Higher Education in Southeast Asia: Issues and Challenges

Overview & Synopsis

Higher education in Southeast Asia has developed considerably over the past decades. Marked with economic and socio-political differences across countries, the role of higher education in development is common. As one of the most compact and culturally diverse regions of the world with a population of over 692 million (Worldometer, n.d.), a more regional push for the higher education sector and markets is seen through initiatives such as the ASEAN Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) which advocates for a free movement of professionals across the region. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was established in 1967 as a political and economic alliance and now consists of 10 country members, with observer status for Timor-Leste. Despite the diversity found across countries in the region, common themes relating to higher education issues are prevalent. Issues of quality, access and equity, governance, financing and employment, among others remain at the forefront of higher education development in Southeast Asia. [For the complete volume, "Higher Education in Southeast Asia. International Perspectives on Education and Society. Volume 49," see ED675089.]