The proceedings of the Regional Institute of Higher Education and Development's seminar and the meaning and implications of social commitment in higher education are reported. The welcoming address (S. Nasution) and the opening address (Y. B. Dato' Murad bin Mohd. Noor) welcome the participants and set the tone for the discussions to follow. The seminar was broken down into three categories. Part I, "The Meaning and Implications of Social Commitment in Higher Education," (Wu Teh-Yao) sets a broad base for discussion. Part II, "Socio-Economic Needs and Problems: Challenge to Higher Education in Southeast Asia," contains five papers related to higher education in Southeast Asia, using Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand as focus areas. Part III, "Means and Methods of Achieving Integrated Programmes in Higher Education in Southeast Asia to Meet Basic Needs for Food," contains six papers again focusing on the areas in Part II as examples. The final section offers conclusions and recommendations. It is concluded that universities should inculcate social commitment and responsibility as well as directing meaningful involvement among students and staff in meeting social obligations. Several recommendations are made by several countries for regional and national projects. Appendices include a program of the seminar and a list of participants and observers. (LC)