Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/318451 
Year of Publication: 
2025
Series/Report no.: 
ILO Working Paper No. 138
Publisher: 
International Labour Organization (ILO), Geneva
Abstract: 
This paper investigates the responses of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions in South-East Asia to the demands of industry's digital transformation in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0). TVET institutions play a crucial role in bridging the gap between education and industry by equipping students with the practical skills needed for the evolving workplace. Despite extensive discussions on this topic in various forums, there is a notable lack of comprehensive studies that evaluate the current adoption and readiness for IR 4.0 in TVET institutions across South-East Asia. Addressing this gap, this study develops a comprehensive framework - the Smart Education Readiness Index (SERI)-to assess the readiness of TVET institutions for IR 4.0. The framework draws from both industry readiness assessments and the specific criteria that are relevant to TVET institutions. This paper presents findings from data collected using the SERI framework across nine Association of Southeast Asian Nations member States: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam. The data collection involved surveys, interviews and focus group discussions with stakeholders from TVET institutions. The results reveal that on a scale from 0 to 4, the overall readiness index of TVET institutions in South-East Asia is 2.03, which indicates a level between "early adopter" and "learner". This readiness index is further broken down into three components: process (1.96), technology (1.92) and organization (2.21). These findings highlight the need for continuous improvement and greater alignment between TVET institutions and industry requirements. The study concludes with several key recommendations for enhancing the adoption of IR 4.0 in TVET institutions, including the continuous use of the SERI framework for self-assessment and monitoring; the development of action plans; and policy recommendations for ministries of education in ASEAN member States. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the preparedness of TVET institutions for IR 4.0 and offers a structured approach to bridging the gap between education and the rapidly changing industrial landscape.
Persistent Identifier of the first edition: 
ISBN: 
978-92-2-041912-0
Creative Commons License: 
cc-by Logo
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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