The Department of ASEAN Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, organised a training programme for university lecturers from Rajabhat University campuses nationwide on “Preparing for the ASEAN Community.” The training was held on 7 — 8 July 2013 at Ravindra Beach Resort & Spa, Pattaya, Chonburi. It was presided over by Mr. Phongthep Thepkanjana, Deputy Prime Minister, and attended by 227 representatives from all 40 Rajabhat campuses.
The objectives of the programme were threefold:
1) To promote accurate, in-depth knowledge and understanding of the three main pillars of the ASEAN Community by helping the lecturers develop curricula on, teach students about, and raise public awareness of ASEAN.
2) To serve as a forum for government representatives to inform the lecturers about policies and strategies related to ASEAN community-building.
3) To promote discussion amongst participants on issues related to the ASEAN Community.
Deputy Prime Minister Phongthep highlighted Rajabhat University as a central mechanism to disseminate information on ASEAN. He called for communication linkages between universities at both the national and regional levels and encouraged university lecturers to promote understanding of the benefits of regional integration. He also stressed the importance of developing language skills, especially English, and ASEAN languages for university students.
Assistant Professor Dr. Panya Karnphanit, President of the Rajabhat University Network, outlined strategies to prepare for the ASEAN Community, such as creating education facilities and enhancing capacity building for graduates and university lecturers. He urged joint development of an ASEAN syllabus among the Rajabhat campuses, and promoted the concept of “working together, learning together, growing together.”
Mr. Agarin Srimahasarn, a private sector representative, underscored the importance of university lecturers in creating valuable human resources. He stressed that human resources should be well-trained to have wide-ranging capabilities, including analytical skills, vision, and acceptance of different cultures.
On the business front, Mr. Chonlatorn Damrongsak from Siam Cement Group (SCG), recommended investment in education, innovation and technology. He stressed the importance of developing practical skills among students through internships, field trips and interacting with business partners from other countries.
The university lecturers also underlined the need for students to be aware of their national and regional identities while developing a multi-cultural mindset at work, which would be vital in the development of the ASEAN Community.
For further information, please contact the Press Division, Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tel.02-6435170, Fax.02-6435169, E-mail: div0704@mfa.go.th