Given the challenges posed by this pandemic, the clamor for TVET to properly prepare their students to live and work in the 21st Century is becoming more relevant. This preparation includes providing students with important skills needed in 21st Century and Industrial Revolution (I.R.) 4.0. Thus, this is very important to make the 21st century skills and components of IR 4.0 an integral part of TVET curricula. This was the realization of CPSC in organizing the regional program to impart necessary concepts, integration processes, and guidelines to incorporate the very essential components- 21st century skills and components of IR 4.0 in the TVET system.

Ms. Apsorn Konrad from Thailand presenting her action plan to the session.

The program was held from May 17-21, 2021 through Zoom and was attended by 48 participants from Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines and Thailand. It was supervised by the Director General, Dr. Ramhari Lamichhane and was coordinated by Engr. Sanyog Bhattarai, CPSC Faculty Specialist. Engr. Abdul Ghani Rajput, CPSC Faculty Specialist, also gave his insights as a resource person.

During the opening ceremony, Dr. Ram emphasized that there should be change in the mindset towards modern TVET that follows the 21st century skills framework and should address not only 4.0 but to IR 5.0 as well.

Topics tackled include a special lecture on ensuring 21st century skills and IR 4.0 for the global competitiveness and innovation in the TVET, as well as topics such as: TVET 4.0 to address IR 4.0, effective vocational pedagogy to deliver 21st century skills, ICT & digital technology to integrate 21st century skills and IR 4.0 and curriculum design and framework incorporating 21st century skills.

In addition, they were asked to do SWOT analysis, identification of pedagogical tools to enhance session delivery, development of ICT tools, development of curriculum structure and formulation of action plans to translate the concepts into practical endeavors.

Group Picture of the First Group of Participants

Participants’ Response

Shirley Panglima (Philippines)
I am truly grateful to be a part of the program. I can especially relate to the part where the facilitators discussed about how we must develop the curriculum with the 21st century skills integrating IR 4.0 realities. In the Philippines, we need to transform the culture of teaching and learning from the traditional to digital and it has already started with a website. The TESDA online program is an open educational resource that aims to make technical education more accessible to Filipinos through the use of ICT.
Despite the pandemic, the CPSC has managed to conduct a very useful training. I am proud to say that I was part of this experience.
Dr. Phyo Wai Lin (Myanmar)
In behalf of the Myanmar team, we wish everyone well in their jobs. Right now, IR 4.0 is currently relevant in TVET and we would like to express our gratitude to the organizers for this 5-day training.