Asia and the Pacific

Representing many diverse countries, Asia and the Pacific encompass a region that is acquiring resources to expand educational access with a renewed commitment to the basic education movement for preschool and primary school children. In recent years, this region has acquired funding from diverse sources, including governments, corporations, and banks. Many countries have decentralized their educational systems to provide educational reform on a local level.

Asia and the Pacific Regional Highlights

• Thailand, in recent years, has implemented national reforms that ensure every child receives a free 12-year education. In addition, a focus has been placed on up grading technology, reforming curricula at the local level, and increasing the number of qualified teachers in the field.
• With enrollment dropping in Indonesia, a “Stay in School” initiative launched by the government provides encouragement and scholarships to promote education in the area.
• Malaysia is exploring innovative approaches to education through the development of computerized classes strategically integrated through private and public sector partnerships.
• Singapore is investing in education through upgrades to infrastructure and professional teacher training to encourage students’ critical-thinking skills.

Nations In Depth

Vietnam

The National Education for All (EFA) Action Plan 2003-2015 provides the strategic plan for promoting primary, secondary, and higher education in Vietnam. There have been considerable gains in primary school enrollment and reductions in drop-out rates throughout the country. Learn more here

China

A framework that aims to instill cultural, moral, and historical perspectives governs the Chinese educational system. China promotes a free nine-year educational system. An area of focus for China has been the construction more schools and providing more resources to some of its poorest provinces. Learn more here

Australia

Australia, a country with six independent states, has an educational system that is focused on instilling the values of a democratic society. The educational system is regulated by each state, much like Canada and the U.S. Programs have been developed to increase national literacy and numeracy among indigenous populations. Learn more here