Refocus research: Edtech to continue surge in SE Asia

MEASURING the impact of the massive shift of educational projects online, international educational technology (edtech) platform Refocus conducted a research related to online learning and digital profession acquisition.

Refocus, in partnership with Semrush—a large platform for analyzing Google searches and marketing companies—conducted research to determine why the pandemic affected education in Southeast Asia, and formulated the main edtech trends in the region that have predominated way back and continues to develop.

Although there has been a growing trend toward online education among Southeast Asian, there was still a strong demand to continue using webbased platforms. For instance, in March 2022, such requests in Vietnam reached a record-high for the first time since October 2021, and in the Philippines since March 2022. In Indonesia, there was a strong surge in the “work from home” keywords, with a growth of 132.6 percent in September.

“Based on these data, we can conclude that despite the lull in the pandemic, remote jobs will remain in the region next year,” it said.

Furthermore, the study noted a significant increase in interest in telecommuting in September 2022 among Indonesians. “Taking into consideration this indicator and the current popularity of hybrid work [a combination of online and offline], the trend will continue in 2023,” the study said.

According to the search queries, Refocus noted the growing number of “digital nomads.” For example, in Singapore, there were 880 such queries in February 2022; 1,000 in June; 1,300 in July; and a record of 1,900 in August.

“People are looking for more opportunities to combine work and travel, and edtech is making it more accessible,” Refocus said. “So in 2023, we should expect an even greater increase in demand for this way of life.”

Based on these trends, Refocus said edtech certainly will not cease evolving in the region, saying its development has enabled more people to access it more conveniently from anywhere in the world.

“Many platforms offer courses on modern information technology professions; and given that it is possible to learn such complex skills from home, we can consider that edtech will continue to develop and prevail in Southeast Asia in the next few years,” Refocus said. Rizal Raoul S. Reyes of producing future leaders who can help provide technology-driven solutions to business and societal problems, as well as contribute to nation-building.”

For his part, Dr. Pavlou cited the UH’s outstanding reputation for student success, teaching, research and innovation: “As an Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business [AACSB]-accredited school, the C.T. Bauer College of Business ensures…our students develop the highest disciplinary competence, communication skills and critical thinking to turn their ideas and passions into reality.”

The UH dean shared: “Our BBA in MIS gives students the skills to identify user or customer problems and translate these needs into technology solutions. Our partnership with AIM, [which is also accredited by AACSB], will guarantee…students will get the highest quality education at the two world’s leading business schools.”

The BSc in DSBA and BBA in MIS double-degree program offers unparalleled complementary skills that will enable students from all over the region to become data-powered leaders, with the skills to solve complex business problems using technology-driven solutions.

The program will be taught by faculty from AIM and UH, giving students a complete and holistic curriculum designed by experts from the two schools. The first three years of the program will be held at the AIM Campus.

Enrollees have the option to attend classes onsite at UH for their senior year, with an opportunity to pursue one-year optional practical training in the United States after graduation, which can be extended for another two years.

The four-year undergraduate program is the first of its kind in the country, and in the region. It is expected to kickstart AIM’s foray into select programs designed for undergraduate students.

Those interested may apply via the AIM web site, where the application process and requirements are posted.

For 55 years AIM has been a leading purveyor of management skills and knowledge. It has produced leaders and managers that lead, inspire, and transform Asian businesses and societies.