Government recognition of BTECs in Thailand paves the way for the transformation of vocational education nationwide…

London, 22 November 2018 – Pearson, the digital learning company, has received an official government endorsement from the Thai Government which allows BTEC qualifications to be delivered in every vocational and higher institution in Thailand, both in the public and private sector. The pilot implementation starts in December 2018 with the view to expand BTECs across 800 vocational institutions in Thailand.

To mark this recognition, a delegation from Thai Ministry of Education, chaired by the Minister, Dr Teerakiat Jareonsettasin, is visiting Pearson to discuss current and future plans and to sign an agreement between Pearson, the Ministry for Education and Trade Bodies of Thailand to work together on BTEC implementation.

President UK and Core, Rod Bristow said:

“Pearson is honoured to play a role in supporting the growth of vocational education in support of Thailand’s 4.0 economic strategy. Pearson is committed to supporting Thai learners by equipping them with world-class, career-focused qualifications. This is a strategic priority for Pearson and we will continue to support the Thai educational community and government in advancing educational standards.”

The Minister for Education of Thailand, Dr Teerakiat Jareonsettasin said: “The Thai government is delighted to be in partnership with one of the world’s leading educational companies, especially in the area of vocational education reform which is much needed for the country’s prosperity”.

Richard Leach, DIT Education Lead for Asia-Pacific said:

“The Department for International Trade are delighted to see the signature of this agreement between Pearson and the Federation of Thai Industry and the Board of Trade, Thailand. BTEC qualifications are an internationally recognised standard of excellence and will create a great platform for Thailand to achieve its industry 4.0 plans.”

Thailand is the second largest economy in South-East Asia. Total trade in goods and services between the UK and Thailand was £6.6bn in year to end 2018 Q2, a 13.5% increase from year to end 2017 Q2. Currently, the majority of UK exports are in machinery, vehicles and mechanical appliances. Pearson sees the opportunity to export educational products and services to this market.

Contact

Tom Steiner
Telephone: +44 7787 415 891
Email address: tom.steiner@pearson.com

About Thailand 4.0

Thailand 4.0 is an economic model that aims to unlock the country from several economic challenges resulting from past economic development models which place emphasis on agriculture (Thailand 1.0), light industry (Thailand 2.0), and advanced industry (Thailand 3.0). These challenges include “a middle-income trap”, “an inequality trap”, and “an imbalanced trap”.

Economic Prosperity: to create a value-based economy that is driven by innovation, technology and creativity. The model aims to increase Research and Development (“R&D”) expenditure to 4% of GDP, increase economic growth rate to full capacity rate of 5-6% within 5 years, and increase national income per capita from 5,470 USD in 2014 to 15,000 USD by 2032.

Social Well-being: to create a society that moves forward without leaving anyone behind (inclusive society) through the realisation of the full potential of all members of society. The goals are to reduce social disparity from 0.465 in 2013 to 0.36 in 2032, completely transform to social welfare system within 20 years and develop at least 20,000 households into “Smart Farmers” within 5 years.

Raising Human Values: to transform Thais into “Competent human beings in the 21sth Century” and “Thais 4.0 in the first world. Measures under Thailand 4.0 will raise Thailand HDI from 0.722 to 0.8 or the top 50 countries within 10 years, ensure that at least 5 Thai universities are ranked amongst the world’s top 100 higher education institution within 20 years.

Environmental Protection: to become a livable society that possesses an economic system capable of adjusting to climate change and low carbon society. The targets are to develop at least 10 cities into the world’s most livable cities, reduce terrorism risk, and increase the proportion

About Pearson

Pearson is the world’s learning company, with expertise in educational courseware and assessment, and a range of teaching and learning services powered by technology. Our mission is to help people make progress through access to better learning. We believe that learning opens up opportunities, creating fulfilling careers and better lives. For more, visit www.pearson.com.

About BTEC

BTECs are career-based qualifications designed to give students the skills they need to move employment, either directly or via university.

BTEC offers a range of professional qualifications for anyone taking their first steps into the world of work, progressing through their careers, planning to enter university, or starting an apprenticeship. After 30 years of proven success, more and more employers and Higher Education institutions across the globe are choosing BTEC-qualified candidates for their practical knowledge and employability skills.

Click here to view more on Pearson’s success with BTEC

To view the original article from Pearson, click the link below.