The education systems of Asian nations such as South Korea, Japan and Singapore are the envy of the western world in terms of measured achievements against global standards. But behind the successes lurk growing problems of inequality, overemphasis on rote learning, academic corruption and graduates poorly prepared for the world of work. Much needs to change.
Is the strong imprint of Confucianism on East Asia and its education systems beginning to slip?
A unique system whereby Japanese firms put all their emphasis on students’ performance in university entrance exams and not their studies may no longer be working.
China’s system of higher education has been largely unsuccessful in merging Western and traditional Chinese conceptions of the role of a university.
As foreign leaders talk of emulating Korea’s excellence, at home dissatisfaction is growing with a stressful, ultra-competitive system that often fails to prepare graduates for work.
As both countries have learned, economic development brings challenges to educational systems amid growing inequalities in income.
Emulating systems based on rote learning and narrow definitions of learning may move education in the wrong direction.
An ambitious agenda to further global educational goals was agreed at UNESCO’s World Education Forum 2015.
With efforts to engage North Korea stalled, it’s time to broaden the paths towards engagement.
Many fronts emerged on which relations are deepening, but hard economic and demographic realities at home may yet intrude.
As its trade with Asia depends on vulnerable sea routes, Germany must focus on security issues in the region.
India’s quest for FDI, part 1: India’s courtship of FDI under Narendra Modi has triggered a visceral reaction, rooted in its colonial past and deep suspicions of foreign businesses.
India’s quest for FDI, part 2: India’s prime minister is driving a program to engage globally to succeed domestically. It has seen some accomplishments, but challenges remain.
India’s quest for FDI, part 3: Governments at the state level are increasingly playing an active role in engaging investors in other countries, complementing the national push.
Disputes over textbook accounts of events mask a deeper problem with how history is taught in the region.
Attempts to hide Japan’s World War II atrocities pit those who want to respect history against those who don’t.
Why are apologies by nations so hard to come by, and what if perpetrators of wrongdoing were more forthcoming in admitting mistakes?
Makers of Modern Asia, edited by Ramachandra Guha, studies 11 leaders crucial to the building of 20th-century Asia, prompting the question: are they relevant to the 21st century?
Recent titles by Charles E. Ziegler; Joseph S. Nye, Jr.; Sheila A. Smith; Hazel Smith; Blaine Harden; Karrie J. Koesel; Sulmaan Wasif Khan; Jia Qingguo and Yan Jun (eds.); Edward Tse; Dinesh C. Sharma; Jayati Bhattacharya and Coonoor Kripalani (eds.) etc.