Who we are
A membership-based association of diverse self-governed and non-profit post-secondary education institutions and programs in Myanmar and its border regions, as well as online-based entities targeting students from Myanmar.
The Association of Post-Secondary Education Myanmar
APSEM is a collaborative platform for coordination, mutual recognition, collective representation, and quality enhancement among its member institutions and programs. It is not established for profit — all resources go toward its vision, mission, and objectives.
APSEM operates across Myanmar, its border regions, and online. Its primary beneficiaries are students and communities from Myanmar, including those in displacement, refugee, and diaspora contexts.
Respect for institutional autonomy
Membership in APSEM is voluntary and collaborative in nature and does not confer upon the Association any authority over the internal governance, curriculum, or operations of its members.
From a conference to an association
APSEM emerged from a series of member-led initiatives, building trust and collaboration at each step.
We share an interest in recognizing one another, building flexible pathways, and expanding student access to, and improving the quality, inclusivity, and sustainability of post-secondary education in Myanmar and its border regions.
We acknowledge the need to build an interconnected and resilient ecosystem — an inclusive, representative, and influential body — and to strengthen institutional capacity and quality assurance systems in service of that shared interest.
Purpose, vision, and mission
Purpose
APSEM exists to strengthen the post-secondary education sector in Myanmar and the border regions by building an interconnected, resilient, and recognized network of self-governed and non-profit institutions and programs — so that more students can access quality education, move between programs, and build meaningful futures, regardless of displacement, conflict, or political circumstance.
Vision
A recognized, representative, and influential association that advances accessible, high-quality, inclusive, and sustainable post-secondary education — and strengthens the collective voice and leadership of its member institutions and programs — for the people in and from Myanmar.
Mission
APSEM is a self-governing, member-led association committed to building an interconnected, resilient, and inclusive network of diverse self-governed and non-profit post-secondary education institutions and programs across Myanmar and its border regions, as well as online. APSEM exists to expand student access to quality education, enable learning mobility, and strengthen members’ institutional capacity — grounded in the values of mutual recognition, collaboration, equity, and shared accountability.
Four strategic pillars
APSEM pursues its mission through four strategic pillars.
01 · Connectivity & Sustainability
Building a financially sustainable, well-governed network through robust coordination mechanisms, resource mobilization, and strategic partnerships within and beyond the Association.
02 · Capacity Building & Learning
Strengthening institutional leadership, teaching quality, and research capacity through collaborative professional development, shared resources, and inter-institutional learning.
03 · Recognition & Advocacy
Promoting the legitimacy, value, and contributions of member institutions and programs to governments, donors, international partners, and communities; advocating for policies that recognize self-governed and non-profit post-secondary education and the learners it serves.
04 · Quality & Standards
Developing context-responsive quality assurance frameworks and mutual recognition systems that affirm member institutions’ educational standards and enable student learning mobility across programs and borders.
Our goal
APSEM works so that self-governed and non-profit post-secondary education institutions and programs are recognized as credible, quality providers — and so that the students they serve have expanded access to education, clear pathways for progression, and greater opportunities for learning mobility.
How we get there is set out in the 2026–2028 Strategic Plan.
Guiding principles
Institutional autonomy
Each member has the right to govern itself according to its own values, context, and community needs.
Non-profit purpose
All resources are directed toward the educational benefit of the community — especially students from marginalized and underserved backgrounds.
Equity and inclusive access
Reducing barriers to post-secondary education for those excluded from mainstream systems.
Academic integrity
Honest, rigorous, and credible educational practices, with a commitment to continuous quality improvement.
Transparency and accountability
Governance and resources are managed openly, accountable first to members, students, and communities.
Collaboration and mutual respect
Collaboration and shared progress take priority over competition.
See how the Association is governed
Five interconnected bodies — the General Assembly, Governing Board, three Committees, Secretariat Office, and Advisory Council — each with distinct roles and responsibilities.