SE Asia educators: Workforce needs digital media skills

MANILA, Philippines - Adobe has recently unveiled the Southeast Asia findings as part of its Asia Pacific-wide study titled ‘Education, Creativity and Employability’ where 1,531 educators from 13 countries across the region participated in, between March 7 to 18.  One hundred twenty-one educators represented schools (K-12 segment) and higher educational institutes from Southeast Asia for this study. The key findings were announced at the 9th annual Adobe Education Leadership Forum held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from March 31 to April 2.

The study revealed interesting points on the ubiquity of creativity in the classroom, and educators across Asia Pacific were unanimous in their agreement that creative expression is a must for all students regardless of their stream of study.

A majority of educators in Southeast Asia (52%) strongly agreed that students proficient in digital media skills have a better chance of being recruited when they enter the workforce. This result was above Asia Pacific’s overall sentiment of 47%.

The findings also revealed that in Southeast Asia:

Sixty-two % of educators strongly agree that the use of creative tools by educators improves and enhances a student’s conceptual understanding. This is higher than the APAC average of 54%.

A majority (62%) of educators strongly agreed that basic digital media skills are essential for a 21st century workforce.

Additionally, only 28% felt that the education system does not place enough emphasis on creative expression. Despite Southeast Asia coming in below the Asia Pacific average (37%), the gaps in the current education system also imply that not all students are gaining the necessary traits and skill-sets required for the modern workplace.

 Commenting on the study, Peter McAlpine, senior director, Education, Adobe Asia Pacific said, “The education system in Southeast Asia has come a long way – over the years, we have seen educational institutes taking steps towards driving innovation and creativity in the classroom, enhancing the learning journey. The findings of the survey this year are a clear indication of the growing need for digital tools in the classroom to not only empower students, but also ready them for the 21st century workforce.”

The ‘Education, Creativity and Employability’ study is based on an extensive survey of educators across Asia Pacific covering 13 countries (Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam). The profile of respondents included educators in the K-12 and higher education segment.