Asean needs better education schemes
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Re: "Jakarta leads Asean into new challenges", Opinion, November 21.
There is no doubt that the recent Asean summits in Bali constitute a highly significant diplomatic event in preparing the most representative regional institution in Asia to successfully cope with today’s and tomorrow’s complex global challenges.
This preparatory process is closely linked to the ongoing efforts to consolidate Asean identity on behalf of its approximately 600-million population. This major objective is inconceivable without a strong programme of education about Asean in all its 10 member states.
Therefore, it is rewarding to learn from the summits’ documents about the clear determination of Asean’s leaders to encourage the teaching of Asean studies at all levels and to develop student-exchange programmes.
It can also be expected that due attention will be paid to strengthening the partnership among Asean universities through the establishment of a master’s degree programme in Asean studies that will specifically support the fundamental goals of Asean integration and Asean community building.
Ioan Voicu
Bangkok
