NewsFeed

April 3, 2025

Employers Prioritize Skills Over Formal Education

University degrees may not be as crucial in the job market as they once were, according to Tim Duggan, a work columnist. He suggests that many employers are now more focused on skills and experience rather than formal education. This shift is partly due to the increasing importance of continuous learning and adaptability in the workforce.

https://www.smh.com.au/business/workplace/are-uni-degrees-really-that-important-any-more-20250403-p5lovq.html

April 3, 2025

Indonesia Launches Student Loan Scheme in August 2025

Indonesia's government plans to launch a student loan scheme in August or September 2025 through collaboration with the Education Fund Management Institution (LPDP) and the banking sector. The scheme will provide loans to students, similar to micro business loans, with insurance coverage provided by LPDP. Repayments will be made automatically from borrowers' salaries, minimizing consequences. The government aims to reduce the risk of bad credit, while students won't pay interest on the loan, except for a fixed rate paid by LPDP at the beginning of the loan.

https://en.tempo.co/read/1993003/higher-education-ministry-details-student-loan-plan-in-indonesia

April 3, 2025

Memphis School Board Fights State Intervention Plan

The Memphis school board is opposed to a new bill proposal that would give the state control over the district's governance. The proposed amendment allows the state to intervene if at least 30% of schools receive failing grades, 25% of students are chronically absent, and the county legislative body declares no confidence in the school board. State Education Commissioner White believes this is a step in the right direction but wants more significant changes.

https://www.chalkbeat.org/tennessee/2025/04/03/state-lawmakers-propose-intervention-memphis-shelby-county-schools/

April 3, 2025

MoHESR Unveils Outcome-Based Evaluation Framework for HEIs

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has established an Outcome-based Evaluation Framework for higher education institutions (HEIs). The framework assigns weights to six key pillars: Employment Outcomes, Learning Outcomes, Collaboration with Partners, Scientific Research Outcomes, Reputation and Global Presence, and Community Engagement. These pillars will be evaluated using predefined performance indicators, ensuring a comprehensive and data-driven assessment of HEIs in the country.

https://www.emirates247.com/uae/ministry-of-higher-education-and-scientific-research-introduces-faster-licensure-and-accreditation-for-heis-adopts-outcome-based-evaluation-framework-2025-04-03-1.738496

April 3, 2025

San Antonio Educator Loses Benefits After 50 Years

Evangeline, a dedicated San Antonio educator, spent over 50 years teaching at Passmore Elementary School before her passing. Unfortunately, after exhausting her sick days and paid time off, the school district terminated her health benefits. Despite this, staff members from both the school and district showed concern for Evangeline's well-being while she was hospitalized.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14563805/school-fire-drill-teacher-leg-amputated-evangeline-riojas.html

April 3, 2025

Scaling Up Vocational Training in Pakistan's Workforce

In Pakistan, a significant gap exists between theoretical vocational training and practical industry exposure, hindering skill development among young people. Initiatives like the 'Roshni Baji' programme, which trained women as certified electricians in Karachi, have shown promise in breaking gender norms. However, these isolated efforts need to be scaled up and integrated into national labour policies to create a meaningful impact. Strengthening vocational training is critical, with institutions expanding and curricula aligned with industry needs. A multi-faceted approach is required, including structured apprenticeships, tax incentives for businesses, and workplace inclusivity policies such as subsidised childcare and anti-discrimination laws.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1297320-bridging-skill-gaps-tackling-unemployment-in-pakistan

April 3, 2025

Students Burdened by Rising College Costs Nationwide

A recent survey conducted by an official from the federation found that high prices are significantly impacting college life, particularly among students struggling to repay student loans. The study involved 11,590 undergraduate students at public and private universities across the country, who shared their concerns about the rising costs.

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/04/03/japan/college-students-living-costs/

April 3, 2025

Utah Teachers Union Fights for Federal Funding Protection

Utah's Education Department is facing calls to be eliminated, with some arguing it would streamline bureaucracy and allow local control over funding. However, Utah's teachers union, led by President Renée Pinkney, warns that this could harm disadvantaged and special education students who rely on federal support. The state's schools already struggle with staffing shortages, and eliminating federal dollars could exacerbate the issue, according to Pinkney.

https://www.deseret.com/utah/2025/04/02/school-board-letter-signals-support-of-trumps-actions-against-education-department/

April 3, 2025

Vietnam Unveils National Digital Architecture Framework 4.0

Vietnam's Ministry of Science and Technology has released Version 4.0 of its national digital architecture framework, aiming to ensure consistency and cohesion across government levels while enhancing collaboration between central and local governments. The updates align with the 2023 Electronic Transactions Law and Resolution 57, focusing on building ministerial and provincial-level digital architectures that meet national goals and socio-economic strategies. The new version provides clearer guidance on aligning local frameworks with national priorities, integrating legal requirements, and adhering to modernisation, safety, and efficiency principles.

https://opengovasia.com/2025/04/03/framework-4-0-enhancing-digital-government-in-vietnam/