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Education Minister Farina pointed out that to build a resilient and sustainable ASEAN, all member states must address foundational learning deficiencies, skill gaps, and youth unemployment issues, as these challenges continue to exacerbate the difficulties faced by Out-of-School Children and Youth (OOSCY).
In her opening speech at the 2025 ASEAN Education and Higher Education Ministers’ Roundtable on Thursday, she said that with consistent support and shared wisdom, ASEAN countries and the entire region could take new strides on the path toward quality education and prosperity.
“Today’s roundtable serves to reaffirm our collective determination: Every child and youth, especially those currently out of school, must have equal opportunities to access quality education and contribute meaningfully to society. This meeting provides a valuable platform for us to share experiences, reflect on our collective progress, and explore innovative approaches to bridging long-standing education gaps.”
She said that Malaysia, as the ASEAN Chair in 2025, is acutely aware of its responsibilities and remains steadfastly committed to inclusive development under the vision of a “People-Centered” ASEAN, ensuring that no one is left behind, especially children and youth who have not received formal education.
Farina emphasized that today's meeting also highlights the importance of the ASEAN Higher Education Ministers’ Roundtable, themed “Envisioning the Next Decade and Beyond,” which aims to collectively chart a roadmap for future-ready education ecosystems.
She said that given the rapid technological and industrial changes in the region, higher education institutions must continue to evolve to become more inclusive, flexible, and better aligned with real-world needs.
“By strengthening collaboration among governments, academia, and the industry, we not only strive to better prepare young people for future employment but also open more inclusive pathways for returning international students to the education sector, contributing positively to ASEAN's shared prosperity.”
She noted that bridging this gap would help cultivate an innovative, united, and truly inclusive ASEAN that leaves no one behind.
It is expected that education ministers from various countries will issue the Langkawi Joint Statement on ASEAN OOSCY during the meeting, which aims to serve as a guiding framework for collective actions to ensure inclusive education and learning opportunities across the region.
Yesterday, Farina discussed educational matters with Dr. Salim, the Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), including strategic cooperation in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).