ASIA PACIFIC EXPERTS DISCUSS RETHINKING EDUCATION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

The 9th International Skills Forum, ADB's flagship education event, kicks off in Manila, the capital of the Philippines.

The forum brought together politicians, academics, as well as education experts and partners from ADB member countries. Under the theme “Rethinking Education and Skills Development for Transition to the New Normal” this year's event explores how to ensure lifelong learning for all in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, how developing countries can improve employment opportunities and equip their citizens with the right skills.

Teachers and students must have the skills to use new technologies and apply developments across disciplines such as education and psychology to continue their education in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bambang Susantono, ADB Vice President for Knowledge Management and Sustainable Development, emphasized the importance of “convergence, cohesion, and collaboration” to address educational challenges — combining scientific discoveries across disciplines with next-generation technology to improve learning experiences and outcomes.

“Artificial intelligence and adaptive learning software can help students learn at their own pace. Teachers, in turn, can use the data generated by the adaptive learning software to meet the individual needs of each student, ”said Susantono.

Of note, ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa said last month that the organization intends to double education funding to 10% of total annual commitments by 2024.

Ayjahan Ataballyeva

Asia Pacific Experts Discuss Rethinking Education and Skills Development (turkmenistan.gov.tm)