The official Newsletter of ASEACCU – The Association of Southeast and East Asian Catholic Colleges and Universities
Aseaccu Newsletter
January 2026
The Newsletter is published two times a year (Summer and Winter) by the Association of Southeast and East Asian Catholic College and Universities.
Dear Members and Friends of ASEACCU,
As we welcome the new year of 2026, we find ourselves still immersed in the grace-filled spirit of the Jubilee Year, a time of renewal, hope, and deeper communion with one another and with Christ. This Winter Edition of the ASEACCU Newsletter arrives at a moment of reflection and anticipation, inviting us to contemplate the profound ways in which our Catholic educational institutions continue to embody the Gospel’s call to serve, educate, and transform. Drawing inspiration from Pope Leo XIV’s message at the Jubilee of the World of Education, “emphasizing interiority, unity, love, and joy”. We see these pillars brightly reflected in the vital activities of our member universities across the Asia-Pacific region.
In this edition, we celebrate the unity and joy fostered through sports and fellowship at Fu Jen Catholic University in Taiwan, which will host the inaugural Asia-Pacific Catholic University Games in November 2026. This pioneering event promises to bring together young athletes from our network, strengthening bonds of camaraderie and shared faith while promoting holistic development. Complementing this spirit of collaboration, the University of Saint Joseph in Macao successfully concluded its 2025 International Symposium on Children and Youth Health and Well-Being, a cross-border initiative that united scholars from China, the United States, Canada, Thailand, and beyond to address the well-being of the next generation, a timely echo of the Jubilee’s focus on hope for the young.
Our commitment to mercy and social justice shines through in acts of outreach and solidarity. Colegio de San Juan de Letran Calamba in the Philippines marked the 12th month of its Jail Ministry Service for Persons Deprived of Liberty, offering spiritual and mental health support inspired by Matthew 25:36, “I was in prison and you came to me”. This ministry, now a cornerstone of their community engagement, reminds us of education’s role in restoring dignity to the marginalized. Similarly, St. Paul University Manila joined the national fight against corruption through prayer vigils and protests, embodying Catholic Social Teachings in the pursuit of truth and integrity. Miriam College, also in the Philippines, stood firm in faith-driven actions against societal injustices, participating in national solidarity events like the Trillion Peso March, where education and spirituality converged to advocate for justice and peace.
Excellence in academics and moral formation is honoured across our network. Colegio de San Juan de Letran Calamba celebrated a remarkable triumph by recognizing a top board placer in the Psychometrician Licensure Examination, underscoring the fruits of disciplined, faith-rooted education. In Indonesia, Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya hosted a workshop on innovative approaches to Pancasila learning, fostering critical and reflective civic education aligned with national values. The same institution raised vital awareness through an international workshop on predicting and preventing child abuse, led by a renowned forensic psychologist, highlighting our shared responsibility to protect the vulnerable.
Global engagement and cultural immersion further enrich our mission. The University of St. La Salle in the Philippines engaged the Indigenous Ata community through a service-learning program with Oakhill College from Australia, blending cultural exchange with capacity-building for sustainable development. Strengthening linguistic and academic ties, the University of St. La Salle also deepened partnerships with South Korean Catholic universities, promoting English language immersion and faculty exchanges to prepare students for an interconnected world.
We also rejoice in milestones of enduring legacy. Saint Louis College in Thailand hosted a major international health care and academic conference in its 40th anniversary year, gathering experts from Norway, Switzerland, the Philippines, Macao, and Taiwan to explore AI, ethics, and virtuous leadership in healthcare. Meanwhile, Australian Catholic University marked the centenary of its historic Barron Memorial Chapel, a symbol of faith’s resilience and the Christian Brothers’ foundational vision for teacher formation.
These stories from our members illustrate how ASEACCU institutions are pilgrims of hope, weaving faith into every facet of education from classrooms and conferences to communities and chapels. As we look ahead to the 32nd ASEACCU Conference in Indonesia this August, let us renew our commitment to collaborative innovation, rooted in Christ’s love. May this Jubilee Year continue to inspire us to build constellations of hope, illuminating the path for our students and societies.
