The importance of education to Thailand and Asean

Education is important at every level: primary, secondary and at Thailand’s growing universities. Access to primary and secondary education has increased significantly and net enrolment rates for primary school children are up to over 90 per cent. This will give business a foundation of literacy and numeracy on which to build, creating jobs and a talent pipeline for the region.

The globalised economy increasingly demands linguistic skills as well as an ability to think critically and solve problems. In Thailand the government is supporting the teaching of English, with Chinese also of growing importance. Learning about technology is also fundamental to the modern world and I welcome the government’s tablet computer campaign, so primary schoolchildren from all parts of society have the opportunity to learn about technology and the wider world.

Alongside the role that governments can play, businesses need to prioritise education and training. This is the case at Tesco, where developing our staff and supporting the education of people in our communities runs through our DNA.

The Tesco Academy, which offers both classroom and online training to staff of all levels, demonstrates our commitment, and gives our people access to inspiring training anywhere and at any time. In Thailand, in partnership with the Vocational Education Commission, Tesco Lotus has signed a memorandum of understanding to offer a three-year vocational qualification in retail for high-school students, which includes practical work experience and a guarantee of a job with us upon successful completion. This year alone we are offering this opportunity to over 1,500 students and will invest over Bt140 million for this programme over a period of three years.

We also are celebrating our 10th year of giving scholarships to university students so they have sufficient funds for academic studies while learning some practical and transferable skills working in Tesco Lotus stores. We have offered over 22,000 scholarships worth Bt50 million to students in 74 provinces. These two initiatives help to prepare Thai students for the world of work and to compete in the expanding Asean job market after 2015.

Thailand can also gain a real competitive edge by promoting the role of women in the world of work. Thailand has great opportunities but women have not yet found a full role. Ensuring that quality education and training is readily available to women will be key to competitiveness.

The 2012 World Development Report has shown that there are big economic gains to be made by widening opportunities for all members of society – including women. The World Bank report indicates that removing barriers to education can increase worker productivity by up to 18 per cent.

There is more than one approach to economic issues and policy needs to take account of national traditions, but I wonder whether women could contribute more to economic progress in Thailand. Thai women now hold 16 per cent of the available seats in parliament and 6 per cent of village-head positions. It is great to see a positive trend as Thailand now has its first female prime minister.

Female role models are very important. When I worked in government in the UK, I was lucky enough to serve under the first female British prime minister, Margaret Thatcher. Sitting on the board of Tesco, the world’s third-largest retailer, I feel strongly about encouraging women in business. The number of female directors at Tesco has risen by 70 per cent in the last four years and 29 per cent of our main board are now women. There is also a place for women’s networks in businesses like Tesco in Asia and Europe which provide support and coaching to make sure women have the opportunities to get on whilst balancing their personal and professional lives.

Education is the backbone of a country’s economic success and social cohesion, and it is an honour to be part of the debate in a forward thinking country like Thailand.

 

Lucy Neville-Rolfe is corporate and legal affairs director at Tesco Plc.