Project: Training University Lecturers from Rajabhat Universities Nationwide

Subject: “Preparing for the ASEAN Community”

7 – 8 July 2013

Ravindra Beach Resort & Spa,Pattaya,Chonburi

            The Department of ASEAN Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as the ASEAN National Secretariat, will organize a training programmefor university lecturers from Rajabhat Universities from every region. The subject for this programme is “Preparing for the ASEAN Community,” and the programme will be held from 7 – 8 July 2013 at Ravindra Beach Resort & Spa,Pattaya,Chonburi.

            This programme is one of the “Train the Trainers” programme, which the Department of ASEAN Affairs organizes annually for university lecturers from Rajabhat Universities nationwide. The programme aims to advance knowledge and expertise on ASEAN studies for lecturers, and to promote deeper understanding about ASEAN, particularly on multi-dimensional aspects of the ASEAN Community.Moreover, university lecturers can use information from the training programme to develop their curriculum, and help distribute information, as well as raise awareness of ASEAN among the Thai public.

            Thus far, the training programme conducted by the Department of ASEAN Affairs has been very well received by Rajabhat universities nationwide.The rector, university management officials, and university lecturers from Rajabhat Universities from every region have actively participated in the programme. Those who participate in the training will obtain extensive information on ASEAN, and have the opportunity to exchange views with well-known speakers and researchers in various areas under the three main pillars of the ASEAN Community: the ASEAN Political-Security Community; the ASEAN Economic Community; and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community.

            The main topic of the lectures on ASEAN includes perspectives, strategy, and driving forces in Thailand’s preparation for the ASEAN Community. The lectures also include preparation by educational institutions and university lecturers, who play a leading role in preparing Thai youth for the ASEAN Community, especially by developing skills, capabilities, and the attitude of Thai youth towards the region. University lecturers can help equip Thai youth to identify, and to make the most of upcoming opportunities, as well as enable them to face challenges from regional integration. Moreover, university lecturers help to ensure that Thai youth realize their full potential and therefore can effectively prepare for the realization of the ASEAN Community in 2015.

            During the event, participants will receive knowledge kits on ASEAN, including our flagship awareness-raising book “58 Answers to the ASEAN Community 2558 (2015)” and comic book “Exploring ASEAN with BuaKaew” to name a few. Opinion pieces and reference material from lecturers will also be disseminated.