The impact of the BRI on Asean education

THE Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a massive development venture that the Chinese government launched in 2013 under President Xi Jinping's leadership. It aims to foster market assimilation and economic collaboration between nations along the recommended Belt and Road routes that cross Africa, Europe, Central Asia, and South-East Asia. The BRI's main objectives are coordinating policies, ensuring infrastructural connectivity, promoting unhindered trade and fiscal integration, and strengthening interpersonal ties. The aspect of education and training has evolved as a crucial part of this trans-continental vision and endeavour, despite the initiative's focus on infrastructure development—as does existing literature on the BRI. The underlying presumption is that President Xi is aware there must be shared understanding and aspirations among the nations for the BRI to be effective and viable in the long run.

It is even more crucial for us to uphold the Silk Road Spirit in the 21st century, a new period distinguished by the themes of progress, peace, collaboration, and mutual benefit in light of the slow global economic recovery and the difficult international and regional circumstances.