In the startup world, everyone seems to have "scaling to the US" on their vision board. But what if there's a bigger, closer-to-home opportunity waiting to be seized?
Projected to be the world's fourth-largest economy by 2040, ASEAN boasts a young, education-hungry population. The recent ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in Melbourne solidified this point.
As panellists discussed the private sector's role in transforming regional education, the message was loud and clear:
“ASEAN is the place to be.”
The Summit's commitment to nurturing a robust future for ASEAN strongly aligns with HEX's core mission.
From our perspective, Southeast Asia isn't merely a promising economic growth hub; it represents an extraordinary opportunity for pioneering educational innovation and promoting inclusivity. This is precisely why HEX maintains a laser focus on the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, with a particular emphasis on Southeast Asia.
Here’s our take on ASEAN-Australia Special Summit 2024:
Education Accessibility Matters
The Summit highlighted the need for accessible and affordable education pathways.
Taking a distinctive approach, we're building alternative, affordable university-level pathways like HEX Ed Pro for students who might not get traditional visas or can't afford to study abroad. Programs specifically designed for women and girls were also part of HEX initiatives, aimed not only at empowering women in the industry but also at reversing the recent decline in female workforce participation in Southeast Asia.
Regional Understanding is Key
Embarking on the journey of learning English as a second language is a dynamic and transformative process.
At HEX, we offer engaging and interactive programs designed to empower individuals, enabling them to bridge cultural gaps, share diverse perspectives, and navigate our interconnected global society effectively.
Our team, consisting of 13 members representing 10 different ethnicities, uniquely understands the challenges faced by migrants and global citizens in the ASEAN region. While English serves as our primary teaching language, the collective proficiency of our team spans a diverse array of languages, presenting a valuable asset in crafting solutions tailored to the specific needs of the region.
Connections Build a Brighter Future
Forget replicating an Aussie perspective – HEX programs are about sharing global knowledge.
We connect students across programs in Vietnam, Singapore, Melbourne, the Pacific, Bengaluru, and beyond. This fosters cultural understanding, showcases the immense economic power and talent in Asia, and equips students with lifelong friendships, diplomacy skills, and the connections to fuel their careers and the region's future.
Learn more about HEX International 2024 Programs.
What’s for the Future?
This commitment to ASEAN is echoed by the Australian government. At the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit, commemorating the 50th anniversary of our partnership, Australia announced a significant package exceeding $500 million. This reinforces Australia's dedication to Southeast Asia, not just now, but for the long haul. The initiatives outlined in the ASEAN-Australia Joint Leaders’ Vision Statement and the Melbourne Declaration set a clear path for practical cooperation and shared aspirations across various sectors:
- Deepening economic and cultural ties
- Strengthening educational and environmental cooperation
The Australian Government's Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2024 aligns perfectly with our vision. We're proud to support half of their ten priority sectors:
- Education and Skills
- Visitor Economy
- Digital Economy
- Professional Services
- Creative Industries
Ready to join the conversation? Let's connect and transform education in ASEAN and Australia together!