The Readiness of TVET Institutions for IR 4.0 in Southeast Asia

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0 or IR 4.0) presents both challenges and opportunities for a country’s workforce, society, and economy.In Southeast Asia, the development and technology adoption across SEAMEO member countries are highly diverse, necessitating varied strategies and approaches for workforce preparation.

Despite these differences, the integration of digitalisation through IR 4.0 is an inevitable trend that will redefine the industrial landscape at the national, regional, and global levels. In preparing the current and future workforce, education and training providers, particularly Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, play crucial roles. Therefore, understanding the current state of readiness for IR 4.0 among TVET institutions in SEAMEO member countries is of paramount importance.

Recognising the integral link between industry and TVET, the Fourth High Officials Meeting on Southeast Asia TVET (4^th HOM on SEA-TVET) recommended comprehensive research to assess the readiness of TVET institutions for IR 4.0. In response, SEAMEO VOCTECH coordinated a study with the objectives of:

1. Assessing the readiness of TVET institutions in SEAMEO Member States for IR 4.0
2. Soliciting feedback and recommendations from TVET and industry leaders for future development in Southeast Asian countries

This regional study covers nine SEAMEO member countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Lao PDR, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, and Vietnam.