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Knowledge On Asean Should Be Taught Since Primary School



KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 19 (Bernama) -- The younger generation should be taught on Asean as early as in primary school, Information Ministry Parliamentary Secretary Noriah Kasnon said Tuesday.

She said that learning about Asean at an early age would ensure that the future leaders would understand the grouping better, harbouring love and inculcating a deep sense of belonging towards Asean.

"I think much more needs to be done to address the shortcomings in term of introducing Asean to people at an early stage in our education system.

"I suggest that the education system in Asean countries give due emphasis on imparting knowledge about Asean even as early as the primary school level," she said at the opening of the Regional Level Asean Quiz competition, here.

Noriah said introducing Asean at a very young age would ensure that the Asean community evolve into a close knit society with the aim of "ten nations, one community".

Incepted in 1967, the Association of Southeast Asian nations (Asean) comprises Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Brunei, the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos. Its founding members were Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

She said her ministry's task was also to introduce Asean to the people, to foster better understanding and goodwill among the Asean population.

The Asean Quiz, organised by Malaysia this year is the third in the series, after Bangkok in 2002 and Bandar Sri Begawan in 2004, involving selected students of upper secondary level from all the 10 Asean countries, aged between 16 and 19 years, who had to answer question on matters pertaining to Asean and its member countries on politics, economy, social, arts and culture, history and sports.

The quiz was intended to broaden the students' knowledge and understanding of Asean's role and functions.

-- BERNAMA