborative research and policy dialogue aimed at solving critical ecological and economic challenges unique to tropical regions.

• Cultural Exchanges: Driving the newly launched Youth Cultural Exchange Program to bridge regional divides, promote global citizenship, and enhance mutual understanding among international students.

Driving the Digitalization Agenda alongside Global Leaders

The signing ceremony served as a focal point of the summit's LTU Achievement Release segment, following a highly successful President Panel Talk centered on the theme "Digitalization of Education." As a leading voice in regional educational strategy, Dato’ Stephen Cheah delivered the panel's Opening Remarks, highlighting how cross-border cooperation and digital ecosystems act as the definitive keys to empowering global youth.

The high-profile summit drew an impressive assembly of global policymakers and academic pioneers. Key figures in attendance who witnessed and supported this spirit of global cooperation included:

• Mr. Liu Xiaoming (Governor of Hainan Province, PRC)

• Mr. Dileita Mohamed Dileita (Speaker of the National Assembly, Republic of Djibouti)

• SE Ms. Emmanuel née Delphine Edith ADOUKI (Minister of Higher Education, Republic of the Congo)

• Dr. H. Anwar Hafid, M.Si. (Governor of Central Sulawesi Province, Republic of Indonesia)

• H. E. Som Ratana (Under Secretary of State of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, Kingdom of Cambodia)

• Mr. Thanawat Tiensin (Assistant Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations)

• Prof. Shahbaz Khan (Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia)

• Prof. Kenneth Kamwi Matengu (President of the Association of African Universities and Vice Chancellor of the University of Namibia)

• Prof. Luo Qingming (Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Vice Chairman of the CPPCC Hainan Provincial Committee, and President of HNU)

Following the opening remarks, the dialogue was further enriched by keynote addresses from prominent panel figures, including Ir. Mohamed Firouz Asnan FASc (President of Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS), Prof. Wahab Egbewole. (Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin), and Prof. Liu Qian (Vice President of HNU), who also served as the panel's moderator.

By formalizing this tie with Hainan University alongside such distinguished international figures, AiSED steps into an active role to translate these high-level discussions into real-world, actionable programs.

⁠"This MOU with Hainan University is a shared commitment to building resilient, future-ready ecosystems for our youth," noted an AiSED spokesperson. "By uniting AiSED’s diplomatic and entrepreneurial frameworks with Hainan University’s research capabilities, we are paving the way for impactful, cross-border progress."

Looking Ahead

As the initiatives from this historic gathering move forward, the partnership between AiSED and Hainan University will serve as a cornerstone for future cultural exchanges, youth entrepreneurship initiatives, and international alignment.

Stay tuned to the AiSED website for upcoming announcements regarding joint projects and collaborative initiatives stemming from this landmark agreement.