There is clearly a new dynamic in Asian education with the emergence of the economies of
China and India. Based on international publication alone, in many fields Asia is already
contributing close to 50%. For Thailand at least, globalization means becoming more
engaged with our neighbors as we grow together, while continuing and enhancing the more
traditional relationships.
As can be expected, there is a backlash to globalization and, on cultural and religious
grounds, resistance is sometimes strong. One author from India describes it as a destabilizing
As. J. Education & Learning 2012, 3(2), 21-27 26
and distorting influence on indigenous culture, tradition and values [5]. More recently, a
conference held in Malaysia called for the rejection of everything Western, including
Western science [13]. These are just some of the contentious issues that will have to be faced
at the regional level by ASEAN.
It could be argued, however, that culture is a distinct advantage in a globalized world. What
is most likely to attract foreign students and staff to universities in Thailand is not the
academic standards, but rather the strong culture of the country. Something that cannot be
experienced anywhere else. This would apply to many countries in Asia. So too, it is this
strong cultural identity that is likely to see the eventual return of nationals seeking study or
employment in the global marketplace [14]. Rather than viewing globalization as diminishing
culture, properly executed, it could be a force for enhancing it.
How each university in Asia responds to globalization will be different. However, these
responses will be largely driven by national agendas [15]. Higher education institutes need to
recognize that they are in fact agents for globalization.