Preparing ASEAN youths for the new century

-Lo Tien Yin

QUALITY TERTIARY EDUCATION was a major concern for more than 40 representatives from 15 member universities who met in NUS for the 8th ASEAN University Network (AUN) Education Forum and Young Speakers Contest (21-31 May). Tertiary Education in ASEAN: Perspectives from Young Leaders was the theme of the forum. Mr Jacky Foo, Director-General of ASEAN-Singapore, fielded enthusiastic questions from the floor after his keynote address – questions such as the effect of globalisation on the education system and the pros and cons of exporting and retaining talent.

EDUCATION FORUM: The forum was brought to a buoyant end with the announcement of the winners of the Young Speakers Contest and a cultural show by participants. From left: Professor Liew Ah Choy, Director, International Relations Office, NUS; Associate Professor Lawrence Loh, Vice President, University & Global Relations, NUS; contest winners: Ms Karen Zoleta, University of Philippines; Ms Mahardhika S Sadjad, University of Indonesia and Ms Charlene Wong, University of Malaya; Associate Professor Piniti Ratananukul, AUN Executive Director; and Associate Professor Peter Pang, Director, University Scholars Programme, NUS.

Associate Professor Piniti Ratananukul, AUN Executive Director said in his opening address that tertiary education is a critical pillar for human development worldwide. “In today’s lifelong learning framework, tertiary education provides not only the high-level skills necessary for labour market, but also supplied the training essential for teachers, doctors, nurses, civil servants, engineers, humanists, entrepreneurs, scientists, social scientists, and also other employees,” he said.

NUS Deputy President and Provost Professor Tan Chorh Chuan, speaking at the opening ceremony, said that NUS offers numerous learning opportunities in the region for students. For example, Southeast Asia and ASEAN are important areas of focus at the University’s Asia Research Institute which has an ASEAN Graduate Research Scholars Programme. The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences will be also be launching its Summer School, Southeast Asia in Context which is part of NUS’ collaboration with Yale University.

Over the past five years, 60 undergraduates from 15 AUN member universities have come to NUS to spend a semester under the AUN-NUS Study Award Scheme. As ASEAN celebrates its 40th anniversary next year, Professor Tan said that it is crucial that universities prepare and empower youths to meet challenges of the new century.

One from the heart

Students at the NUS College in Shanghai (NCSH) are caught up in a fast-paced cosmopolitan city. Yet some of them still find time to volunteer and help the less fortunate – like Mr Gan Hock Chye, who contributed this article. He is a 3rd-year student majoring in Social Work and currently doing his internship in Shanghai .

A TRIP TO THE ZOO is a rare treat for these children at Cerecare Wellness Centre. With the help of nine volunteers, the staff of this centre took 20 gleeful children to Shanghai Zoo recently. Eight-year-old Xiao Xin was put under my care. I became interested in being a volunteer through Edwin Koh, NCSH 5th president.

FEELING WITH THE HEART: Gan Hock Chye with his charge, Xiao Xin.

Laughter and singing from these children suffering from cerebral palsy filled the coach. Xiao Xin warmed up to me easily – and bombarded me with a string of questions. He even knew the name of every vehicle on the road!

The children were thrilled to see so many animals. Despite being bound to wheelchairs, their happiness was obvious as they squealed with delight. Through this trip, I realised how important it is to have an able body. But despite their misfortune, the children possess a positive attitude and an ever-ready smile. Perhaps all of us should learn from them and take things in our stride by slowing down and appreciating the finer things in life.

Some things cannot be spoken – it must be felt with the heart.

– For more information on
NUS Overseas Colleges, visit
http://www.overseas.nus.edu.sg/noc/