The 31st Conference of the Association of Universities of Asia and the Pacific (AUAP) was held at I-Shou University in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, on January 21 and 22, 2016. It was also the 39th AUAP Board Meeting, the 4th Country Chapter Chair Committee Meeting, and the 12th Advisory Council Meeting. The official title of this conference was the '2016 International Symposium on Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Higher Education.' Almost 100 delegates from 12 countries were present at the conference.

The keynote speakers across the two days were Mr. Korsak Chairasmisak (Thailand), Chairman, Executive Committee, CP ALL Pcl.; Prof. Dr. Neal King (USA), Chairman, Board of Directors and President Emeritus, International Association of University Presidents (IAUP); Prof. Dr. Shyu, Jyuo-Min (Taiwan), Minister, Ministry of Science and Technology; Prof. Dr. Ichiro Tanioka (Japan), Treasurer, IAUP, and President, Osaka University of Commerce; Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Nili Ahmadabdi (Iran), Second Vice President, AUAP and President, University of Tehran.

The theme for the entire event was 'Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Their Roles in the Rapid Development of Higher Education in Asia and the Pacific.' Among the topics discussed and issues addressed were those of building smart university big data, innovation and ingenuity, breaking boundaries of global higher education, cross-sector collaboration with industries and businesses, the role of culture and language in enhancing entrepreneurship, community development, and preparing students for future success.

Day One of the Conference, January 21, began with an Opening Ceremony and speeches by Dr. Shawn Chen, President of the AUAP, and Chairman of the Board of Sias International University; Prof. Dr. Jei-Fu Shaw, President of I-Shou University; Prof. Dr. Neal King; and Dr. Min-Ling Yang, Director-General, Department of International and Cross-Strait Education, Ministry of Education, Taiwan. This was followed by 3 keynote speeches, punctuated by question-and-answer sessions. The day ended with the 4th Country Chapter Chair Committee Meeting, and the Advisory Council Meeting during which the AUAP introduced several new initiatives to make the AUAP more active, with activities for both students and faculty. The most significant initiative was that the Board approved of joint membership with the International Association of University Presidents (IAUP).

Day Two of the Conference continued with keynote speeches and question-and-answer sessions. There was also a campus tour of I-Shou University. The highlight of the second day was an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) Signing Ceremony, during which 80 MoUs were signed between universities and colleges from 12 countries. This landmark event was followed by the Closing Ceremony, bringing an end to a highly-productive and engaging conference.

Dr. Shawn Chen, President of the AUAP, and Chairman of the Board of Sias International University

The AUAP Executive Board

Students and academic representatives from across Asia

The 31st AUAP Conference

Signing of MoUs

The signing of MoUs