Seminar and Workshop on Readiness Preparation for ASEAN Economic Community in 2015
On July 7th, 2011 at the Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel, Bangkok, Ms. Churairat Sangboonnum, the Deputy Permanent Secretary for Education and Ms. Srirat Rastapana, the Director General of the Trade Negotiations Department within the Ministry of Commerce signed an MOU on cooperation between both ministries. The signing took place during a seminar and workshop on “Readiness Preparation for the ASEAN Economic Community”. The participants in attendance were 300 MOE educational administrators, teachers, students and educational personnel.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary informed all that the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Education and the Department of Trade Negotiations jointly organized this event in order to increase understanding in relation to the ASEAN Economic Community and also to develop the quality of educational institutes, in the hope that this will enhance the capacity of Thai youths and citizens to overcome any challenges that they may face as a result of the establishment of an ASEAN Economic Community.
The Deputy Permanent stated further that this activity would assist in the region the dissemination of knowledge on the ASEAN Community and on the ASEAN Economic Community. The target groups consisted of educational administrators, teachers, students, educational personnel and other interested parties, the ultimate aim being to raise awareness of the need of readiness preparation and also to impart knowledge on how to adapt lifestyles to fit in well with the ASEAN Economic Community in 4 regions. Moreover, the Ministry emphasized building and developing the skills and quality of Thai labourers in order for them to be ready for the competitiveness of the ASEAN labour market. Particular focus was placed on the need for attitude changes in relation to vocational learning especially in how remuneration is considered. In addition, English and technology proficiencies were also 2 included which will help to reinforce Thai labourers to be in a position to overcome high competition and gain benefits from the ASEAN Economic Community.
Moreover, it was found necessary for the Ministry to develop educational quality and technological skills as well as English and other neighboring Asian language proficiency in response to moving forward towards the ASEAN Community in 2015. Moreover, there will be the inclusion of 500 World Class Schools and 54 schools of Spirit of ASEAN along neighboring borders. In addition, there will be training and the development of educational administrators and teachers. This is to be conducted annually in order for them to understand the importance of being part of the ASEAN Community and also for them to develop a future educational network for educational dissemination.