Establishment of the AEC and its implication(3)

Establishment of the AEC(ASEAN Economic Community)

A local expert in Indonesia pictures potential changes in the region that the AEC may bring in the upcoming days. “People in Vietnam will start to learn the Thai language to drive taxies in Bangkok. There will be Laotians who will pick up Javanese text books to become cab drivers in Jakarta.” Actually, Singapore has been importing housekeepers from its neighbors, Indonesia and the Philippines in particular. 

However, it will be highly likely that more human resources in various fields of the region will cross the borders of the ASEAN members with no limitation. In doing so, physical barriers will be torn down and regional exchanges and trades will be fairly accelerated. This will also gear up the possibility of the realization of the AEC overcoming the concern that the AEC blueprint 2025 may remain a mere declaratory gesture.

As a matter of fact, a global war without guns has been underway to attract the ASEAN actively stretching itself to the world. For instance, Japan has been striving to enhance its clout on the AEC by devoting itself to investment on the infrastructure and key industries. South Korean business people navigating new growth chances have unanimously pointed out that Japanese business presence is dominant in the region. Moreover, China is speeding up recently by utilizing its extensive networks across the region. China has maintained robust retail and wholesale channels in most part of the ASEAN since around the 16~17th century when the Western forces first embarked on their rush to Southeast Asia. 

Unlike competitors heading forward, South Korea is often regarded encountered with shabby circumstance. Worries are prevailing that South Korea is way behind not only the running Japan but also the flying China. Other major players including Australia, America and the North Europe don’t sit idle as well. Prediction is that the ASEAN may play a crucial role of the last resort to save South Korea suffering from chronic weak growth. Needless to say, systematic and long-term approach is desperately needed in the unprecedented era of the AEC.

Establishment of the AEC and its implication(2)

Establishment of the AEC(ASEAN Economic Community)

What will be the ASEAN like in the time of the AEC? It may be too early to forecast the AEC in 10~20 years when the AEC just pulled up its anchor. Even short-term outlook is not an easy thing to challenge as emerging markets with high volatility consist of most parts of the region. This could explain why negative voices concerning the future of the AEC started to be echoed.

The question is whether the AEC can evolve itself something beyond a regional agreement body. Doubts are cast upon the significant disparity of the social and cultural environment among the member countries. In addition, neither a single currency nor a central decision-making tower as those in the EU can’t be found. There exists considerable economic gap in the region as well. For example, Singapore is acclaimed to be in the rich Northern Hemisphere while Cambodia only records per capita GDP of about 1,000 USD. In this sense, it is no wonder that a tough itinerary is anticipated on the way to the substantial integration of the AEC.

In spite of the skepticism raised, the importance of the birth of a sizable single economic community shouldn’t be underestimated. Along with Africa and South America, the ASEAN has been called as the symbol of underdeveloped areas. Thus, major powers like America, the EU and China would remain invincible if the ASEAN members try to compete with them individually. However, situation would be different if joint efforts of the 10 countries to cope with superpowers is designed and carried out.

As the old saying goes, “United we stand, divided we fall”, the countries will have their confidence built up step by step. The economic clout will be further strengthened if the ASEAN succeeds in actualizing the AEC. Consequently, the influence of the AEC on the regional security issues will be also growing bigger. Against this background, hopes are high that the beginning of the AEC will serve an opportunity to create a new landscape for the 21^st century.

Establishment of the AEC and its implication(1)

Establishment of the AEC(ASEAN Economic Community) 

The ASEAN(Association of Southeast Asian Nations), the 7^th largest economy in the world, seems quite noisy in the wake of the new year, 2017. Assassination at the airport of the capital city of Malaysia triggered huge fury from all over the world as the North Korean regime is suspected of the mastermind of the incident. While Myanmar is under international criticism for the massacre of its minority group, Indonesia sees social conflict with controversy of the majority religious party's alleged attempt to exercise influence on the political sector.

10 ASEAN members are faced with their own weighty political or diplomatic issues as mentioned. However, all countries may share their uniformed look at the 'AEC(ASEAN Economic Community)'. It is because the AEC came to the 2^nd year of its ambitious inauguration 47 years after the establishment of the ASEAN back in 1968.

Along with the ASEAN Political-Security Community and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, the concept of the AEC was born from the ASEAN 2025 adopted by the leaders of the ASEAN. According to the AEC blueprint 2025, part of the ASEAN 2025, the AEC rests on four pillars; a single market and production base; a competitive economic region; equitable economic development; and integration with the global economy.

