THE NETHERLANDS SUPPORTS SEAMEO VOCTECH’S

THREE-PRONGED PROJECT

 (An Excerpt from The Digest, December 2006)

On 29 November, 2006, the SEAMEO VOCTECH Regional Centre successfully received a grant decision from The Netherlands on a project proposal focusing on “Research Networking and Capacity-Building Programme for Higher Education Institutions in Vocational and Technical Education in Southeast Asia.”  This was disclosed by the Director, Mohamad bin Abu Bakar. 

“Since its establishment, the Centre has so far received such biggest funds for a project, amounting to more than half a million US dollars,” the director added.  “The impact of the project is that, the beneficiaries in the region, including Bruneian VTET instructors and teachers will take active participation and exposure in research and in the training programmes within a three-year period, from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2009.” 

Accordingly, the Centre, being one of the 16 SEAMEO centres/network under SEAMEO, with The Netherlands as one of the Associate Members, was invited to write in a programme proposal.  In this connection, with the Centre’s mandate in strengthening and improving VTET, particularly focusing on human resources development in Southeast Asia, this concern paved the way towards achieving the grant decision on the related proposal.   

A. J. Schuthof, Head of the Education and Development Cooperation, on behalf of the Minister for Development Cooperation, also in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Netherlands, announced the approval of this Project. 

Three- pronged components of the approved programme are as follows: 1. A Southeast Asian Vocational and Technical Education Research Network; 2. Capacity-Building for Administrators/Instructors/Teachers of Universities, Colleges and Polytechnics offering VTE; and 3. Setting-up the Centre’s ICT Infrastructure.   

These components will focus, firstly, on establishing a VTET research network or association, known as Southeast Asian Vocational and Technical Education Research Network (SEAVERN). The network will generate, mange and disseminate information based on research activities. Secondly, developing capabilities of higher education institution administrators/lecturers/researchers through  five two-week training programmes on areas of VTET policy directions, management, assessment of learning competency, enterprise-based training programme, and ICT will comprise the other component. Lastly, on ICT Infrastructure will be enriching the Centre’s ICT potential of online mailing, discussion board and online database and other mechanism, especially to enable the implementation/operation of the research network, etc.  

“We are thankful to the Netherlands Government for its benevolence in approving our projects directed to VTET instructors, administrators and researchers.  The Management Staffs concerned and collaborative efforts in pushing through in all aspects have been instrumental,” Mr. Mohamad ensured.

Developments of the Netherlands Project or the “Research Networking and capacity Building Programmes for Higher Education Institutions Involved in Vocational and Technical Education in Southeast Asia.” 

Regional Workshop on the Southeast Asian Vocational and Technical Education Research Network (SEAVERN) Rajamangala University of Technology, Thanyaburi, (RMUTT)

     Thailand, 2-4 April 2007

As one of the aspects of the Netherlands, the SEA Vocational and Technical Education Research Network (SEAVERN) conducted its first Regional Workshop. 

Gathering seven SEAMEO VOCTECH Officials/Specialists and 18 Research Coordinators from SEAMEO Member Countries in Thailand, the three-day event held salient activities.  These are: Orientation on Project Overview and Goals and Lectures focusing on Roles, Generating, Managing, Sharing Information, Mapping Trends and Issues, Funding Support and using ICT for Networking and Information Sharing, Setting-up, Database and Online Communication. 

Taking in turns in the lectures/workshop were the Specialists/Management Staff: Drs. Milagros C. Valles, Paryono. Wilfredo H. Libunao, Mohd Saiful Haji Omar and Mr. Teo Boon Wah. Ms. Noraarney Abdullah Apoh, Project Liaison Officer was the Emcee and documented the event.     

SEAMEO VOCTECH Director, Mohamad bin Abu Bakar, (fourth from right) welcomed and delivered an encouraging message towards the participants’ needed hard work and commitment to the research initiative for the regional VTET programmes. Generously sharing RMUTT facilities was Dr. Numyoot Songthanapitak, (fifth from right) the University President and SEAMEO VOCTECH Governing Board Member. Together with other RMUTT officials/staff, he delivered a welcome message during the opening ceremony. The photo shows the SEAMEO VOCTECH Staff and the SEA Research Coordinators.

 

ANNOUNCEMENT:

The SEAVERN Training Programme is forthcoming/entitled:

“Improved Policy Directions in VTET Through Qualitative and Quantitative Research, 4-16 June 2007

Dr. Paryono, Research Manager/Specialist – Coordinator/Resource Person

Participants – SEAVERN Research Coordinators

LIST OF Other SEAVERN Training Programmes

13-25 Aug. 2007 - Mgmt Course for VTET Administrators of Colleges    - Dr. WHL

12-24 Nov. 2007 - Sustainable Dual Training Systems in VTET              - Dr. MCV

14-26 Jan. 2008 -  Integrating Relevant and Interactive ICT in VTET     - Mr. TM   

4-16 Feb. 2008 - Holistic Assessment of learning Competencies in VTET- Dr.MCV