Education: Shaping the Future of ASEAN-China Relations

Tuesday, 24 September 2024 |
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Education in Southeast Asia

Education: Shaping the Future of ASEAN-China Relations
Diba Safitri, Publication and Multimedia Specialist, SEAMEO Secretariat

 

 


People-to-people exchanges have long been a cornerstone in fostering mutual understanding and trust between nations. In the context of ASEAN-China relations, education has emerged as a critical element in fortifying these connections. The increasing number of student exchanges between ASEAN and China is a vivid reflection of the growing bilateral ties. In the 2021-2022 academic year, students from Southeast Asia made up approximately 30 percent of the total international student population in China, with Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam contributing the largest numbers. Simultaneously, countries like Malaysia and Singapore have seen a significant influx of Chinese students. In Malaysia alone, over 16,000 Chinese students are currently pursuing higher education, demonstrating the dynamic nature of educational exchange.

On the other hand, a growing number of Chinese students are now opting for Southeast Asian countries as their academic destination, particularly in Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. This reciprocal flow of students is further enhancing educational cooperation and deepening regional connections.

The importance of education in this context is undeniable. As a key pillar of Southeast Asia-China cooperation, particularly higher education, it serves as a powerful tool for cultivating talent, fostering intellectual growth, and bridging cultural gaps. Education initiatives fall under China’s broader "Belt and Road Initiative" (formerly known as "One Belt, One Road"), aimed at building connectivity and cooperation across Eurasia and beyond.

In August 2024, the SEAMEO Secretariat played an active role in advancing this regional cooperation through participation in two key events in China. The Global Smart Education Conference 2024 in Beijing focused on education transformation and fostering international understanding, while the China-ASEAN Education Cooperation Week (CAECW) 2024 in Guiyang further strengthened educational ties between ASEAN and China.

At the opening ceremony of CAECW 2024, Vice Minister of Education of the People’s Republic of China, He Guangcai, stressed the importance of enhancing people-to-people exchanges and reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening educational cooperation with Southeast Asian countries. Responding to this call, Datuk Dr Habibah Abdul Rahim - SEAMEO Secretariat director highlighted several of its exchange programmes, including SEA-Teacher, SEAMEO TVET Exchange Programme under SEAMEO VOCTECH, and the Asian Student Mobility (AIMS) Programme under SEAMEO RIHED. While these initiatives primarily focus on Southeast Asian countries, efforts are being made to expand these partnerships beyond the region.

Datuk Dr Habibah continuously underscored the importance of people-to-people partnerships in education between ASEAN and China during both events. The Secretariat’s active participation enabled the forging of new partnerships, the exchange of best practices, and collaborative progress in education. This marks a milestone in strengthening regional educational cooperation between China and Southeast Asia, ensuring an inclusive and equitable educational landscape for the future.

 

Building Bridges Beyond Education

 

Educational exchanges between ASEAN and China have become a significant component of China's Belt and Road Initiative, which serves as a framework for enhancing cultural and educational exchanges between countries, fostering mutual understanding and development.

This exchange is not only contributing to regional cooperation but also to a broader cultural dialogue between the nations involved. The exchange of knowledge, culture, and expertise is setting a foundation for long-term collaboration and mutual development within the region.

Cultural Understanding and Respect

Engaging in cross-cultural exchanges, whether through student, educator, or professional programs, opens doors to a deeper appreciation of each other’s cultures. These interactions promote the understanding of traditions, languages, and values, which in turn helps break down cultural barriers that may otherwise hinder collaboration.

Strengthened Diplomatic Ties

Cross-border interactions often act as grassroots diplomacy. Beyond formal governmental efforts, they cultivate goodwill and trust among citizens, solidifying bilateral relationships. This form of diplomacy makes international ties more resilient and enduring, building long-term partnerships between ASEAN and China.

Educational and Intellectual Growth

Education-focused collaborations are particularly transformative, involving academic partnerships that enhance intellectual development. These engagements enable participants to gain diverse perspectives, leading to innovations in science, technology, education, and the arts. Sharing knowledge across borders fosters progress that benefits both regions.

Social Cohesion and Networking

Cross-cultural interactions create lasting networks that span across sectors, from education to business and policy. These networks become the foundation for long-term cooperation, providing a platform for individuals and institutions to collaborate on future projects that bridge national divides.

Economic Opportunities

These exchanges also generate economic advantages, particularly through student and workforce mobility. Graduates and professionals who have studied or worked abroad often bring back valuable insights and skills, which boost the economic prospects of both sending and receiving countries. These interactions also pave the way for joint ventures and investments.

Peace and Conflict Prevention

By fostering dialogue and mutual understanding, cross-cultural interactions contribute to peacebuilding. They reduce the risk of conflict by promoting a sense of shared responsibility and partnership, essential for regional stability. These interactions are a subtle but powerful way to prevent misunderstandings and conflicts.

Soft Power Influence

Cross-cultural exchanges also enhance a country’s soft power by allowing it to project influence through cultural and educational initiatives. This creates a positive image and increases diplomatic leverage, helping nations build influence without the need for coercive measures.

In the context of ASEAN-China relations, cross-cultural engagement, particularly in education, is a key driver of trust and collaboration. These initiatives promote shared benefits and help lay the groundwork for stronger and more comprehensive cooperation across multiple sectors, contributing to a more stable and prosperous future for the region.