ASEAN Ministers Gather for Education Roundtables to Advance Inclusive Education

Strategic Insights -

Education ministers from ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste, including Jose Honorio da Costa Pereira Jeronimo, Datin Seri Setia Dr Romaizah Md Salleh, and Associate Professor Dr Nguyen Thu Thuy, have arrived in Langkawi to attend the ASEAN Ministers of Education and Higher Education Roundtables (#EduRoundtables2025). The three-day programme will focus on a new framework to guide the region's educational direction and address critical challenges hindering progress towards inclusive education. Malaysia's Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek is scheduled to deliver her remarks on Thursday, while delegates will also explore Langkawi's natural beauty with a visit to the UNESCO Global Geopark.

Key Takeaways:

  • The ASEAN Ministers of Education and Higher Education Roundtables (#EduRoundtables2025) will deliberate on a new framework to guide the region's educational direction.
  • The Langkawi Joint Statement on OOSCY aims to address critical challenges hindering progress towards inclusive education and provide a guiding framework for advancing collective action.
  • The Statement reaffirms the commitment of ASEAN Member States to accelerate efforts in reducing the number of out-of-school children and youth, particularly as the grouping approaches the 10-year milestone of the ASEAN Declaration on Strengthening OOSCY.
  • Key items on the agenda for higher education include the expected endorsement of the ASEAN Leaders' Declaration on Higher Education and the ASEAN Global Exchange for Mobility and Scholarship (ASEAN GEMS).
  • Delegates will also take time to enjoy Langkawi's natural beauty with a visit to the scenic UNESCO Global Geopark.
  • Malaysia, as the ASEAN Chair, is hosting the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits from May 23 to 26 and the ASEAN Ministers of Education and Higher Education Roundtables.
  • The ASEAN Declaration on Strengthening OOSCY has a 10-year milestone, which ASEAN Member States aim to address by reducing the number of out-of-school children and youth.
  • The ASEAN Global Exchange for Mobility and Scholarship (ASEAN GEMS) aims to enhance higher education mobility and scholarship opportunities.
  • The Roadmap and Workplan on Common Space in Southeast Asian Higher Education aims to increase cooperation and collaboration among ASEAN Member States.
  • The Langkawi Joint Statement on OOSCY and ASEAN Forum on Education aim to reaffirm the commitment of ASEAN Member States to address OOSCY challenges.

Statistics:

  • ASEAN Member States comprise 10 countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, plus Timor-Leste.
  • Malaysia holds the ASEAN Chairmanship for 2025 under the theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability'.
  • ASEAN has hosted the ASEAN Summit and Related Summits 4 times before in Malaysia, in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015.

Sources:

  • BERNAMA News Agency
  • ASEAN Ministers of Education and Higher Education Roundtables (#EduRoundtables2025)
  • ASEAN Declaration on Strengthening OOSCY
  • ASEAN Global Exchange for Mobility and Scholarship (ASEAN GEMS)
  • Roadmap and Workplan on Common Space in Southeast Asian Higher Education
  • Terms of Reference of the Steering Committee on Common Space in Southeast Asian Higher Education
  • Langkawi Joint Statement on OOSCY
  • UNESCO Global Geopark