Page 165 - Universitas Terbuka Center of Excellence In Asia 2010 and The World 2020 (A Journey Towards a Leading Open and Distance Education Institution 1984-2008)

Entering the 21 st century, UT steps forward with its vision "to become one of
the centers of excellence in distance higher institution in Asia by 2010, and in

the World by 2020". Thanks to this vision , UT has become a very active member
of various regional and international organizations as follows.

1. International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE). This organization
is a coordinating council for distance education institutions, national and

regional associations, and organizing body and authority in distance education,
virtual learning, and life-long education. Established in 1938, this is the pioneer

and oldest international organization in distance education.
2. Indonesian Distance Learning Network (IDLN) is a non-government organization

established by the Republic of Indonesia together with UNESCO/UNDP that
accommodates institutions and various interests that relate to distance

education.
3. SEAMEO Regional Open Learning Centre (SEAMEOLECJ. This is one of 15

Regional Centers owned by SEAMEO (South-East Asia Ministers of Education
Organization), established in 1997 with the mission to increase regional

cooperation among 10 member countries of SEAMEO.
4. Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU). Established in November 13,
1987 in Bangkok, Thailand and initiated by some prominent Asian Open

Universities, this organization gives contribution to educational democratization

and works together to share information. AAOU consists of Open Universities in
Asian countries, such as India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Pakistan, Srilanka,
China, and Thailand. In 2008 Rector of UT becomes President of AAOU, and

Vice Lector Academic Services as Secretary General of AAOU .

5. Global Mega-University Network (GMUNET) was established in November 7,
2003 with the mission to consolidate and increase the cooperation among the
largest open universities with more than 100,000 students and they are called

mega-university.

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