The 1st ASEM Rectors’ Conference (ARC1)  themed “Between Tradition and Reform: Universities in Asia and Europe” held in Berlin, Germany from 27 to 29 October 2008 brought together ninety-eight (98) Asian and European leaders of higher education institutions from twenty-four (24) ASEM countries to discuss higher education policy issues, such as: governance and management of universities; quality assurance in higher education; and trends on education and research co-operation between the two regions.

Partners: 
ASEM Education Hub (AEH), Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)
German Rectors’ Conference (HRK)
ASEAN University Network (AUN)
European University Association (EUA)
Free University of Berlin (Host University)
German Federal Ministry of Education and Research

The ARC1 adopted the Conference Recommendations which highlighted four important points relative to ASEM higher education cooperation efforts:

1. enhanced framework for ASEM higher education policy dialogue and cooperation;
2. mobility within ASEM countries for researchers and students;
3. research collaboration; and
4. incentive and support for ASEM higher education cooperation.

The policy document was endorsed to the Ministers of Education at the 2nd Asia-Europe Meeting of Ministers for Education convened in Hanoi in May 2009.