BANGKOK, 11 March 2024 – Mahidol University and Kyushu University delivered the transformative ASEAN in Today’s World (AsTW) programme over two weeks. This educational initiative, taking place from March 11 to 21, engaged 40 university students from ASEAN Member States (AMS) and Japan to expand their knowledge on ASEAN and East Asian affairs, Asian languages, and cultures.
The inaugural ceremony reached a high note with Prof. Tatsuro Ishibashi, President of Kyushu University, honouring 22 outstanding ASEAN students with the Young ASEAN Scholarships.
In his pre-recorded remarks, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, highlighted the significant investment made by ASEAN in nurturing cultural literacy, promoting leadership programmes and providing training aimed at developing adaptable learners and resourceful human resources. His message challenged students to absorb as much knowledge as possible, to foster meaningful connections, and to continuously promote peace and prosperity in Southeast Asia and beyond.
“I wish you all an insightful and inspiring journey over the next two weeks. I will end my remarks by sharing with you this inspiring quote “Persistence propels potentials to perfection.” In life and with your studies and your research, you need the spirit of persistence in order to succeed,” conveyed Dr. Kao.
Dr. Roger Y. Chao Jr., Head of Education, Youth & Sports Division of the ASEAN Secretariat, provided an in-depth 3-hour special lecture to deepen the understanding of the ASEAN context. The lecture served as a comprehensive view of ASEAN’s strategies to tackle a variety of issues such as the changing world of work, enhancing quality education for everybody and grappling with digital transformation considering the 4th industrial revolution, digital skills gap, and the reskilling and upskilling requirements.
Initiated in 2009, the annual AsTW programme, hosted by Kyushu University in conjunction with a consortium of universities from ASEAN and Japan, actively promotes cross-border mobility and fostering ASEAN studies.
More information can be found on : https://isc.kyushu-u.ac.jp/astw
