Promoting Internationalization at home in ASEAN Higher Education Institutions; A proposed project

Abstract

Globalization has a profound impact on the higher education institutions to build graduates capable to work and compete in the fourth industrial revolution. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region is no exception to this movement. Students graduated from overseas gain a global exposure through intercultural competencies in the diverse and multicultural environment. However, there is a high ratio of immobile students who need to be skilled with global competencies such as intercultural communication, knowledge and awareness about diverse cultures, and understanding of international and global challenges. Internationalization at home is considering an apt solution for such challenges but, unfortunately, neglected by higher education institutions (HEIs) administration and policymakers in ASEAN due to the incomprehension regarding potential benefits linked with this change. The aim of this proposed project is to identify and operationalize the solutions for the deficiency of global and international competencies among the immobile students in ASEAN countries. Through involving professionals from diverse culture and backgrounds, and by conducting information sharing activities on internationalization at home (IaH) i.e. workshops, symposiums, and training, it is expected that this project will bring a societal change through signifying the need of internationalization at home. The findings of the project would be highly significant for HEIs administration, education ministries, and corporate professionals to achieve the workforce demands such as global graduates capable to move efficiently in the rapidly changing global markets.