The paper provides an overview of the training and education systems, institutions and policy frameworks in the [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] ASEAN countries, including the extent of equity and inclusion (of women, youth, rural populations, etc.). And it presents a review of recent quantitative metrics in public and private investment in education and training as well as indicators related to staffing and capacity of teachers and trainers. In addition, the paper looks at the challenges confronting the education and training systems of ASEAN countries, such as the quality of... [+] Show more
The paper provides an overview of the training and education systems, institutions and policy frameworks in the [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] ASEAN countries, including the extent of equity and inclusion (of women, youth, rural populations, etc.). And it presents a review of recent quantitative metrics in public and private investment in education and training as well as indicators related to staffing and capacity of teachers and trainers. In addition, the paper looks at the challenges confronting the education and training systems of ASEAN countries, such as the quality of education professionals, the relevance of curricula, links between industry and training systems (including labour market information and employment services, youth apprenticeships and on-the-job training) and lifelong learning. It also introduces the issue of skills certification and portability and mutual recognition arrangements.
Emerging skill requirements in ASEAN countries associated with deeper regional integration, structural change and new production patterns are highlighted, and the capacity of ASEAN countries to meet these emerging labour market demands domestically and within the region as production moves away from agriculture and into higher-value added industrial and services sectors is assessed. The analyzing was done with a gender perspective, looking at the extent that shifting skills requirements can foster better economic opportunities and prospects for women in ASEAN's labour market. The paper concludes that policy priorities that, if successfully implemented, can help ASEAN reach its goal of becoming a highly competitive economic region by harnessing its human resources. In addition to national policies, areas for regional cooperation among ASEAN countries that would help address the various gaps in human resources and national skills systems are singled out.
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