I recently returned from a Skills Trade Mission, organised by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), in the heart of Southeast Asia. The mission was nothing short of a transformative journey into the educational landscapes of Malaysia and Indonesia, not only opening doors but also unveiled a wide range of opportunities that promise to increase our members presence in these dynamic markets.
I was delighted to be joined during the mission by our members Pearson and ABE UK, as well as new colleagues from ACCA, CIPD, CIM, CMI, City of Glasgow College, HRUC, IMI, NOCN, TQ UK.
The mission facilitated invaluable networking opportunities with educational institutions, government bodies, and local stakeholders. Building relationships with key players in the education sector laid the foundation for fostering collaborations between our members and local partners.
Malaysia:
Malaysia, a thriving economy, sets a captivating stage for skills and training development. The mission allowed us to learn more about the Malaysian Vocational system as well as its unique Government’s structure which lays the grounds of the country's commitment to skills development as a key driver for economic growth.
In Malaysia, opportunities abound in green skills, entrepreneurship, soft skills with a strong emphasis on lifelong learning to equip individuals with the necessary skills for future employment. The significant government focus on supporting international collaborations was underscored by the substantial presence of Ministries during the mission. In May, we are looking forward to hosting the Minister of Higher Education for an in-person round table during his visit to the Education World Forum. The Minister is particularly interested in gaining insights from British organisations on how to develop a climate change education system and informing the essential green skills.
Indonesia:
Whilst in the staring point of the presidential elections, Indonesia does not shy away from pursuing its education reform agenda. The trade mission uncovered the vast potential in bridging gaps and fostering collaborations to provide inclusive and quality education across the archipelago.
Indonesia's dedication to a competency-based education system underscores the significance of emphasizing soft skills. Key investment areas in the country encompass substantial attention to civil engineering, maritime and a notable shift towards urbanisation and offshore skills.
As we reflect on this enriching experience, we invite our members to our March Skills & Training Working Group, which will be led by myself and Jonathan Ledger, DBT’s Technical and Vocational Education & Training Skills and Professional Bodies Specialist, when we will present in more detail the opportunities presented to the UK delegation during our mission in SE Asia.
Meanwhile, join us Thursday, 22nd February to our session led by Dr. Paryono Paryono, Deputy Director of SEAMEO VOCTECH, offering an overview of the current TVET context in the ASEAN region, an overview of the Green Skills agenda in the region, and ways of partnering up with VOCTECH.
