The Desired Characterisitcs of Thai Graduates in ASEAN Context

Abstract

                The objectives of this research were to: 1. study the desired characteristics of Thai graduates in ASEAN context; and 2. provide suggestions for the higher education institutes that produce qualified graduates in ASEAN context. This study was a qualitative survey research using open-ended questionnaires and focus group discussion. The samples were 74 people consisted of lecturers, primary and secondary teachers, undergraduate and graduate students. Research instruments were open-ended questionnaires and focus group discussion. Data collection was done from August to October 2014 and analyzed via frequency, interpretation and description.

                  Research results that most sample stated were that the desired characteristics of Thai graduates in ASEAN context were 1) Internal cognition--be literate in ASEAN matters, understand the diversity between Thailand and other ASEAN members in the region. This included the society, economics, politics, religions, culture, history, laws, and regulations. The graduates should know the pros and cons of being ASEAN. They should have ethics and skills in life and work. 2) Personality—be patriotic, national conservative, and enthusiastic in learning. 3) External character—be proficiency in English and ASEAN language usage, human relation, and skills in numerical and IT.

                 This research suggested that the higher education institutes that had their prime mission in producing qualified graduates and also other relevant sectors should focus their prime concerns towards the policy and the implementation according to the research results so that the graduates should be able to be literate and well-rounded of all ASEAN matters and be able to lead the nation to go together with the other members of the region steadily. This aimed for the security of the region in prime dimensions of the politics, the economics, the social and the culture of the region and led to the slogan one vision, one identity, and one community of ASEAN as a whole.