Don't let globalisation kill traditional know

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva

He was speaking at the opening ceremony of International Conference on Higher Education Research and Development: Looking beyond Globalisation organised by the Dhurakij Pundit University (DPU). The conference runs until tomorrow.

"Globalisation of education has had both a positive and negative effect. On the positive side, it has broken down cultural barriers and strengthened national educational systems by connecting countries and widening the collaboration," Abhisit said.

"On the negative side, higher education has become a borderless 'business sector, with institutes in many countries competing intensely for international students. Some may see this as westernisation rather than globalisation. If this trend continues, it is likely that the cultural roots of small developing countries will get more and more diluted."

Therefore, the premier said, allowing educational institutions greater autonomy was necessary so higher education in Thailand becomes more balanced and is not dominated by globalisation.

He added that such an approach would make Thailand immune to losing its intellectual and cultural identity as cooperation and exchange among Asian nations is built further.

"I must reemphasise that in looking for what are considered postglobalisation possibilities, our approach to higher education should be one that accommodates, rather than denies diversity and differences or specific characteristics of each culture and society. Indeed, as we ride the wave of globalisation, we must not forget that our culture and traditions are our most valuable assets," he said.

DPU jointly held the conference with the Higher Education Commission, Education Council, Seameo Rihed and Thai Pod Network with around 150 participants from more than 10 countries, such as the US, Italy and Japan, the university's president Anumongkol Sirivedhin said.

"After celebrating DPU's 40th anniversary last year, we are hosting this conference to foster strength in becoming part of the global dynamics in the tertiary education arena," Anumongkol said.