Education has long been recognized as the cornerstone of development and advancement. As such, countries across the globes including those in Asia have entered 2025 with renewed commitments to advance their educational sectors.
Through its Education Modernization Plan, China aims to enhance the quality of higher education and promote lifelong learning in 2025. China’s Ministry of Education has told primary and secondary schools that they must step up science education as the world’s second largest economy looks to boost scientific and technological innovation and create new sources of growth. Furthermore, China has issued its first national action plan to build a “strong education nation” by 2035. This comprehensive plan is geared at coordinating China’s education development, improve efficiencies in innovation and build a “strong country”.
To remain ahead of the cutting edge, Japan continues to forge ahead with technology. A Japanese education ministry task force on Tuesday proposed allowing schools to exclusively use digital textbooks from around fiscal 2030. Based on this the proposal local education boards will be able to choose between traditional printed textbooks and digital ones to be used at schools.
And that’s not all that Japan is doing on the educational scene. Even as the country aims to improve its own educational growth, Japan understands that improving education everywhere would be even more beneficial. Therefore, the Japan government will provide a grant of US$ 3.24 million to Bangladesh for Fourth Primary Education Development Programme (PEDP-4). The grant assistance for the 5th year will be used for financial and budget management and teacher training and professional development, the handout said.
Through the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) Japan pledged over US$5.4 million on the International Day of Education to help accelerate children’s access to education in sub-Saharan Africa.
Not to be left out of technological advancement, the Korean government will introduce artificial intelligence (AI) textbooks for English, mathematics and information technology classes starting next year (2025). AI textbooks will be rolled out as planned in March next year for the three subjects, targeting third and fourth graders in elementary school, as well as first-year students in middle and high school. The ministry announced adjustment plans that will be applied from 2026. Digital textbooks will not be used in Korean and home economics, while the rollout for social studies and science will be delayed until 2027.
Education Minister Lee Ju-ho said “The new digital textbooks are designed to support personalized learning by tailoring content to each student’s level and pace. Teachers will also have access to data-driven insights, enabling more customized educational plans.”
In Singapore, learners of all ages will have more options as they navigate educational pathways, said Education Minister Chan Chun Sing. Through the Direct School Admission scheme, students can secure spots in school based on strengths in sports or arts. There will also be more varied learning options for work-study programs. Mr. Chan believes this initiative will move the students from “good to great”. As he outlined the 2025 Ministry of Education priorities he added that it is not about increasing one’s test scores, but developing innate qualities and life skills.
Meanwhile in The Philippines, the education sector received the elephant’s share of the 2025 national budget. President Ferdinand R Marcos signed the 2025 national budget into law. With that, the Team in charge of Education has accepted the huge responsibility on their shoulders. Education Secretary Sonny Angara preparing for 2025, emphasized the importance of reforming teacher education to address learning loss and prepare educators for the demands of 21st-century classrooms.
Minister of Education and Training in Vietnam, Mr. Nguyễn Kim Son reflected on 2024 achievements and shared plans for 2025. He noted that on the infrastructure and workforce front, a national conference on school construction and teacher accommodations, reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to achieving 100 per cent standardised school facilities by 2030. While teacher shortages remain challenging, flexible and decisive solutions have been implemented in many localities. In 2025, the mission is to build on the achievements of 2024 and continue advancing comprehensive educational reform with a key focus on finalising and implementing the Government’s Action Plan based on Conclusion No. 91-KL/TW that outlines actionable steps for educational development. Furthermore, 2025 will mark the launch of the new Early Childhood Education Programme on a pilot basis in 20 provinces and cities. This is a crucial step toward addressing challenges at this foundational, yet under-resourced, education level.
There is yet a long way to go, but Asia’s educational path seems to be getting brighter as time goes on. Hope for advancement looms large on the horizon.
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