Bangkok University reveals most of Thailand’s Global-Gen has an internationalized mindset, however only at the level of thought and intent to action. Research and studies from many institutions, including Bangkok Poll, reveal Thai youth’s need to prepare for international competition, especially in terms English capability, which is at the low level compared to other ASEAN countries. Although Thai youth are well aware of the need for an internationalized mindset, they are not equipped with the support to improve their skill sets. Bangkok University aims to support this positively continuous change and development to boost Thai youth’s competiveness in ASEAN, through the launch of 6 Bachelors Bilingual Programs to develop 3 dimensions of skills.
Dr. Jiraporn Kerdchoochuen, Director, Global Student Development Project said: “The effective education of Thai youth must focus on driving their “thinking process” and their “self-learning process”. Teaching them with facts is not enough in this era, but teaching and stimulating their thinking process and learning is key. We call this group of Thai youth as ‘Global Gen’”
What is Global – Gen?
Global-Gen refers to the new generation that is aware and ready for the transition to a global context. They have open thinking processes and mindsets, leading to self-development in a global context. Characteristics of Global-Gen are flexibility, readiness to new learning, openness, and eagerness to succeed on the international stage.
Bangkok University also gives its point of view on the future of Thailand education in 3 dimensions, which are the key developments of its newly launched Bilingual programs:
1) Professional Knowledge: Youth should absorb their specialist education from all dimensions of specialists, such as academic professors, professionals, and industry experts. In addition to learning professional knowledge is to stimulate their learning and thinking process for actual implementation, by linking the education program closer to business/industry sectors.
6 Bilingual Bachelor Programs: Bangkok University has arranged a program that brings together advisors from both internal professors and industry specialists for its students. International English professor will be a key to drive the bilingual program. Students will be able to select their preferred specialist subjects. To complete the program, students will be required to take the track to study “Entrepreneurial course” and to study “In Trend/Current Issues” subjects such as Digital Marketing Strategy.
2) Internationalized Mindset, Creativity, and Entrepreneurial Spirit: Youth must develop their own strengths and strong identities in competing in an international environment, which includes creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit; being a thinker and risk-taker, and openness. This internationalized mindset is crucial to their success and needs to be seeded along with the education process.
6 Bilingual Bachelor Programs: Bangkok University has arranged a program to build strong identity in two areas, which are ‘internationalized mindset’ and ‘creative thinking process’. The Bangkok University Excellence Centers that serve as the key support to this development are the International Institute for Asia Pacific Studies (INSAPS), the Bangkok University Creative Center (BUCC), and the Creative Entrepreneurship Development Institute (CEDI). Students will also get to learn English from special professors such as Andrew Biggs and Chris Delivery.
3) Soft Skills, Life Skills, Human Skills: Future Thai youth must have other skills beyond professional knowledge for their future achievement, such as Soft Skills, Human Skills and Life Skills. These basic skills will enhance their EQ to help develop relationships within the international context.
6 Bilingual Bachelor Programs: Bangkok University has developed programs that build Soft Skills, Life Skills, Human Skills via several workshops such as “Leadership Skills”, “Problem Solving Skills”, and “Presentation Skills”.
Dr. Jiraporn also reveals 6 programs of bilingual bachelor degree, which are Marketing, Broadcasting, International Business Management, Advertising, Accounting, and Airline Business Management.
“Rapid change in international and global context has affected the new balance in education between “theory” and “implementation”. Do not let an old way of undated theory take over or lead the new world of education. Do not let implementation without theory, just experience, to be a role model. Experience is about great learning, but not the great direction that guarantees success. Thailand education must find a balance between theory and implementation, as in our bilingual programs which will focus on key knowledge that students can apply in their real life.” Dr. Jiraporn concludes.
Some interesting fact:
• 27% of Thai students said that English is the key barrier that lowers Thailand’s competitiveness in ASEAN. (Bangkok Poll 2012)
• 58.7% said English is what they want the government to support the most for AEC. (Bangkok Poll 2012)
• 49% feel confident in their own capability and that of other Thai youth in competing with others in ASEAN countries, whereas 37% & 14% feel unsure and do not think they can compete with those in ASEAN countries.
• English proficiency level of Thailand is ranked as Very Low (55th in overall). Malaysia (1st in overall) and Singapore (2nd in overall) were ranked as High. Indonesia (25th in overall) and Vietnam (28th in overall) were ranked as Moderate (EF EPI)
• Thailand is ranked No. 4 in Jobstreet English language assessments and practices, after Singapore, Malaysia and Philippines.
