Jakarta:Three impactful projects aimed at supporting digital transformation, green transition, and sustainability in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) were launched as part of the EU-funded EU-ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Package - Higher Education Programme (SCOPE-HE).

According to Association of SouthEast Asian Nation, these projects, selected through competitive calls across ASEAN, offer funding up to £180,000 per project, totaling a ceiling of £540,000. The initiatives aspire to bolster TVET institutions' capacity, innovate curricula, and equip learners with skills aligning with evolving labor market demands.

The projects employ the Triple/Quadruple Helix approach, integrating government, industry, educational institutions, and civil society for comprehensive collaboration, directly connecting workplace and community needs with training development. SCOPE-HE is implemented by Nuffic and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

In his opening remarks, Mr. Jerome Pons, Head of Partnerships at the European Union Mission to ASEAN, emphasized the significance of investing in skills and sustainable infrastructure. He stated that the initiatives would fortify the connection between vocational education and industry needs, thus preparing learners for green and digital shifts.

Rodora T. Babaran, Director at the ASEAN Secretariat, highlighted the necessity of aligning education and training systems with industrial needs, advocating for continuous collaboration among governments, industries, academia, and civil society.

The projects, led by institutions in Malaysia and Indonesia, focus on three areas digital transformation, green transition, and sustainability. Sunway University in Malaysia leads efforts in digital transformation, Institut Teknologi Bandung in Indonesia spearheads the green transition project, and INDEF in Indonesia focuses on sustainability through a pilot in green building and sustainable finance competencies.

The virtual launch event, titled 'Future-Ready TVET Launching ASEAN's Triple/Quadruple Helix Grants,' provided a platform for stakeholders to engage, share expertise, and explore cooperation. The project teams aim to enhance training capacity and share resources across ASEAN, promoting adaptation to local contexts with attention to gender equality and inclusion.