Resumen de Science and Technology Human Resource Development: E-learning initiative for ASEAN

Kanchana Kanchanasut, Akraya Nualchawee, Pensri Arunwatanamongkol

• ASEAN Vision 2020 set a long-term goal for science and technology development to develop “a technologically competitive ASEAN, competent in strategic and enabling technologies, with an adequate pool of technologically qualified and trained manpower, and strong networks of scientific and technological institutions.” The ASEAN Virtual Institute of Science and Technology (AVIST) has been proposed and endorsed by the ASEAN Sub-Committee on Infrastructure and Resource Development (SCIRD) and the ASEAN Committee on Science and Technology (COST) to answer to ASEAN Countries need for Science and Technology (S&T) human resource development (HRD). The main purpose of setting up AVIST is to contribute to the development of science and technology human resources in ASEAN countries through the provision of vocational training, and continuing professional educational opportunities to various S&T sectors by leveraging on the innovative use of information and communication technologies such as satellite Internet as well as Web-based courses and programmes. This paper will discuss AVIST in sufficient detail. Although AVIST’s operation is still in its evaluation phase, there have been positive indicators pointing to the success of the project. AVIST will be an example of a region-wide e-learning effort.