Thailand, in concert with other ASEAN Countries, is ready to mobilize the 9th ASEAN Qualification Reference Framework (AQRF)
On December 16-17, 2021, the ASEAN Secretariat hosted the 9th ASEAN Qualification Reference Framework (AQRF) Committee via an Online platform. The 9th meeting was chaired by Ms. Pichmalika Yim, Cambodia AQRF Committee Member. 10 AQRF member countries, led by a committee member and focal point person, as well as related agencies, also attended the meeting.
Dr. Sawat Phuthong, Deputy Secretary-General of the Education Council, the Head of the Thai Delegation and the Thailand AQRF Committee, attended the meeting along with Dr. Siripan Chumnum, Thailand AQRF Expert, together with focal point persons from the main sectors, namely: 1. the Education Sector, led by Mr. Kawin Sursakul, Director of Educational Policy and Planning and Dr. Kanjana Hongrat with officers of the Office of the Education Council; 2. the Qualification Framework System Sector, led by Ms. Jullada Meejul, Deputy Director of Thailand Professional Qualification Institute (TPQI) with staff from TPQI; 3. The Labour Sector, led by Mr. Chaichana Detpha with staff from the Department of Skill Development and the Ministry of Labour; and 4. The Trade Sector led by Ms. Suchaya Prukbamroong with staff from the Department of Trade Negotiation of theMinistry of Commerce. In addition, executives and representatives from other related organizations also joined the meeting via an online channel, namely: the Office of the Basic Education Commission, the Office of the Vocational Education Commission, the Office of Non-formal and Informal Education, the Office of the Private Education Commission, the Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation and the Office of National Education Standards and Quality Assessment (Public Organisation).
AQRF Committee members learned the progress of the launch of the AQRF and the referencing of ASEAN Qualification Framework among member countries as well as other activities related to the upgrading of workforce competency and the promotion of workforce and learner mobility within ASEAN Region.
Thailand is one of four ASEAN countries participating in the pilot scheme of ASEAN Qualification Framework Referencing, the other countries being Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia. The Thailand Report on the Referencing of ASEAN Qualification framework, which is the outcome of the pilot scheme, has been officially approved by the AQRF Committee. This means Thailand is ready for the mobilization of its National Qualification Framework as well as ready for the use of AQRF for the certification of its workforce competency through both bilateral and multilateral agreements. Moreover, Thailand is ready to help in preparing the other ASEAN Countries in the development of their National Qualification Frameworks and also the Referencing of ASEAN Qualification Framework among ASEAN Countries.