DIGITAL LEARNING. Commission on Higher Education Chairperson J. Prospero de Vera III underscores forging international partnerships to ensure inclusive and sustainable progress in digital learning within the China – Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, during his engagement at the ASEAN-China Digital Education Forum in Guizhou, China on Tuesday (Aug. 29, 2023). De Vera also shared how the higher education institutions in the Philippines adjusted to digital demands despite constraints during the onset of the pandemic. (Photo courtesy of CHED)

MANILA – The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on Wednesday said it remains committed to fortifying digital education amid a robust partnership between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region.

The CHED made the statement after CHED Chairperson J. Prospero de Vera III’s engagement at the ASEAN-China Digital Education Forum in Guizhou, China on Tuesday.

In a speech, de Vera said this international partnership, rooted in shared values and common goals, must open inclusive opportunities to framework-sharing for integrated digital learning.

“As chairman of the Commission on Higher Education in the Philippines, I stand committed to fostering a robust ecosystem of digital education that aligns with the aspirations of ASEAN and China,” he said. “The new vision for education cooperation that we seek requires a concerted effort to address challenges. We must ensure digital literacy for all so that no one is left behind in the digital revolution.”

To achieve this, de Vera underscored the need to forge agreements that should “transcend borders” across various disciplines and sectors.

“Governments, academia, industry, and civil society must come together to design curricula that reflect the dynamic needs of our economies,” he said.

With the forum’s theme “New Vision for Education Cooperation, Common Prosperity for Belt and Road,” de Vera said this collaboration must be actualized between higher education institutions in the region by opening a shared mechanism for students.

“Joint research initiatives, student exchanges, and faculty mobility programs will foster cross-cultural understanding and promote the exchange of ideas,” he said.

De Vera also cited crucial areas that needed to be focused on within the China-ASEAN region’s digital education.

“Cybersecurity, data privacy and the responsible use of technology should be integrated into our education frameworks. By doing so, we can create an environment of trust and confidence in digital education,” he said.

De Vera also urged international higher education leaders to pursue strategies and mechanisms that would favor the region’s students with accessibility to quality, equitable and sustainable education.

The CHED is currently assisting several higher education institutions in the Philippines as it forges agreements with universities in China in various fields.

The China-ASEAN Education Cooperation Week, meanwhile, is being held from Aug. 28 to Sept. 2. (PNA)