Huge benefits reaped from investment in working age population but challenges remain |
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Facilitate school to work transition A 2001 UNICEF survey of young people in East Asia indicates that access to jobs, along with physical security, is their biggest concern. More education, on paper, has raised expectations that, if unfulfilled, can potentially lead to economic and social instability. The answer is not less education—but more jobs.
Priorities | | Consider policies that expand the demand for young workers Heavily export-oriented sectors such as electronics and textiles have been particularly youth-friendly in countries like Indonesia, where youth employment shares in these sectors are more than twice the national average, and Malaysia, where young women entering the labor market in a fledgling electronics industry 20-30 years ago fueled growth and altered social gender stereotypes. |
| | Focus on quality and relevance of education. While schooling levels are comparatively high in East Asia compared to other regions, more relevant curriculum is needed in high-school and in tertiary education. Vietnam, for instance, has enjoyed high growth in schooling, but now needs to reorient the curricula so that young people learn relevant practical skills such as languages and information technology, and life skills such as problem-solving and working in teams.
Begin early. Early investment in nutrition, health, and psychosocial development will pay off in the long run, the report says, citing several studies that show good results. In the Philippines, enriched childcare and preschool programs have led to higher achievement test scores and high school graduation rates, and even lower crime rates for participants well into their twenties.
Increase secondary capacity. Higher completion rates at primary levels often strain secondary school capacity. In Indonesia, almost all children attend six years of schooling, with 80 percent of even the poorest children completing primary school. After this, enrolment levels drop dramatically, especially among poor children.
Forge closer link between employers and providers of education. Universities and research institutes have contributed much to the growth of the Chinese economy. In Beijing, they collaborate with local industry through joint projects and technology transfers, and establish firms to commercialize their inventions. Some of these firms are among the largest Chinese high-technology firms (Chen and Kenney, 2005)
Encourage firms to provide training to employees. World Bank surveys show that nearly 60 percent of firms in East Asia and the Pacific provide training on the job. However, leaving training to enterprises does not ensure access to all.
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