Three member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, are developing a new model of vocational education. The three countries plan to develop training programs in each country whose degrees will be recognized in all three countries alike.
The new program would set the same standards for the same professions in each country, so that vocational graduates could easily move across borders to find work. The move is part of a larger effort to prepare for the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015.
Dr. Chaiprug Sereerak, of Thailand’s Vocational Education Commission, said that eventually the new program should include all ten ASEAN member countries.
He noted that the plan would help solve many problems vocational colleges face in ASEAN nations. Currently vocational colleges are often underfunded and understaffed, and have a hard time attracting students. The proposed cooperation program, however, would mean that vocational programs in different countries would be able to share equipment and resources. In addition, the prospect of being able to use one’s degree to work abroad would entice new students.
Nouphanh Outsa, director general of the Department of Technical and Vocational Education in Laos, told The National that vocational education was important for all developing nations. He encouraged Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam to promote vocational training, increase the budget for vocational programs, and reduce tuition for students.
Better funded and expanded programs would mean that the thousands of vocational students in the ASEAN region would have increased chances of finding a good job after graduation.
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