This paper suggests some strategies for higher education in Asia and the Pacific in the context of ideological, societal, economic, and technological changes that have been experienced in the region during recent years. Some characteristics of the region and its socioeconomic characteristics are outlined, and the impact of changes on the area's systems of higher education are reviewed. The paper also explores some of the government steering policies that require different managerial techniques in the operation of higher education systems. Some examples are given of some systems of higher education in the region that have responded to new challenges in varying degrees. The paper concludes with suggestions for measures to take the higher education systems in Asia and the Pacific into the 21st century. An appendix compares some selected indicators for the countries in Asia and the Pacific Region. (Contains 26 references.) (SLD)