The Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning (ASAIHL) was founded in 1956 as a non-governmental organization at a meeting in Bangkok of the heads of eight state universities in Southeast Asia. Field Marshal Pibulsongkram, the Prime Minister, supported its foundation and approved setting up the Secretariat in Thailand. His government began by giving financial and material support, which continued for several years until the Association had other sources of funds. More recently, in addition to physical facilities, the Thai government has been supporting the Association with a grant of US$ 10,000 annually.

ASAIHL’s purpose is to assist member institutions to strengthen themselves through mutual self-help and to achieve international distinction in teaching, research and public service. In so doing, the institutions contribute strength to their respective nations and to the entire region. Specifically, the Association exists to foster the development of the institutions themselves, the cultivation of a sense of regional identity and interdependence and liaison with other regional and international organizations concerned with research and teaching. It serves as a clearing-house of information; provides regular opportunities for the discussion of academic development and general university development; assists member institutions in the recruitment and placement of faculty and staff, exchanges of professors and students and in the development of co-operative arrangements on specific projects; provides advisory services of consultants; strengthens the relationship with regional and international bodies and keeps member institutions informed about developments in the region; und recognizes and acknowledges distinctive achievements among Southeast Asian institutions of higher education.

1. Sir Nicholas Attygalle, University of Ceylon
2. Air Marshal Muni M. Vejyant Rangshrisht, Chulalongkorn University
3. Dr. Lindsay Ride, University of Hong Kong
4. Prof. Bahder Djohan, University of Indonesia
5. Sir Sydney Caine, University of Malaya
6. Dr. Vidal A. Tan, University of the Philippines
7. Dr. Htin Aung, University of Rangoon
8. Prof. Nguyen-Quang-Trinh, National University of Vietnam

The Association is administered through the General Conference, the Administrative Board and thc Secretariat.

1. General Conference

The General Conference has power to :

1. determine the general policy and program of activities of the Association:
2. lay down principle on which subscription are fixed;
3. approve the budget;
4. elect the members of the Administrative Board including the President and two Vice- Presidents of the Association;
5. admit new members.

The General Conference is normally held at least once every two years at a time and place determined at a preceding general conference. In case of necessity, the time and the venue can be changed by the President with the consent of the Administrative Board. An extraordinary session of the General Conference may also be hcld at the request of members.
The General Conference is composed of accredited representatives of member institutions with each full member having one vote. It is also open to observers who can take part in the discussions without having a right to vote.

2. Administrative Board

The Administrative Board consists of the President and two Vice-Presidents and one person from each country other than those from which the President and Vice-Presidents come. The Board is elected by the majcmity of the accredited representatives of member institutions present at the General Conference. Board Members hold office for the period intervening between ordinary sessions of the General Conference and are eligible for re-election. The immediate past President is, an ex-officio member of the board.
The Board has power to

1. prepare the agenda of the General Conference and present thereto the working program and budget to be followed until the next ordinary conference shall meet;
2. direct and control the activities of the Secretariat;
3. appoint the Secretary-General and the Treasurer; and d. present an annual report and financial statement.

3. The Secretariat

The Secretary-General is the head of the Secretariat and also serves as Secretary of the Administrativc Board and as an ex-officio member of all Committees appointed by the Board.
The duties of the Secretary-General include the following

1. Subject to the directions of the Administrative Board, he recruits the Secretariat and exercises disciplinary power over it; and
2. He presents annually to the Administrative Board a working program and the report on activities for the preceding year.

Tan Sri Prof. Dato Dr. Syed Jalaludin, Chairman of Executive Committee
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ninnat Olanvoravuth, Secretary-General of ASAIHL
Asst. Prof. Dr. Suchin Worawichawong, Deputy Secretary-General of ASAIHL
Prof. Dr. Roger Frutos, Director for Development of ASAIHL​