Assoc. Prof. Piniti Ratananuku, Ph.D. Inspector General Office of Permanent Secretary Ministry of education ASEAN COMMUNITY BY 2015 One Vision, One Identity, One Community Cooperation within ASEAN & ASEAN Dialogue Partners 2 ROLE OF EDUCATION • To develop human resources through closer cooperation in education and life-long learning, and in science and technology, for the empowerment of the peoples of ASEAN and for the strengthening of the ASEAN Community. ASEAN Charter: Article 1, No. 10 • Strengthen the role of education in building the ASEAN Community by 2015 • Forge a common identity and building a caring and sharing society which is inclusive and where the well-being, livelihood, and welfare of the peoples are enhanced Declaration on Strengthening Cooperation on Education 3 CHALLENGES: ASEAN MEDIUM OF COMMUNICATION “The working language of ASEAN shall be English.” ASEAN Charter: Article 34 • In primary schools, Mathematics and Science are taught and examined in English. • In national primary schools, Mathematics and Science are taught in English. • The present constitution, ratified in 1987 stated that Filipino and English are both the official languages of the country. 4 CHALLENGES: REGIONAL CONTEXT ASEAN Community Free flow of workforce Free flow of education services Mutual recognition of academic & professional qualifications Cross-border education Need for international standard H.E. 5 FRAMEWORK OF THE SECOND 15-YEAR LONG RANGE PLAN ON H.E. (2008-2022) Preparation of higher education sector to cope with ASEAN Community Go with the flow and watchful of free & open trade’s impact Measures • Study of international rules and regulations • Analysis of impact and benefits for Thai higher education • Set up of university performance assessment system • Capacity building of Thai higher education • Promotion of closer collaboration with ASEAN countries 6 BOLOGNA PROCESS European States EU Member States Facilitation of mobility of faculty, students, professionals through… •Comparable QA Systems and student achievements •Mutual recognition of qualifications THAILAND PRACTICE: CATERGORISATION OF HEIs Research and graduate universities Four-year universities and liberal arts colleges Teaching Research Community colleges Specialised universities and comprehensive universities Each subsystem would serve national priorities and strategies as well as addressing global, national, regional and local demands. Providing academic services Preserving and Promotion of arts & culture 8 THAILAND POSITIONING Challenge in driving Thailand toward Education Hub Internationalisation of Higher Education Increased mobility of academics and students Education experience in international environment Cross-cultural communication 9 ASEAN AS STRATEGIC PARTNER Understanding of ASEAN frameworks and regulations Direction and development plans to enhance Thailand’s competitiveness Readiness to reap benefits from ASEAN Community 10 ASEAN HARMONISATION Major to driving force for regional integration Common quality mechanisms Quality Assurance Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) Mutual Recognition of Degrees and Qualifications Diploma Supplement Movement of professionals among ASEAN countries NQF Credit Transfer 11 OPPORTUNITY International Employability ASEAN Integration Students, Faculty, Researchers Mobility and Mutual Recognitions of Degrees and Qualification 12 INITIATIVES A Study on Higher Education Strategy for the ASEAN Community M-I-T Student Mobility Programme Retreat meeting between high ranking officials in charge of higher education in ASEAN and Office of the Higher Education Commission, Thailand The First Conference on Pioneering ASEAN Higher Education Research Clusters 13 Thank You Source: •ASEAN Secretariat (www.asean-sec.org) •ASEAN University Network (www.aun-sec.org) •SEAMEO RIHED (www.rihed.seameo.org) •Ministry of Foreign Affairs (www.mfa.go.th) •Office of the Higher Education Commission (www.inter.mua.go.th) 14