The AEC has been expected to draw huge attention from the international society ever since it came into the world. It isn't too much to say that agendas of the AEC blueprint 2025 such as elimination of tariffs, facilitation of skilled labor mobility, liberalization of investment and promotion of connectivity have been greatly valued to the global community. In fact, meaningful progress was already achieved since more than 70% of the intra-regional trade has been conducted free from any types of tariff.

Why Indonesia(2)

An overview of Indonesia

Relationship between Indonesia and South Korea is getting closer as well. More and more young generation in Indonesia goes wild with South Korean celebrities while South Korean electronic goods, IT gadgets and food gain huge popularity among the public. 

In fact, the number of Indonesian visitors to South Korea already reached 200,000 in 2014. On the other hand, as many as 2,200 South Korean businesses have been actively involved in Indonesia to navigate a new growth engine such as Halal market to cope with the 21^st century.

Against this circumstance, it is a pity that Indonesia hasn’t been properly presented to South Koreans yet. Publications on Indonesia have mostly been focusing on tourism to Bali or Indonesian language learning. This is where ‘Why Indonesia’ initiates. 

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This book aims to introduce still-unfamiliar Indonesia to South Korea in an easy way. 3-year-long experience in Indonesia mixed with curiosity of a former journalist produced 35 stories over Indonesian politics, economy, society and culture. Major cities in Java Island like Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Jogjakarta, Solo(Surakarta) and Bali Island are touched upon, too. In addition, general map and information of Indonesia as well as simple Indonesian expressions are provided.

From the bottom of my heart, I sincerely hope ‘Why Indonesia’ will play a timely and meaningful role of narrowing distance between Indonesia and South Korea further. It couldn’t be better if this publication will prove itself helpful to those South Korean businesses and young people dreaming of their future in Indonesia.

Why Indonesia(1)

An overview of Indonesia

'Biggest island country in the world', 'Country with the largest Muslim population', 'Generate 40% of the total GDP(Gross Domestic Product) in ASEAN(The Association of Southeast Asian Nations)'.

All are called to describe Indonesia. Truly, the world is paying attention to Indonesia armed with the above top records even hard to get one by other nations. This is no exception to me, too. Truly speaking, my third book on Indonesia, 'Why Indonesia' came out against this background.

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Indonesia is being highlighted as the leader of emerging markets recently. Global money and talents have been rushing to Indonesia as its economy has shown a nearly-6%-solid growth on average during 2010-2014. A multi-national accounting firm even pictured a rosy outlook that Indonesia will be boasting of the 4^th biggest GDP in the world in 2050 followed by China, America and India. 

As a result of strengthened economic clout, Indonesia has been raising its voice in ASEAN(The Association of Southeast Asian Nations). This also seems to be in line with changes in political landscape especially in the wake of the latest presidential election in 2014 from which the first civilian president came to office.

Indonesia’s color is not less unique in cultural and social aspect. It is no doubt that Indonesia represents a country of multi-culture and multi-race. As widely known, more than 300 ethnic groups with over 700 languages are observed in the territory. This diversity is no exception in religious point of view. Though Indonesia has been considered as part of Islamic culture where around 85% of the population, some 210 million nationals are reported to be Muslims, religious freedom is preserved and protected under the constitution.

Putting things in place and order(整理整頓) is my power

A book for children’s self-esteem, 'I love myself'

‘What is learned in the cradle is carried to the tomb.’ Have you ever heard of this? This famous proverb represents that fixed habits are very difficult to be switched. On the other hand, if a decent habit is being formed from the early childhood, it continues to play an important role in our life. As an example, early developed children’s habits, going to bed and waking up early, and not complaining about food quality, can bring a positive impact on later stages of adulthood’s healthy life styles. This could explain why I made up my mind to write my second book, 'Putting things in place and order(整理整頓) is my power'.

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Putting things in place and order is no less important than above types of habits. If children’s belongings are put in place correctly on an everyday basis, these belongings are easily found whenever necessary. Putting things in order is not only a way to cherish our belongings but also a way to love and respect ourselves. This habit can teach us how to live in a neat way and how to live ourselves more transparently with a neatly arranged mindset.

Putting things in place and order is also a manner to care about others. Let’s imagine empty cans and snack packs are messed up and scattered around at public libraries. Visitors can undoubtedly frown at them. However, parents’ burdens could be much more relieved if things are put in place and order neatly. This kind of clean environments can provide a better place for students to study at school and people can pleasantly pay a visit to the public areas.

