PREAMBLE The South and Southeast Asian University Network ("S&SE ASIAN UN" or the "University Network") was established on December 10, 2018, at Yunnan University in Kunming, Yunnan's provincial capital. Yunnan University is the Secretariat for the University Network.

Members of the University Network comprise universities from South and Southeast Asia countries, including Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar, Malaysia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore (each a "Member University", collectively, "Member Universities"). 

1. Aims of the University Network

The University Network aims to broaden exchanges and cooperation between universities in China and South and Southeast Asia, promoting the development of a regional higher education community.

It also aims to help China and South and Southeast Asian countries to develop in a more open, inclusive, balanced and win-win direction and is committed to promoting regional economic and social development and building a community of a shared future for mankind.

2. The Role of the Ambassadors

Each Member University shall appoint a representative to serve as an ambassador of the University Network. The ambassadors will work together to achieve the aims of the University Network. They will help to co-ordinate efforts amongst Member Universities to optimize regional higher-education cooperation, promote mutual understanding among network members and achieve inter-institutional collaboration in areas such as cultural exchanges, academic collaboration, and joint training.

3. Qualifications

Each Member University shall nominate one candidate to be appointed as an ambassador. A candidate must fulfil the following criteria:

3.1 Be a senior full-time faculty member of the nominating Member University;

3.2 Hold a master's degree or doctorate and be proficient in English;

3.3 Have overseas study experience (candidates who have studied in China are preferred) or experience in handling foreign affairs.

4. Rights

4.1 The ambassadors' participation in annual ambassadorial conferences of the University Network shall be funded by the Secretariat;

4.2 An ambassador has the right to vote on behalf of its Member University;

4.3 An ambassador may recommend students from its Member University to apply for a range of scholarships offered by Yunnan University, and may also recommend faculty members from its Member University to apply for "Chair Professorship" and/or other teacher exchange programs within the University Network;

4.4 An ambassador will have priority for academic visits funded by the University Network to other Member Universities .

5. Obligations

5.1 An ambassador must keep abreast of current events and activities organized by the Secretariat, and publicize information about student recruitment, important conferences, exchange programs etc to its Member University;

5.2 An ambassador must organize or help its Member University to organize competitions to select suitable candidates for relevant programs organized by the University Network. An ambassador shall also assist candidates to obtain the necessary permissions from its Member University to enable these candidates to participate in programs organized by the University Network;

5.3 An ambassador should attach importance to the development of the University Network and provide constructive feedback and advice to the Secretariat;

5.4 The ambassadors shall work out the specific modes of cooperation among the Member Universities.

6. Selection Procedures

6.1 Faculty members of a Member University who meet the requirements stated above shall submit the University Network's "Nomination Form" to the relevant department of its Member University;

6.2 The Member University's department in charge shall select the candidates and submit the "Nomination Form" to the Secretariat;

6.3 The Secretariat shall review the candidate and issue the certificate of appointment.

7. Term of Office

An ambassador generally holds the office for a maximum of two consecutive four-year terms.

8. Handover of Duties

If an ambassador gets a work transfer, then he or she shall follow the selection procedures above and coordinate with relevant department of its Member University to nominate a replacement ambassador. The out-going ambassador shall submit a "Confirmation Form" to the Secretariat and ensure proper hand-over to the in-coming ambassador.

9. Appraisal

9.1 The Secretariat conducts the annual appraisal of ambassadors;

9.2 "Excellent Ambassadors" should account for 15 percent of the total number of ambassadors and will be granted relevant certificates and souvenirs. The University Network will accordingly increase the number of funded recipients in the Member University with "Excellent Ambassadors".

10. Effective Date

These Terms of Reference shall be reviewed at the University Network's council conference for approval. Once approved by the council, it shall be issued to all Member Universities s of the network. These Terms of Reference shall take effect on the date of issue. 

11. Explanation

These Terms of Reference shall be explained by the Secretariat. 

March, 2021