The World Conference on Cooperative and Work-Integrated Education proceedings are continuing smoothly at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC), Durban.
Yesterday’s (Wednesday June 26, 2013) programme opened with a plenary session titled “Business University Forum and the Economic Community: Building a Sustainable Platform for Cooperative Education”. To discuss the topic, five panelists from Norton University in Cambodia and Siam University, University Network and Minor Group in Thailand were invited to address the delegates. The panelists each gave brief yet elaborate presentations, sharing on their practices of cooperative and work-integrated education and the roles their institutions play in further entrenching this in their respective countries.
From all the addresses, it was easy to gather that cooperative and work-integrated education is as essential in the two Southeast Asian countries as it is in other parts of the world.
Sukich Udindu, the Vice President of hospitality and leisure company Minor International, spoke about the Minor International Human Capital Development Programme, a student training programme that his company runs. Udindu explained that employers seek five particular qualities from graduates namely, knowledge, skill, attitude, professional manner and social responsibility. He said Minor International thus ensures that students are trained in line with these. “Our goal is not only to train students on work skills but to teach them about taking care of the planet and other life skills,” he said.
Udindu also touched upon industry/university collaborations, encouraging these as he says they have a positive impact on students- the future workforce.
A Lecturer and International Liaison Officer at Siam University, Thailand, Yhing Sawheny discussed the cooperative education system in her university and its benefits. She counted the advancement of skills and confidence as well as upgrading one’s CV as some of the benefits for their students. Sawheny also spoke about Siam University’s cooperative education forum, where students who are in field training give the University feedback on their experiences. She said, so far, the student feedback has been positive.
The Conference ends today afternoon.
Naledi Hlefane
Pictured: Thailand delegates who attended the third plenary session of the 2013 World Conference on Cooperative and Work-Integrated Education, held at the ICC in Durban.
From Left: Professor Zakaria Abas from Universiti Utara Malaysia; Professor Sok Khieng, Norton University President; Sukich Udindu, Minor International Vice President; Professor Thanavadee Boonlue, Vice President for International Affairs and Cooperative Education at Siam University; Dr Pornchai Mongkhonvanit, Siam University President; Kritphong Mongkhonvanit, Siam University student and Yhing Sawheny, Lecturer and International Liaison Officer at Siam University.