In solidarity and prayer,
ASEACCU Secretariat University of Saint Joseph Macao
ASEACCU Activities & Events
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To uphold the core values of charity, peace, and solidarity inherent in the Catholic faith, and to deepen the youth connections among Catholic universities in the Asia-Pacific region, Fu Jen Catholic University (FJCU), guided by its motto of "Truth, Goodness, Beauty, and Holiness," is initiating and will be hosting the inaugural Asia-Pacific Catholic University Games (APCUG).
Participation and Scale
The Games will host Catholic university athletes from Australia, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and Cambodia. In a special demonstration of global fellowship, the visiting teams from the Catholic University of Portugal (UCP) Football Team and the Georgetown University Basketball/Soccer Team have also been invited to participate. In total, approximately 48 university sports teams, comprising around 900 male and female team personnel and athletes, are expected to travel to Taiwan to participate and compete in all competitions and related activities.
Competition Disciplines and Planning
Basketball (Men's and Women's Divisions)
Football/Soccer (Men's and Women's Divisions, 11-a-side)
Table Tennis (Men's and Women's Divisions)
The Organizing Committee will provide land hospitality.
TAICHUNG, TAIWAN – The year 2025 has proven to be a transformative period for Providence University (PU), characterized by international solidarity, prestigious academic recognition, and a deepened commitment to its mission as a leading Catholic institution. From hosting major global summits to securing top-tier international rankings, PU continues to bridge the gap between local excellence and global influence.
A Hub for Global Solidarity: ASEACCU 2025
The university’s year was anchored by the successful hosting of the 31st ASEACCU Annual Conference in Taichung from August 18 to 21, 2025. This gathering served as a vital platform for the ASEACCU community to address the evolving landscape of higher education through shared values. PU extends its deepest gratitude to the member institutions whose participation fostered a spirit of unity. Building on this momentum, Providence University was recently ranked No. 1 in internationalization among Taiwan’s private universities, solidifying its reputation as a premier destination for global academic exchange.
Spiritual Leadership and the Future of Education
In a profound moment of spiritual and intellectual reflection, President Dr. Lucia Lin, alongside Chaplain Fr. Francis Yang and Dr. Kelly Chiu, Director of Academic Exchange Affairs, represented PU at the Jubilee of the World of Education in Rome. The delegation joined global educators to hear Pope Leo XIV offer visionary insights on the intersection of faith and technology. The Holy Father called upon educators to guide the development of Artificial Intelligence with ethics, love, and hope, ensuring technology serves to enlighten the human spirit. The Jubilee reached a historic peak at St. Peter’s Square, where the Holy Father officially proclaimed Saint John Henry Newman as a Doctor of the Church, a moment of immense significance for the global Catholic educational community.
Excellence with Purpose: Global Sustainability Rankings
Providence University’s dedication to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was further validated by the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings. The university emerged as a national leader in several categories: it ranked 44th globally and No. 1 in Taiwan for Quality Education (SDG 4), and 92nd globally and No. 1 in Taiwan for Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10). Additionally, in the category of Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), PU achieved a remarkable 28th place globally, ranking No. 2 in Taiwan. These results reflect PU’s unwavering commitment to social impact and inclusive excellence.
Looking Forward: 70 Years of Excellence in 2026
As Providence University prepares to celebrate its 70th Anniversary in 2026, the institution is focused on turning these milestones into lasting partnerships. To inaugurate the anniversary celebrations, PU will host the “411 Study Abroad Fair and International Partner Day” on March 26–27, 2026. This event will serve as a vibrant platform for member institutions to reconnect with the PU community, engage with students, and cultivate new collaborative initiatives. Providence University warmly welcomes all ASEACCU partners to join us in Taiwan this March as we continue shaping the future of international education together.
New Taipei City, Taiwan—Fu Jen Catholic University (FJCU), the only Catholic University affiliated to the Holy See in the Chinese-speaking world, is proudly celebrating its 100th anniversary. Established in Beijing in 1925, the university’s centennial coincides with the 2025 Jubilee of the Catholic Church, marking a historic double celebration of faith, academic excellence, and service to humanity.
As a premier institution in Taiwan, Fu Jen is globally recognized for its rigorous teaching standards, international outreach and powerful alumni network. It ranks second in student number among the country’s 150 universities. Throughout 2024 and 2025, FJCU has hosted a series of high-profile events that align its rich Catholic heritage with modern global challenges.
