Universities run by the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) in Asia are looking to compete in the global market and put themselves on the same level as top universities around the world.

But more cooperation between the institutions is needed to achieve this, according to Generalate Secretary for Formation and Education, Father Thomas Malipurathu, speaking at a January 23-25 conference of university rectors in Kupang, capital of East Nusa Tenggara province.

Around 30 rectors from Divine Word universities across Asia, attended the conference with had the theme Living Prophetic Dialogue in SVD Universities.

According to the Divine Word priest, universities in Asia have a bright future since the region is going through period of sustained economic growth. Also more and more high school graduates are choosing to study in universities in Asia instead of the United States or Europe.

The SVD sees this as a big opportunity. But, he said: “Cooperation between our universities must be developed to improve the quality of education, which seems to be still lacking.”

He said cooperation could include a lecturer exchange program and a scholarship program for both lecturers and students.

For two universities, cooperation began at the meeting.

“We have signed an agreement with the Catholic University of Widya Mandira in Kupang to conduct joint research in fields of chemistry, information technology and ethnic music,” Father Michael Kwo from Fu Jen Catholic University in Taipei announced.