On Friday, 5 June 2026, Professor Sophia Papaioannou, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, International Relations and Extroversion at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, met with a high-level diplomatic delegation from the ASEAN Committee in Athens (ACAT). The discussions took place in a constructive and forward-looking spirit.
The delegation included representatives of the Embassies of the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam in Greece. Participants were HE Giovanni E Palec, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines, accompanied by First Secretary and Consul Therese R Cantada; Dwi Rochmawati, Minister Counsellor of the Republic of Indonesia; HE Sathana Kashemsanta Na Ayudhya, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand, accompanied by Minister Counsellor Pachongwat Yuckpan; as well as Pham Bich Thuy, Counsellor of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam.
During the meeting, the Vice-Rector gave an overview of the Greek higher education system and university admissions procedures, highlighting the academic strengths and standards of excellence that characterise Greece’s public universities. The presentation provided ASEAN representatives with valuable insights into the characteristics of the Greek student population and the opportunities for expanding academic cooperation with the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
The representatives expressed strong interest in promoting greater awareness of contemporary Asian cultures within the University community, with a view to fostering a deeper understanding of the region’s societies, traditions, and contemporary developments among students and staff.
A key topic of discussion was the development of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and leading universities in the four countries. Such agreements would help expand collaboration in education, research, and other academic activities. Potential areas of cooperation identified during the meeting included International and Maritime Law, Shipping and Port Management, Philosophy, and Cultural Studies – fields that offer significant potential for academic collaboration.
The participants also explored opportunities under the Erasmus+ Programme, particularly the International Credit Mobility action (KA171), which supports exchanges of academic and administrative staff, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate students. Greater mobility was identified as a key driver of internationalisation and an important means of promoting the exchange of expertise and best practices in teaching and research.
The meeting underscored both sides’ commitment to strengthening ties between the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and higher education institutions across Southeast Asia, further advancing the University’s international engagement and global academic partnerships.