The Centennial celebrations have been strategically integrated with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the evolving landscape of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Key highlights from the year include: Sustainability Initiatives, which include an international forum and conference on sustainable finance, extensive campus “greening” campaigns to reinforce the university’s commitment to social justice and environmental stewardship. Addressing the Catholic identity of the university, “Humanity in the Age of AI” conference was hosted to showcase findings from the Humanism at the Time of Neurosciences and Artificial Intelligence (NHNAI) project, organized by the International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU). A landmark seminar, “From Nobel Prize to AI,” featured distinguished speakers including Nobel Laureate James Rothman, Dr. Joy Hirsch, former Vice-President Dr. Chien-Jen Chen, and H. E. Cardinal Turkson, Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and Social Sciences.
The year-long festivities culminated in December with an Anniversary Mass and a formal Centennial Celebration. H. E. Archbishop Polvani, Secretary of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, delivered a congratulatory message from His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. The Pope praised the university for its “generous fruit,” noting its success in uniting intellectual rigor with the university motto: Veritas, Bonitas, Pulchritudo, Sanctitas. Attending the Centennial Ceremony, the nation’s President, William Lai lauded FJCU’s unique role in Taiwan’s society, stating: “Fu Jen not only impart knowledge but also teaches student to be rooted in faith and supported by charity, enabling them to acquire knowledge not only to illuminate themselves, but also to illuminate others.” Also present at the celebrations are Right Rev. Martin de Porres Bartel, O.S.B., Archabbot of St. Vincent Archabbey from Latrobe Pennsylvania, whose predecessors established Fu Jen Catholic University in Beijing at the request of the Holy father during the 1920s, and Sr. Miriam Altenhofen, the Congregational Leader of the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit, the religious congregation which has assisted the operation of Fu Jen both in China and Taiwan.
Reflecting on the overwhelming support from alumni and global partners, FJCU President Francis Yi-Chen Lan expressed his commitment to the university’s mission. “I am deeply moved by the cohesive power of the Fu Jen community,” said President Lan. “Moving forward, we will continue to cultivate young professionals who possess not only competence but also social conscience and international responsibility. Our goal remains to build a more just and benevolent world.”
The “2025 International Symposium on Children and Youth Health and Well-Being” jointly organised by Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) Macao, and Rutgers University, took place at Baiyun Campus of Guangdong University of Foreign Studies in Guangzhou, China, from 13 to 14 December. Approximately 260 professionals and students attended the event.
Last year the 2nd symposium was held at the USJ Macao. The opening ceremony took place on the first day afternoon, featuring keynote speeches by four speakers on topics including children and youth development, mental health, artificial intelligence, and social work.
The second day featured six parallel forums with over 100 domestic and international participants from China, the United States, Canada, Thailand, and other regions. These attendees presented and received feedback on their submissions, with the conference collecting a total of 75 papers. The organiser also arranged workshop and field visit for participants to gain deeper insights into the current development of local youth services.
During the closing ceremony, Prof. Jacky Ho, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at USJ Macao, announced that next year’s conference will be hosted by Saint Louis College in Thailand. Prof. Tu Bin, Dean of the School of Public Administration at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, handed over the flag of symposium to the next host representative, continuing the spirit of ‘Going Out’ for this international symposium.
Colegio de San Juan de Letran Calamba continues to cultivate a vibrant, faith-centered, and inclusive alumni community through its activity Misa at Mesa, an initiative of the Internationalization and Linkages Office in partnership with the Letran Calamba Alumni Association (LeCAA). Open to more than 34,000 alumni, this program strengthens spiritual formation, deepens relationships, and highlights the shared successes of the Letran community.
MISA: A Monthly Gathering of Faith and Blessings
Every third Sunday of the month, Letran Calamba alumni return home to the Colegio for the Misa, celebrated by the Rector and President, Rev. Fr. Roman L. Santos, O.P. His presence and leadership provide a strong pastoral anchor to the gathering, enriching the spiritual experience of the community.
A special Alumni Prayer and blessing is offered during the Mass, invoking guidance, protection, and continued success for all Letran graduates. This sacred moment has become a meaningful highlight that reinforces the bond between alumni and their alma mater.
MESA: Quarterly Fellowship, Celebration, and Alumni Sponsorship
Held every quarter, Mesa brings alumni and their families together over breakfast and fellowship, an opportunity to reconnect, share stories, and celebrate inspiring milestones within the community.
