ASEAN Economic Integration & Cooperation 2015 :

Implications in Education

Enverga University 24 November 2012

Presentation will be limited to the perspectives of the Association of Universities

of Asia & the Pacific (AUAP)

Introducing AUAP Established : 28 July 1995 at Suranaree University of

Technology (SUT), Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand Signatories to the Constitution : 48

University, Vice Chancellors and Rectors from 17 Countries

Founding President : Prof. Dr. Wichit Srisa-an, SUT Rector,

Dr. Ruben C. Umaly, Director, SUT Centre for International Affairs was appointed AUAP Secretary-General

2nd AUAP General Conference : held at the University of Tasmania in Hobart, Australia on 8-10 December 1997

● 3rd AUAP General Conference : hosted by Angeles University Foundation (AUF), Angeles City, Philippines on 23-27 November 1999 where Dr. Emmanuel Y. Angeles, President of AUF became 3rd AUAP President

From the Year 2000, AUAP also instituted the yearly Learning & Sharing Forum in conjunction with the Annual Board Meeting

The topic during the AUAP Learning & Sharing Forum on 5-6 May 2012 at Hanoi University of Agriculture was : “ The ASEAN-2015 Integration & the Roles of Universities ”

AUAP President : Dr. Prasart Suebka AUAP Vice President : Prof. Tan Sri Dato Wira Dr. Sharifah Hapsah Syed Hasan Shahabudin

Session I : “ Strategies of ASEAN Integration “ Chairman : Dr. Shawn Chen, 2nd VP – AUAP & Rector , Sias International University, China

Suggested areas of integration :

Economics, Politics & Education

Session II : “ Globalization of Higher Education in Malaysia & Internationalization Strategies of UKM “ Chairman : AUAP Vice President & Chancellor of Universitas Kebangsaan Malaysia : Prof. Tan Sri Dato Wira Dr. Sharifah Hapsah Syed Hasan Shahabudin

Session III : “ Globalization or Internationalization of Higher Education – What is the Choice? “ Chairman : Dr. Prasart Suebka, AUAP President & Rector, Suranaree University of Technology (SUT), Thailand

Among the issues raised were the following :

Quality Assurance in Higher Education Choice of Credit Transfer System Enhanced Student Mobility Focus in some Collaborations &

Linkages Harmonization of Higher Education

Ideas

Interfacing of Curricula among ASEAN Higher Education Institutions Role of Higher Education in cultural

understanding & presentation Development/Promotion of Training

Programmes wherein participants gain international license or certification Lack or limited funding for Faculty

Training & Development Inadequate mastery of English or any

major international Language

SUMMARY of suggested Strategies for ASEAN Education Integration : Although, most curricula are suggested &

supervised by respective Ministries of Education of each country, Universities can always enhance, innovate & benchmark against international standards;

To foster cultural understanding among nations,

exchange of students & faculty could be promoted through allocations of funds for such activities;

Financial Allocations & Support must be provided by National Ministries, Individual Universities & Private Industrial Sectors for

International Exchanges & Collaborations among University Faculties, Students & even Selected Administrators;

Encourage collaboration among Educational

Institutions in finding appropriate solutions to common issues, problems & developmental concerns.

Although, there is some common or general agreement on the desirability and advantages of a regional integration, its attainment under the present condition is not possible because of the uneven developmental stages of the different member countries.

Conclusion :

However, ASEAN member countries are actively working towards the establishment of an ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) by 2015 even if the ability of ASEAN member countries in meeting their commitments vary greatly. Many difficult regional issues are still

to be resolved. Example is the wide development gaps between some member countries. Hence, achieving the goal of an ASEAN Economic Community in 2015 may be a very optimistic view.

Thank You!

**************