The week-long diplomatic mission comprised productive dialogues with governments, economic entities, and post-secondary institutions across the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam. The aim was to foster reciprocal relationships that would enhance B.C.’s health care system, micro-credential programs, trade, and appropriate credential recognition for foreign-trained professionals.
In a recent educational mission to Southeast Asia, British Columbia’s Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills Selina Robinson, made significant strides toward fortifying both the economy and international relationships. This advancement is anticipated to create a wave of benefits for the inhabitants of the province.
“By staying competitive and maintaining connections with our global counterparts, we are fortifying our own economy and labor market,” Robinson pointed out. She underlined how essential education and skills training are for empowering workers, students, and employers to explore new possibilities, leading to job creation and innovation.
The week-long diplomatic mission comprised productive dialogues with governments, economic entities, and post-secondary institutions across the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam. The aim was to foster reciprocal relationships that would enhance B.C.’s health care system, micro-credential programs, trade, and appropriate credential recognition for foreign-trained professionals.
Robinson’s mission aligns with British Columbia’s Trade Diversification Strategy, and Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy, which seeks to bolster economic opportunities, amplify funding, and widen trade and investment through education and interpersonal connections. The B.C. Council for International Education, a Crown agency of the province, backed this endeavor.
The mission incorporated a myriad of impactful meetings. Discussions with the Philippines’ Commission on Higher Education and potential partner institutions set the stage for stronger collaborations. In another notable interaction, the Philippines Department of Migrant Workers exchanged ideas about enhanced recognition of Filipino healthcare workers’ education and credentials.
An engaging session with the Singapore Ministry of Education shed light on the effectiveness of linking skills training with labor market demand. In Vietnam, meetings aimed at supporting a 2021 memorandum of understanding between the Vietnamese government and B.C.
Furthermore, Robinson connected with the Canada-ASEAN Business Council, Global Affairs Canada, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, enhancing the mission’s impact.
The mission ensued after the unveiling of the StrongerBC: Future Ready Action Plan on May 2, 2023. The plan is focused on making education more accessible, affordable, and relevant for the residents of B.C. The province has pledged an investment of CAD480 million (around$365.9 million) over three years to facilitate this initiative.
