What is Asia Competence? | Info graphic courtesy of Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada
Not enough Canadians currently possess the necessary skills, experience and cultural understanding to be effective in Asia, according to a recent study conducted by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada) in collaboration with the Munk School of Global Affairs. A 56 page report published last month highlights several areas where Canada’s efforts to ensure its citizens become ‘Asia competent’ are falling short in comparison to efforts of other countries.
These findings are supported by the 2012 National Opinion Poll wherein 60 per cent of Canada’s ‘Asia practitioners’ – people from the public, private and academic sectors who are currently engaged in Asia professionally – stated the current difficulties of finding and employing suitably-qualified Canadians to fill Asia-related posts. Additionally, only 34 per cent believed that the Canadians currently working in their fields possessed sufficient knowledge of Asian culture, economies and history. The consensus amongst those polled indicated that there hasn’t been enough investment into the necessary knowledge and skills required to work and compete in the increasingly important Asian market.
Pivoting towards Asia
Other nations have taken steps to ensure that their citizens are able to operate effectively in Asian markets, including China – already the world’s second-largest economy – and Southeast Asia, which, with 600 million people, has a larger population than the European Union. In 2012, the government of Australia commissioned an official white paper that stressed the need for a nationwide commitment to developing ‘Asia competence.’ The U.S. launched the 100,000 Strong Initiative in 2010, which aimed to strengthen U.S.-China relations by sending 100,000 American students to study in China over a four-year period.
“If we do not get in on the game in terms of pivoting towards Asia, we are going to miss out on something that will be absolutely critical to our success as a country,” said Dominic Barton, global managing director of McKinley & Company in his keynote speech at the 2012 Canada in the Pacific Century Conference.
Where to start?
Of the four main recommendations highlighted by APF Canada’s report, the most effective response indicated is the need for increased ‘Asia competence’ to be integrated into primary and secondary school curriculums. This should entail a broader knowledge of the history, geography, culture and traditions of the region.
Here in Vancouver, Dr. Annie B. Jamieson Elementary School’s Mandarin Bilingual Program runs from Grades 4–7, aiming to develop written and oral Mandarin communication skills as well as an understanding of Chinese culture and traditions. The program’s core curriculum is taught in English, while Mandarin is introduced through Mandarin Language Arts. The program has seen increased participation in recent years; students are currently split into five divisions, with a maximum class size of 30 students.
“The program is very challenging but also very fun and will benefit you wherever you go,” says Olivia Cameron, a student in the program.
The future is up to us
The report concludes that Canada’s international education strategy must become more of a two-way effort. Previously, there has been a strong focus on attracting international students to Canada, with much less importance placed on encouraging young Canadians to study abroad themselves. Currently only three per cent of Canadian university students opt to study internationally, with only a small number of those choosing Asia over destinations such as the U.S. and Europe. While students’ preferences shouldn’t be overlooked, provincial school boards must also educate students and their families about the long-term benefits and professional opportunities that come with becoming ‘Asia competent.’
“Learning Chinese offers a gateway towards understanding one of the most significant cultures and ethnicities not only in our world, but in our province also” says Mat Phoenix, a student of Mandarin at UBC and a recent participant of a month-long study abroad exchange with Jiao Tong University in Shanghai.
For more information visit:
http://www.asiapacific.ca
