On August 26, 2024, at the Ballroom of Chang Arena stadium in Buriram Province, H.E. Police General Permpoon Chidchob, Minister of Education of Thailand, co-chaired the 7th ASEAN Plus Three Education Ministers Meeting with H.E. Mr. Yano Kazuhiko, Senior Deputy Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan. The meeting was attended by ministerial representatives from the 10 ASEAN member countries—Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, and Thailand—as well as representatives from ASEAN Plus Three Dialogue Partners, including the People’s Republic of China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Timor-Leste as observers. The ASEAN Secretariat, the ASEAN University Network (AUN), the SEAMEO Secretariat, and ASEAN Education Networks were also represented, with a total of approximately 110 participants.
During the opening ceremony, the Minister of Education of Thailand welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of technological advancements, especially in the context of education in the digital era. These advancements are crucial for shaping teaching methodologies and the skills needed for the 21st century. The Minister highlighted those strengthening connections between ASEAN member countries and the Plus Three countries (the People’s Republic of China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea) would create a robust learning network. This network would facilitate the exchange of resources, knowledge, and experiences in integrating technology into education. The transformation of education in the digital era is vital for creating an environment that enhances learning and fosters skills such as analytical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. The Minister also stressed that youth should have the opportunity to learn anywhere and anytime through the collaborative efforts of all sectors, including government, the private sector, and civil society.
The meeting reviewed the outcomes of the 14th ASEAN Plus Three Senior Officials Meeting on Education and discussed future directions for educational cooperation within the ASEAN Plus Three framework. Thailand presented a statement on behalf of ASEAN member countries titled “Transforming Education in the Digital Era.” This statement emphasized the need to enhance and innovate the ASEAN education system, highlighting the importance of developing a digital education framework that is resilient, inclusive, and capable of preparing learners for the 21st century. Key issues addressed included bridging the digital divide both within and between countries, and ensuring access to digital technologies and skills essential for learners in the digital era. ASEAN Plus Three cooperation is crucial for advancing educational projects, fostering innovation, and addressing common challenges. Additionally, ASEAN is committed to the shared vision of transforming education for sustainable development, with digital technology serving as a key tool to create an equitable and inclusive education system that ensures no learner is left behind, providing all individuals with the opportunity to realize their full potential and contribute to regional growth.
Additionally, the meeting reviewed the progress of the ASEAN Plus Three Guidelines for New Forms of Mobility in Higher Education. These guidelines aim to establish a foundational framework for student exchange and mobility, ensuring quality and equity across traditional, online, and hybrid programs. They support the advancement of higher education across a wide range of disciplines, including Education, Humanities and Arts, Health and Welfare, Social Sciences, Business and Law, Services, Engineering, Manufacturing and Construction, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics, Computer Science, Agriculture, and more
The meeting also reviewed and endorsed the Joint Statement of the 7th ASEAN Plus Three Education Ministers Meeting. This statement highlighted the transformative potential of digital technologies in expanding access to education and participation for marginalized populations, advancing teaching and learning, and improving the use of educational data for planning and policy-making. Under the theme “Transforming Education in the Digital Era,” the Statement underscores the importance of fostering collaboration among ASEAN Plus Three countries. This collaborative effort aims to effectively implement the ASEAN Plus Three Plan of Action on Education (2018-2025) and the ASEAN Work Plan on Education (2021-2025).
At the conclusion of the meeting, the chairperson emphasized the critical role of digital technology in education management, highlighting its potential to enhance and support students’ development while ensuring quality and equity in education. The goal is to provide ‘Happy Learning’ and to foster strength and progress, aiming to build a brighter future for youth in the ASEAN Plus Three region.
Gallery Highlights : https://13ased.moe.go.th/gallery-august-26th/
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