Achieving the asian century through the harmonization of higher education in south east asia: A comparative analysis of policy and process in Thailand and Vietnam. Public policies that encourage regional, integrated higher education areas are emerging in Europe, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Arab Gulf, and South East Asia. | TẠP CHÍ KHOA HỌC - ĐẠI HỌC ĐỒNG NAI, SỐ 07 - 2017 ISSN 2354-1482 ACHIEVING THE ASIAN CENTURY THROUGH THE HARMONIZATION OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN SOUTH EAST ASIA: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF POLICY AND PROCESS IN THAILAND AND VIETNAM Lê Phước Kỳ1 ABSTRACT Public policies that encourage regional, integrated higher education areas are emerging in Europe, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Arab Gulf, and South East Asia. This research study examines the latter by exploring the policies and processes of harmonization in Thailand and Vietnam. The foci are (1) an assessment of the status of efforts to harmonize the higher education systems in Thailand and Vietnam with those of other ASEAN member nations, and (2) an analysis of the implications of these efforts for educational leaders. The study was conducted using qualitative methodologies and data sources that included document analysis, interviews, and focus groups; 36 government and educational leaders participated. The study produced multiple findings. First, participants in both nations shared similar perceptions regarding the benefits of harmonization. Second, minimal coordination and cooperation existed between governments and between governments and their universities. Third, multiple barriers impeded harmonization. Fourth, there was an absence of an agreed upon quality assurance framework. These findings reveal significant implications for Thailand, Vietnam, and the ASEAN region, including but not limited to the need to: expedite degree recognition efforts, increase funding for harmonization at national and institutional levels, expand reciprocal relationships with ASEAN universities, and develop educational theories that emphasize the strengths and traditions of South East Asia. Keywords: Asian century, high education, Southeast Asia, policy and process, harmonization percussion instruments join the score. The lights in the auditorium are Within minutes a harmonious dimmed and the conductor raises .