A good habit does not require a huge determination, but it merely requires a sincere attitude being developed by both parents and children on a daily life basis. Once the well-formed habit is successfully executed, children’s self-reliance and self-confidence can grow impeccably. Well-formed habits, at the end of the day, also assist children to achieve their goals. Putting things in place and order may seem small and trivial at first. But if continuously carried out, needless to say, it would provide amazing power to grow ourselves. 

Should go to a college?(2)

How successfully students of 6 Special High Schools and Meister High Schools get a job

Generally speaking, Asian countries have shown highest college entrance rate in the world. 3 major economies in Northeast Asia, South Korea, Japan and China have been in the front line of this 'college fever'. It is South Korea which boasts of the record-breaking entrance rate in the region. Believe it or not, more than 80% of high school graduates in South Korea was reported to directly advance to colleges back in 2005-2010.

Against this background, over the next 2 postings, I'd like to touch upon the intention why I decided to have my first book published. Titled 'Should go to a college?', this e-book has been acclaimed one of the early works on the issue in the South Korean society. 

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My book was born based upon these backgrounds. Since Bubsung High School, I have pondered over how to engage myself in other cases of exemplary special high schools and meister high schools. 5 other high schools were finally selected and introduced to this e-book along with Bubsung High School. Foundation principles and goals of these schools are all different. In addition, these 6 schools aren’t yet to be called best vocational schools in South Korea. However, there’s no doubt these schools have enhanced unique education programs to bring up young talented resources. 

‘Bubsung High School(School Enterprise)’, ‘Seoul Girls’ Commercial High School(Personality Education)’, ‘Suwon High School for Agricultural Science(Customized Education)’ and ‘Induk Technical High School(Internationalization)’ are special high schools where the South Korean public should exemplify. Expectation on the first graduates of two meister high schools in February of 2013, ‘Suwon Hi-tech High School(Industrial-Educational Collaboration)’ and ‘Wonju Medical Instruments High School(Differentiation)’ is high. These schools would be especially important to those parents whose kids soon advance to high schools.

It is a still long way to go. But from the bottom of my heart, I sincerely hope stories of these schools will surely spread to all over the country. In doing so, this book can serve a timely opportunity to have the society slept on the significance of all-pervading academic cliquism-inflation and desirable models of vocational education in South Korea.

Should go to a college?(1)

How successfully students of 6 Special High Schools and Meister High Schools get a job

Generally speaking, Asian countries have shown highest college entrance rate in the world. 3 major economies in Northeast Asia, South Korea, Japan and China have been in the front line of this 'college fever'. It is South Korea which boasts of the record-breaking entrance rate in the region. Believe it or not, more than 80% of high school graduates in South Korea was reported to directly advance to colleges back in 2005-2010.

Against this background, over the next 2 postings, I'd like to touch upon the intention why I decided to have my first book published. Titled 'Should go to a college?', this e-book has been acclaimed one of the early works on the issue in the South Korean society. 

    

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Back in spring in 2009, I was still a journalist. I had a dinner with professionals from an IT solution firm which has built online shopping malls for special high schools in South Korea. Discussions and chats related to a special high school named ‘Bubsung High School’ were brought upon to these folks. It is located in Yeonggwang-gun, Jeollanam-do where it brags about the largest production of dried yellow corvinas in South Korea. Teachers and students of Bubsung High School, via an online shopping mall called ‘Bubsungmall’, sold dried yellow corvinas and other local products nationwide.

The fact that this online shopping mall launched less than a year ago has monthly revenue of 10 million Korean Won(around 9,000USD) could be a surprising news to anybody. In other words, it was such great source that could quench thirst of curious journalists  who’s been longing for something unique to write. My first visit to Bubsung High School turned out to be a great anecdote. When I paid a second visit to the school 8 months later, Bubsungmall even reached revenue of 100 million Korean Won(around 90,000USD) per annum.

Bubsung High School’s story is something more than a good news. I was obligated that the public has a right to appreciate this trivial, but meaningful success story. In fact, the story imminently showcased a negative impact from South Korean hakbulism(academic cliquism) which resulted in discrimination and alienation against graduates of special high schools and fierce competition in resume management to college graduates, I believe. After my article was released, South Korean media professionals rushed to Bubsung High School to cover them into their own and even Japanese business start-ups came to South Korea to benchmark the school. My story’s sudden fame brought me a great confidence as well.