LUMEN | INTRODUCING ASEAN LITERACY , AN SJI INITIATIVE
Introducing ASEAN LITERACY , an SJI initiative
by Karen Teo
on behalf of the ASEAN Literacy Committee
ASEAN is one of the world ’ s fastestgrowing economic regions . It is a major player in global trade and investment . During his speech at the Committee of Supply Debate 2020 , Minister Ong Ye Kung spoke of the need for Singaporebased enterprises to venture out into the region and how Singaporeans must be able to play a part in this endeavour . To do so , it is necessary to equip students with the relevant knowledge , language and cultural skills to engage our ASEAN neighbours . Understanding ASEAN helps individuals comprehend how countries in this region work together on economic , political , and security matters to promote stability and prosperity . With this impetus , the Ministry of Education ( MOE ) started the Knowing Asia Initiative to prepare and expose our students to the region in three ways :
1 . Enhancements to the Humanities Curriculum
2 . Supporting schools in designing rich overseas learning experiences in Asia , especially in ASEAN countries
3 . Introducing conversational Southeast Asian language learning in conjunction with overseas trips
Dr . Lily Kong , in her article written for The Straits Times on 22nd November 2022 , echoed Minister Ong ’ s sentiment on why it is important for Singapore ” to plug us into the global marketplace to cement our position as a trade and financial hub ”. She also warned how young Singaporeans ’ misguided sense of superiority towards Southeast Asia could blind them to our neighbours ’ hidden strengths . She added that it is paramount for us to make the right educational interventions , and to offer immersion opportunities that will open the eyes of young Singaporeans to the “ potential of the region rather than its pitfalls ”
In view of this and in support of MOE ’ s Knowing Asia Initiative , SJI introduced ASEAN Literacy as a schoolwide curriculum initiative which aims to cultivate people-centred , future-ready and global-minded Josephians , through translating 21CC from ideal to practice in safe and inclusive learning spaces .
There are two key objectives in the SJI ASEAN Literacy initiative . The first objective is to develop civic , global and cross-cultural literacy through :
• Curriculum initiatives to foster greater awareness of ASEANrelated shifts
• Adopting Question-Led approaches for students to appreciate diversity , while preserving their own values and identity , in inclusive learning environments
• Curating authentic overseas learning experiences for students to engage with diversity within and beyond ASEAN
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