We often tell our youth that “the world is your oyster” as they embark towards their adult life, and they can do anything if they put their heart and mind into what they wish to achieve—from education choices, career aspirations, or to be at the cusp of other adventures yet to be determined.

In recent decades, the field of education has encountered a range of challenges. These challenges encompass the emergence of the fourth industrial revolution, transformations in the work landscape, shifting demographics, and the disruptive impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Collectively, these issues have intensified a persistent learning crisis. There are also new demands for education, such as ensuring inclusive, quality, and relevant education across the entire education continuum: early childhood care and education (ECCE), basic education, technical and vocational education (TVET), and higher education. 

"Every now and then something happens—ultimately linked to changes in industrial technique, although the connection is not always obvious—and the whole spirit and rhythm of life changes, and people gain a new perspective that is reflected in their political behaviour, their manners, their architecture, their literature and everything else." George Orwell, 1942