JAKARTA – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with the United Kingdom in education and human capital development.
ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn met with the UK’s International Education Champion, Sir Steve Smith, at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta to discuss ongoing and future cooperation.
Dr. Kao expressed appreciation for the UK’s consistent support in advancing education across the region, noting that collaboration in science, technology, and skills development remains central to ASEAN’s long-term vision.
He highlighted the importance of aligning these efforts with ASEAN’s next Plan of Action (POA), which will mark the fifth anniversary of the ASEAN–UK Dialogue Partnership.
The meeting underscored the shared commitment to building a resilient and future-ready ASEAN community.
Both sides emphasised the role of education in driving innovation, fostering inclusive growth, and preparing young people for the challenges of a rapidly evolving global economy.
Sir Steve Smith, who has been instrumental in promoting UK education partnerships worldwide, reiterated Britain’s dedication to supporting ASEAN’s priorities.
He noted that the UK sees ASEAN as a vital partner in advancing international collaboration in higher education, research, and technology transfer.
The ASEAN–UK Dialogue Partnership, established in 2020, has grown steadily over the past five years, expanding cooperation beyond traditional diplomacy into areas such as climate change, digital transformation, and education.
The upcoming anniversary provides an opportunity to review achievements and chart new pathways for collaboration.
Observers view the meeting as a significant step in reinforcing ASEAN’s external relations, particularly in education and science, which are increasingly recognised as drivers of sustainable development.
For ASEAN member states, closer ties with the UK are expected to enhance access to global expertise, strengthen institutional capacity, and open new opportunities for students and researchers.
The dialogue also reflects ASEAN’s broader strategy of diversifying partnerships with external actors, ensuring that regional priorities are supported by global cooperation.
As ASEAN prepares for the next POA, education and human capital development are expected to remain at the forefront of its agenda.
Sources: ASEAN Secretariat News, UK Government Education Office
