June 2025: APAC Education Trends Include AI and Vietnam’s Law on Teachers
We’re beginning new monthly content series in which we’ll round up some of the recent news and commentary from across the APAC nations. This month, articles center on the potential for standalone AI curriculum in South Korea, Vietnam’s landmark Law on Teachers, and Gen Z opportunity in the gaming industry. Read more below:
The Korea Herald: South Korea considers making AI standalone subject in schools
South Korea's National Policy Planning Committee is considering making artificial intelligence (AI) a standalone subject in elementary, middle, and high schools. This move aims to prepare students for a rapidly evolving technological landscape and is part of President Lee Jae Myung's initiative to boost digital literacy and establish South Korea as a global leader in AI development. Introducing a new subject is a lengthy process, so policymakers might first integrate more AI content into existing classes.
The Thaiger: Amnuay Silpa School among finalists for World’s Best School Prizes
Amnuay Silpa School (ANS) in Bangkok, a leading bilingual institution established in 1926, has been shortlisted for the World's Best School Prize for Supporting Healthy Lives by T4 Education. Renowned for its blend of UK (IGCSE, A-Levels) and Thai (O-NET) curricula, ANS is recognised for its holistic approach that prioritises student well-being. This prestigious award celebrates schools that actively promote the physical and mental health of their students and communities, a core tenet of ANS's educational philosophy.
Tuoi Tre News: Vietnam’s elementary students among SE Asia top in math, reading, writing
Vietnamese elementary students are among Southeast Asia's top performers in mathematics, reading, and writing, according to preliminary 2024 SEA-PLM results. The Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics (SEA-PLM) program, a collaborative effort by SEAMEO, UNICEF, and the East Asia and Pacific Regional Bureau, assesses how well students in seven participating countries, including Cambodia, Timor-Leste, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, meet national education goals. Conducted every five years, SEA-PLM focuses on literacy, numeracy, writing, and global citizenship, providing a vital tool for improving primary education quality across the region.
Nhan Dan: Affirming teachers’ role in the cause of education
Vietnam's 15th National Assembly has passed the Law on Teachers, a landmark, specialised law with 9 chapters and 42 articles, effective January 1, 2026. This legislation comprehensively defines the legal status, rights, obligations, and policies for the teaching workforce.
Significantly, the law mandates that teacher salaries rank highest within the public sector, recognising both their material needs and elevated social status. Effective implementation, according to Le Thi Thanh Huyen, requires detailed, local guidance from the Ministry of Education and Training, emphasising independent monitoring and regular evaluations over formal reporting. Crucially, teachers must be involved in policy reviews to ensure the law remains effective and adaptable. Salary scales for kindergarten, general education, pre-university, and vocational teachers are expected to be revised for parity with other professions.
VnExpress: Gen Z finds promising playground in Vietnam's booming game industry
Vietnam's gaming sector is booming, growing over 15% annually with 2024 revenue exceeding $655 million. Projections indicate a surge to $1.66 billion by 2025 and $2.42 billion by 2029, fueled by government support for online games reflecting national identity. This growth creates immense opportunities for game art professionals, especially Gen Z entrepreneurs. Programs like BUV's Games Art degree, awarded by the University of Staffordshire, equip students with crucial skills for this competitive industry, empowering them to innovate, launch independent studios, or contribute to major projects.