GUMI CITY, 2 October – On 1-2 October, the 2nd ASEAN-Korea Forum on the Future of Education convened in Gumi City, Republic of Korea (ROK), under the theme “Embracing Digital Transformation: Bridging the Skills Gap in Education.”
The event co-organised by the Ministry of Education of Thailand, Kyungwoon University and the ASEAN Secretariat brought together key stakeholders from the ASEAN Member States (AMS) and the ROK to address the critical role of digital transformation in shaping the future of education.
In a video message, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, emphasised the importance of digital technologies in democratising education, making it more inclusive and personalised.
“Technology is a powerful catalyst for change. Dr. Kao remarked. It can democratise access to education, making learning more inclusive and personalised. However, the digital divide remains a critical challenge, particularly for underserved communities. Our approach to digital transformation must be guided by thoughtful policies and practical actions to ensure technology’s benefits are distributed equitably, helping bridge the skills gap and empowering learners across the region,” he said.
Dr. Kao further highlighted the need for policies that ensure equitable access to technology and the vital role of teachers in guiding students through the complexities of the digital world.
“Teachers are pivotal in this transformation. They must be equipped with the necessary tools, training and support to help students develop not only technical skills but also critical thinking, creativity and ethical use of technology,” he added.
The forum served as a platform for ASEAN and ROK to exchange best practices and collaborate on addressing the emerging challenges in education. Dr. Kao commended the efforts of AMS in driving digital transformation and lauded ROK’s leadership in educational innovation, noting its advancements in e-learning platforms, smart classrooms, and AI-driven data analytics.
Dr. Suthep Kaengsanthia, the Chair of the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Education (SOM-ED) and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Thailand, also spoke on the significance of the forum.
“Education in the digital era is undergoing significant changes. Adapting and developing new skills is essential to prepare students and learners. Therefore, regional cooperation is crucial in sharing best practices and strengthening our education systems.”
Dr. Suthep also emphasised on ASEAN-ROK cooperation on Education.
“Educational Cooperation is strategically important for knowledge exchange between ASEAN and Republic of Korea, and has consistently shown positive trends, leading to even greater mutually beneficial cooperation in the region.”
The forum’s agenda included a series of plenary sessions focused on key areas, such as:
- Bridging the Skills Gaps in Education: Challenges and Opportunities – Senior Officials on Education from ASEAN Member States and Korea discussed the current state of education systems, emphasising the urgent need to close gaps in digital competencies and access to quality education.
- Innovative Practices in Digital Education – Leading practitioners showcased successful approaches to digital transformation, including innovative solutions that enhance education access and equity.
- Regional Partnerships on Digital Transformation – The session explored ongoing ASEAN-Republic of Korea collaborations such as the ASEAN Cyber University Project and the ASEAN-ROK TVET Mobility Programme
This year’s forum built on the success of the inaugural ASEAN-Korea Forum on Education held in 2023, where participants began deliberating on the future of education in the post-COVID era. As education systems across Southeast Asia and Korea adapted to new realities brought about by the pandemic, digital transformation emerged as a key enabler of education reform.
Dr. Kim Dong Je, President of Kyungwoon University, welcomed the participants, stating:
“This 2nd ASEAN-Korea Forum on the FOE will play a critical role in leading the innovation of education which can make a great contribution to sustainable development and co-prosperity of the humankind. Following the first forum, we will clarify our perspectives on education under the theme of “Embracing Digital Transformation: Bridging the Skills Gap in Education” particularly focusing on partnerships between university, government, research institute and industries. It will be able to address global issues including inequality and injustice, and furthermore to make the world better place. Based on in-depth discussion, hopefully we can share and suggest meaningful educational practices or action plans.”
The forum concluded with a synthesis of the key takeaways for future collaborations between ASEAN and Korea, further strengthening their partnership in leveraging technology to close the education gap and ensure that learners are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in the digital age.
