The eighth ASEAN Education Ministers’ Meeting (ASED 8) ended in Vientiane, Laos on September 12th, with the adoption of a nine-point joint statement.

During two days of sitting, participants were provided with the “ASEAN State of Education Report 2013” (ASOER), which provides an overview of education in ASEAN, Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education and Sports, Phankham Viphavanh told reporters at a press conference in Vientiane on September 12th.

Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education and Sports, Phankham Viphavanh (Center) chairs the press conference. Photo: Vietnam+

They approved the ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework (AQRF) a method that facilitating the comparison of all the qualification in ASEAN members, as well as enhancing national qualification systems.

The Post -2015 ASEAN Work Plan on Education (2016-2020) was also discussed at the event, he added.

The meeting highlighted the significance of related meetings, namely the second ASEAN+3 Ministers’ Meeting (ATP EMM2) and the second East Asia Summit Education Ministers’ Meeting (EAS EMM2).

Phankham Viphavanh said that Laos in capacity of ASEAN Chair for 2014-2015 has made contributions to the bloc’s education development and joined hands with other member countries to ensure the region’s integration process.

Malaysia will undertake the chairmanship and host the ASED 9, APT EMM 3, EAS EMM 3 and other related meetings in 2016.

Source: VNA