The future of education, an imagined scenario
Maimai is unable to go to school when monsoon rains flood the roads. Fortunately, she does not need to miss her lessons. Maimai can join classes through her solar-powered tablet connected to a high-speed Internet connection. Thanks to the ASEAN Digital Master Plan and the Declaration on the Digital Transformation of ASEAN Educational Systems, which have made digital learning accessible and affordable to all!
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.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations has emerged as a critical regional organisation, which is key in fostering cooperation, stability, and economic growth among its Member States.
An ageing population presents a multi-faceted and complex challenge with profound implications. According to the United Nations, a country is “ageing” if more than 7 per cent of its population is aged 65 years and above, “aged” if it exceeds 14 per cent, and “super-aged” if it exceeds 21 per cent. Older people are more likely to suffer from chronic medical conditions like diabetes and dementia, as compared to younger people who may seek care for injuries and other acute conditions.
As ASEAN embarks towards post-2025, conversations on what is next and what is needed for ASEAN in the next 25 years and beyond, have already started. We also continue to ponder the age-old question, “What does it mean to be a part of ASEAN?”
Disaster health management (DHM) has emerged as a priority of ASEAN. Cluster 2 of the ASEAN Health Agenda focuses on strengthening regional cooperation and national capacity in preparedness for and response to health-related aspects of disasters, public health emergencies, and relevant crises.