Recent Mesa celebrations honored the Letran Calamba Robotics Team, for their international triumph in Japan, and the new board passers in Psychology, Psychometrician, Mechanical Engineering, and Electronics Engineering Board Exams.
The Mesa has also grown into a platform where alumni batches and groups can pay forward their blessings. Notably, the former Student Assistants and Working Students of Letran Calamba sponsored the Mesa for October 2025, reflecting the enduring spirit of gratitude, solidarity, and service.
A Tradition That Unites Generations of Letran Knights
Misa at Mesa continues to flourish as a cherished tradition that blends faith, community, and celebration. It bridges generations of alumni, inspiring them to live out the Letran ideals of Deus, Patria, Letran in their lives and careers.
Through this initiative, the Internationalization and Linkages Office and LeCAA reaffirm their commitment to fostering an engaged, connected, and mission-driven alumni community.
On November 11, 2025, the Prior of the Convent of Saint Albert the Great and Vice President for Religious Education, Mission and Identity Division of Colegio de San Juan de Letran Calamba, Rev. Fr. Lauro G. de Dios, O.P. celebrated a holy mass for over a hundred Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) at the Calamba City Jail, Laguna, Philippines. In his homily, he emphasized that God’s mercy is enormous and that God is only waiting for all of us to repent and ask for His forgiveness.
Jail ministry was added to the list of community services of Letran Calamba starting November 22, 2024 when it joined the Calamba City Justice Zone in providing various services to the City Jail. Letran Calamba, through the Community and Extension Services Department sent a team of volunteer mental health professionals from its Psychology Program and Guidance and Counseling Office to conduct mental health counseling with PDL.
On December 19, 2024 Letran Calamba gathered its spiritual counselors composed of a Dominican priest and Religious Education faculty members, mental health professionals, and support staff for the Paskong Pag-asa. After the celebration of the holy mass, simultaneously held the conduct of sacramental confession, spiritual counseling, professional mental health counseling, medical mission and distribution of donated food packs and sanitary kits to all PDL of the City Jail Male Dormitory and Female Dormitory. The activity title was taken from the theme of the Jubilee year – Pilgrims of Hope as declared by Pope Francis. Pag-asa is a Filipino word meaning hope.
Now, the project is known as the Pag-asa Jail Ministry (PJM), an institutional social responsibility project under the Peace and Inclusivity Thrust of Hayuma Program for Sustainable Development. It aims to bring the Catholic mission to the City Jail through monthly holy mass, mental health and spiritual counseling, sacramental confession, recollection and donation of sanitary kits to PDL. Sanitary kits containing bath soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, detergent soap and deodorant were mass offerings of students during the Mass of the Holy Spirit. The Colegio organized a team of volunteers from the rank of priests, administrators, administrative officers, faculty members, employees and students to serve in the ministry as mass servers, spiritual counselors, professional mental health counselors, catechists and recollection facilitators.
“I was in prison and you came to me” was the words of Jesus Christ found in Matthew 25:36 and is the foundation of the Pag-asa Jail Ministry. The project is one of the corporal works of mercy and intended to bring hope to PDL, especially the poor, abandoned, and those struggling with spiritual and mental health issues.
To uphold the core values of charity, peace, and solidarity inherent in the Catholic faith, and to deepen the youth connections among Catholic universities in the Asia-Pacific region, Fu Jen Catholic University (FJCU), guided by its motto of "Truth, Goodness, Beauty, and Holiness," is initiating and will be hosting the inaugural Asia-Pacific Catholic University Games (APCUG).
Participation and Scale
The Games will host Catholic university athletes from Australia, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and Cambodia. In a special demonstration of global fellowship, the visiting teams from the Catholic University of Portugal (UCP) Football Team and the Georgetown University Basketball/Soccer Team have also been invited to participate. In total, approximately 48 university sports teams, comprising around 900 male and female team personnel and athletes, are expected to travel to Taiwan to participate and compete in all competitions and related activities.
Competition Disciplines and Planning
Basketball (Men's and Women's Divisions)
Football/Soccer (Men's and Women's Divisions, 11-a-side)
Table Tennis (Men's and Women's Divisions)
The Organizing Committee will provide land hospitality.
