Dr Bob Aubrey

An economy finds itself in the middle-income trap (MIT) when it develops beyond its low-cost
competitive advantage but is unable to innovate and develop high value-added products and
services needed to compete with advanced economies. Although ASEAN has been a high-growth region, ASEAN has high inequality and 36 million people across Southeast Asia still live below the poverty line. Policies centred on human development are key for ASEAN’s future. Companies contribute to social mobility… Show more

An economy finds itself in the middle-income trap (MIT) when it develops beyond its low-cost
competitive advantage but is unable to innovate and develop high value-added products and
services needed to compete with advanced economies. Although ASEAN has been a high-growth region, ASEAN has high inequality and 36 million people across Southeast Asia still live below the poverty line. Policies centred on human development are key for ASEAN’s future. Companies contribute to social mobility and reduction of inequality through rising incomes for employees. But this evolution is only sustainable if accompanied by a more productive and innovative workforce and more advanced capabilities. Our survey findings show what business leaders can do in their companies to improve human development and how they would like to work with stakeholders to move beyond the middle-income trap. Show less

Studies of internship show that it increases employability and cross-border
internships give a strong employability advantage to students with practical
experience and exposure to the ASEAN community. In ASEAN, lack of awareness and capability of managing cross-border internships limits the number of internships in the region.

We reviewed the current visa regulations for cross-border internships
and found that mobility for interns is made difficult by fragmented and… Show more

Studies of internship show that it increases employability and cross-border
internships give a strong employability advantage to students with practical
experience and exposure to the ASEAN community. In ASEAN, lack of awareness and capability of managing cross-border internships limits the number of internships in the region.

We reviewed the current visa regulations for cross-border internships
and found that mobility for interns is made difficult by fragmented and complex
regulations across the region.

From our study we propose 9 recommendations intended to facilitate, accelerate
and ensure quality ASEAN cross-border internships for the current 12 million
youth engaged in higher education, as well as for future generations. Show less