Themed "Driving Innovation", the 3rd ASEM University-Business Forum will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 5 – 6 November 2012.   According to the third Asia-Europe Meeting of Ministers for Education (ASEMME3) in Copenhagen, May 2011, the "...Ministers agreed to make the ASEM University-Business Forum an annual event; the Forum should identify examples of good practice, develop ideas and make recommendations on how to improve university-business cooperation between ASEM countries." The Forum agenda and information on practicalities will be published on the Secretariat’s website at http://www.asem-education-secretariat.org/en/20363/ in due time.

The forum is a venue for leaders of businesses to promote partnership in the public and private sectors across Europe and Asia. This event will give participants the chance to exchange their views and ideas with dignitaries, businessmen, academics, and policy makers from Europe and Asia.   More information can be found on the AEBF2012 website.  

The 11th ASEM Conference of Directors-General of Immigration and Management of Migratory Flows took place on 30-31 October 2012 in Nicosia, during the Cyprus Presidency. The conference is a relevant forum for exchange of views and experiences between EU and Asian countries on migration-related issues.   The focus point of the conference is in line with the increased emphasis given on mobility by the EU’s renewed Global Approach to Migration and Mobility. Labour migration is an important issue of high interest to both EU and Asian countries. Economic growth, labour market needs and securing and improving prosperity, welfare and well-being are issues of great concern in both continents. An important question in light of these considerations is how well-managed migration and improved possibilities for mobility can contribute to vitality and competitiveness of both EU and Asian countries.   Session 1 HIGHLY SKILLED MIGRATION AND STUDENT MOBILITY BETWEEN ASIA AND EUROPE: FRAMING THE DISCUSSION (Background Paper) Session 2 POLICIES RELATED TO THE MIGRATION OF HIGHLY SKILLED PERSONS AND TERTIARY EDUCATION STUDENTS IN EUROPE AND ASIA (Background Paper)   Session 3 RECOGNITION OF QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS IN EUROPE AND ASIA (Background Paper)

In the field of labour and social affairs, the ASEM Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meetings organized every two years since 2006 have provided an opportunity for ASEM partners to discuss, strengthen their relationship, and find solutions to labour, employment and social issues in the global agendas.   The Government of Vietnam will host the 4th ASEM LEMC in Hanoi under the title, "Social protection and employment - a key to inclusive growth". The recent financial and economic crisis, and its employment and social impacts, highlight the importance of employment and social protection for a sustainable and inclusive growth. During the preparatory SOM meeting the following objectives of the 4th ASEM LEMC were identified by ASEM partners: Gaining better understanding of the current and long-term employment and social challenges in the ASEM countries; Recommending policies in the area of employment, notably youth employment, decent work, including social protection, CSR, health and safety and skills; Enhancing cooperation among ASEM members in handling these challenges. More information can be found on the LEMC4 official website. Contact point Department of International CooperationMinistry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs12 Ngo Quyen, Ha Noi, Viet NamTelephone: +84-43 826 9532Fax: +84-4 3825 4728 Email:  ASEM@icd-molisa.gov.vn