ASEAN Engagement’s Impact on Academics and Self-Esteem

Abstract

Academic institutions occupy pivotal role in motivating students to engage with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-relevant and international programmes equipping them to thrive in world’s challenges and transcend transnational boundaries. Using 4-point Likert scale with 60-item researcher-made validated questionnaire, this research measured the level of students’ self-esteem, academic experience, and motivation on ASEAN-relevant engagement, employing quantitative descriptive design. A total of 216 purposively grouped respondents: ABM (Accountancy, Business, Economics, Finance, and Management), HUMSS (Humanities, Arts, Music, Culture, Social Sciences, and Education), STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Medicine), and TVL (Information Communications Technology, Home Economics, Agri-Fisheries, and Industrial Arts), from Central and Northern Luzon, Philippines participated. Findings revealed first-year females taking HUMSS were more motivated with favourable impression towards engaging to ASEAN-relevant programmes that expanded their self-esteem. Significance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5 (Gender Equality) and 10 (Reduced Inequalities) in motivating students engage with ASEAN-relevant programmes was highlighted. Results revealed significant differences with year levels and programmes of study on academic experience, while their participation to ASEAN-relevant activities was evident on high positive correlation of motivation and self-esteem; thus, level of Filipino university students’ self-esteem and motivation to engage in ASEAN-relevant programmes improved as they went through their university education experiences. Therefore, institutions should develop well-rounded, globalised curriculum programmes, capturing students’ general welfare and maximising their full potential. Educators must provide students with support, recognising their efforts and progress, for their academic and personal development.