Description of the Initiative
The ASEM Education and Research Hub for Lifelong Learning (ASEM LLL Hub) is an official network for university cooperation in Lifelong Learning Research between Asia and Europe since 2004.
The timeline below provides an overview of the milestones in the history of the ASEM LLL Hub.
The ASEM LLL Hub’s operation is part of the ASEM Education Process and is currently chaired by and hosted at the Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand and funded by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) of the Kingdom of Thailand. The Hub brings together researchers in clusters and networks, organises conferences, like the Global Lifelong Learning Week, promotes collaborative and comparative research on lifelong learning and disseminated research results.
The ASEM LLL Hub is advised by an International Advisory Council composed by ministries of education and flagship international organisations, chaired by Kazakhstan and co-chaired by Italy.
ASEM LLL Hub Regional Centres for Promoting Lifelong Learning in Central Asia, South Asia and Europe contribute to further regional and interregional cooperation and initiatives.
Further information can be found here: https://www.asemlllhub.net/
From 2019 to November 2025, the ASEM LLL Hub was hosted by the University College Cork, Ireland supported by the Irish government, especially the Department of Education & Skills and the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade. From 2005 to 2018, the ASEM LLL Hub was hosted by the Aarhus University Denmark and funded by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in cooperation with the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF).
Aims and objectives
ASEM Partners and Stakeholders involved
Universities, researcher, ministries, and organisations from all Partner countries of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) can be involved. The ASEM LLL Hub is currently hosted by the Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Progress and Achievements
All research publications, initiatives and events are available on the website of the ASEM LLL Hub.
Status and plans
The initiative is ongoing and has recently been taken over by the Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
The ASEM LLL Hub, considered one of the largest international networks of researchers, was officially transferred from Ireland to Thailand at the ASEM 1st Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM1) in Bucharest, Romania, on 18 November 2025. Prof Wilert Puriwat, President of the Chulalongkorn University was announced as the Chair of ASEM LLL Hub. The Thai Secretariat of the ASEM LLL Hub at the Chulalongkorn University aims to maximise the direct benefits for Thailand and the community in Asia and Europe over the term of Thailand’s stewardship.
The Thai ASEM LLL Hub 5-year project plan 2026-2030 is aligned to the ASEM Education Strategy 2030 and global targets for lifelong learning and sustainability.
The ASEM LLL Hub functions within the the ASEM Education Process (AEP) and works in partnership with the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF).
The Project contributes to:
