UK (Commonwealth)_In recent years, the collaboration between the United Kingdom and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has expanded beyond the traditional realms of higher education and research into the vital domain of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Recognizing the pivotal role of TVET in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4, the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization identified it as a top priority from 2015 to 2035.
In 2020, the establishment of the ASEAN TVET Council underscored the significance of TVET in the region, setting the stage for a comprehensive work plan spanning from 2021 to 2030. Despite the UK’s well-established reputation in higher education partnerships with ASEAN, its involvement in TVET has been less recognized, and recent initiatives seek to address this gap.
The PEER project, spearheaded by Coventry University and backed by the British Council, has been instrumental in mapping various models and evolving patterns of UK-ASEAN TVET collaborations. These partnerships, often involving post-1992 UK universities that were originally polytechnics, extend into curriculum development and research within the TVET sector in Southeast Asia.
TVET diplomacy, a distinct aspect of international relations, has become integral to the UK’s assistance programs for low- and middle-income countries. The UK has responded to ASEAN’s efforts to internationalize the TVET sector by incorporating it into bilateral relationships with individual ASEAN countries. Noteworthy agreements and projects have been undertaken with countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
One significant endeavor is the Skills for Prosperity program, a four-year initiative launched in 2019 across nine middle-income countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. This program aims to elevate the quality, relevance, equity, and affordability of TVET systems, emphasizing access for marginalized groups, including women and girls.
Partnerships under this program focus on sectors crucial to each country’s economic growth. For instance, the UK-Indonesia collaboration concentrates on TVET in the maritime sector, aligning with Indonesia’s Global Maritime Fulcrum master plan. Similarly, Malaysia emphasizes construction and food production, integrating STEM and digital skills into the TVET system, while the Philippines centers its efforts on the construction and digital economy sectors in support of the government’s Build, Build, Build mega program.
Beyond governmental collaborations, UK-ASEAN TVET partnerships have witnessed active participation from prominent vocational awarding organizations like City & Guilds and Pearson. City & Guilds, with over 140 years of experience, operates in several ASEAN countries, licensing local colleges to deliver its qualifications. Pearson, a private education company, has gained official endorsement in Thailand for its Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) qualifications.
However, challenges persist. The PEER project highlights the need for inclusive internationalization practices, ensuring active engagement of teachers and learners in quality assurance. While initiatives like benchmarking activities have been beneficial, mutual recognition of qualifications among ASEAN countries remains an aspiration rather than a reality.
As ASEAN looks toward the future, there is a shift toward sustainable regional partnerships, complementing bilateral efforts. The ASEAN TVET Council, a key player in this landscape, prioritizes research into TVET and the development of Labor Market Information Systems. The 2022 UK-ASEAN Plan of Action reflects this shift, proposing concrete cooperation between the ASEAN TVET Council and the UK to harmonize TVET and human resource development initiatives in the region.
In conclusion, the evolving landscape of ASEAN-UK TVET partnerships underscores the commitment to enhancing the quality of education, rebranding TVET’s image, and developing a workforce that aligns with market needs. As the ASEAN region adapts to the Fourth Industrial Revolution and post-pandemic recovery, the pursuit of upskilling and reskilling becomes imperative. The establishment of sustainable international partnerships emerges as a solution, with the UK positioned as a proactive ASEAN Dialogue partner, contributing to the harmonization and advancement of TVET in the region.
