26-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Investing in English language education will ensure Asean's sustainability
IF Asean genuinely wants to foster connectivity, we must invest in English language education, as the language is the glue that holds Asean together.
As the working language of Asean, the English language can serve as a bridge for cross-border trade, diplomacy and innovation.
Yet, despite its pivotal role in fostering connectivity and competitiveness, English Language education remains an overlooked area. Too little discussion and debate are held on the systemic challenges that threaten the foundations of equitable English language education.
For a prosperous and interconnected future, we must address these disparities and invest in the educators shaping the region's linguistic proficiency.
The Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organisation (SEAMEO), which is mandated to foster educational cooperation, is uniquely positioned to address this issue.
Asean, therefore, needs a collaborative strategy centred on three key pillars, which are:
1. Invest in Professional Development: Targeted programmes focusing on innovative language teaching methodologies, technology integration and multilingual education strategies.
2. Build Regional English Language Education Networks: Establishing cross-border collaboration among language teachers will enhance resource-sharing, research accessibility, and peer mentorship; and,
3. Standardise English Education Policies: SEAMEO must spearhead efforts to harmonise teaching standards and curricula.
In a diverse region, achieving a common benchmark for English proficiency will enhance mobility, economic exchange and global competitiveness.
Beyond institutional solutions, we must also recognise the cultural implications of English language education. As much as the English language unites Asean, we must ensure its dominance does not diminish our region's linguistic diversity.
A robust English Language Education framework should integrate local language preservation alongside English education, promoting inclusivity without erasing indigenous identities.
To propel Asean forward, English language education must be embraced as a bridge that connects economies, empowers individuals and fortifies regional unity.
A future where Asean thrives on seamless communication and collaboration is within reach, but only if we commit to strengthening language accessibility at every level.
English language education is the foundation for deeper understanding, stronger economic partnerships and a truly interconnected Asean.
PROF DR SIVABALA NAIDU, PAVINDER KAUR GIRN, and
S. SHIVAPRIYA SUNDRAN
Faculty of Social Sciences,
Quest International University
