Pol. Gen. Permpoon Chidchob, Minister of Education, Thailand as the Chair of the ASEAN Education Ministers Meeting (ASED) announces at a press conference after the 13th ASED opening ceremony

On August 25, 2024, at 10:00 AM, Pol. Gen. Permpoon Chidchob, Minister of Education, Thailand as the Chair of the ASEAN Education Ministers Meeting announces at a press conference following the opening ceremony of the 13^th ASEAN Education Ministers Meeting, together with Mr. Ekkaphab Phanthavong, ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General for Socio-Cultural Community
at the Press Conference Room, 1^st Floor, Chang Arena Stadium.

The Minister expressed pride that Thailand is hosting the meeting from August 23-26, 2024, at Chang Arena Stadium, Buriram Province, Thailand. Over 80 pioneering educational institutions are being showcased for their autonomous, flexible, and agile management of education, making Buriram a model for ASEAN education. This meeting is divided into senior official and ministerial levels, providing a platform for education leaders from ASEAN member states, ASEAN Plus Three (China, Korea, Japan), and ASEAN Plus Eight (China, Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, India, the USA, Russia) to share visions and discuss approaches to education development under the theme “Transforming Education in the Digital Age.” Discussions will include preparing human resources for a changing job market due to technological advancements, demographic changes, and the green economy, as well as developing new skills and upgrading existing ones to maintain adaptability, flexibility, and competitiveness. This will enhance Thailand’s role and visibility within ASEAN and among dialogue partners, aiming to advance the region towards achieving comprehensive and quality education goals and supporting lifelong learning in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Additionally, the Minister referred to study visits provided for attendees, such as Lamplaimat Pattana School, Mechai Bamboo School, Buriram Pitthayakhom School, and Buriram College of Agriculture and Technology. These programme are focused active learning, life skills enhancement, innovation development, and the use of AI in teaching. Participants will also explore cultural learning resources and visit exhibitions on the integration of digital technology and artificial intelligence in blended learning, which supports digital skills that meet labor market demands and promotes vocational skills for income generation during studies and post-graduation employment.

Moreover, the ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General praised Thailand for its warm welcome and impressive opening ceremony of the meeting. He also highlighted collaborative projects between ASEAN and SEAMEO, such as the “Intra-ASEAN Scholarship Programme for ASEAN Nationals,” which develops scholarships from ASEAN member states and dialogue partners, and the “ASEAN-SEAMEO Joint Declaration on the Common Space in Southeast Asian Higher Education,” which aims to elevate the quality of higher education in ASEAN and SEAMEO member countries to develop learners as global citizens in the new lifestyle. The meeting also provided an excellent opportunity to familiarize with Buriram’s cultural and tourist attractions and impressive student potential. He expressed gratitude to the Thai Ministry of Education for hosting this successful meeting.