There is a worldwide consensus in Higher Education Institutions today on the relevance of quality Human Resources Management (HRM) for the development and optimisation of HEIs’ performance. HEIs face increasingly complex academic contexts which require HRM models able to respond to new challenges in the selection, development and motivation of their staff. In Southeast Asian countries, HR approaches need to be far more efficient and be shaped to current labour and societal needs. HEIs need to take account of new issues concerning their HR, such as training, promotion and encouragement, evaluation, development support and systematic planning for future needs.

Upon these premises, HR4ASIA’s main goal is to support Higher Education organizational changes in Southeast Asia. More specifically , this global purpose will be addressed by:

1) Building capacity in HRM at Southeast Asian HEIs to enhance organizational performance;

2) Improving Strategic planning in Human Resources at the Southeast Asian HEIs for more staffing autonomy; and

3) Setting up of the ASEAN University HR Network as a regional forum for the exchange of knowledge and best practices.

Athough a preliminary needs analysis has been conducted to prepare the proposal, the achievement of the project objectives will require an in-depth study of the HRM conditions in the participating Asian HEIs, as the project activities are based on examining HR practices and undertake actions for improvement via self-evaluation. The consortium brings varied good practice via EU HEIs and it is also aware of other practices in the field. From identified needs, the project intends to provide specific measures supporting strategic planning, HR and technical development and policy dialogue.