Minister of Education and Training Pham Vu Luan has suggested the Southeast Asia Ministers of Education Organisation’s Regional Language Centre (SEAMEO RELC) improves the professional skills of English teachers in Vietnam.

Luan, who is also Chairman of the SEAMEO Council Conference, revealed this suggestion to the media after his working session with top SEAMEO RELC officials in Singapore on April 15.

The centre has in the past partnered with branches to offer Masters courses on English teaching, he said. Such a degree has been offered by the SEAMEO Regional Training Centre based in Vietnam. Luan said he highly values this support and hopes that it continues in the future.

SEAMEO RELC Director Tay Sor Har expressed her willingness to send a group of staff to Vietnamese schools to survey English learning and teaching, thereby devising a plan to expand connections between Singapore and Vietnam.

Meanwhile, Minister Luan told the media that while working with Singaporean Minister of Education Heng Swee Keat on April 14, both sides discussed joint work in training excellent students, English-language teachers and improving the quality of human resources in schools.

The two sides reached a consensus on facilitating exchanges of students, teachers and graduates, and sharing outcomes of studies to handle common issues.

Earlier in Brunei on April 8-11, Luan and his Brunei counterpart Pehin Abu Bakar Apong signed a memorandum of understanding on education cooperation between the two governments, expressing hope that both sides will share more information through exchange visits and seminars.

Brunei vowed to welcome more qualified Vietnamese lecturers coming to teach at its educational establishments.

Established in 1965, SEAMEO groups Singapore, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, Timor Leste, and eight associate members. It has set up 20 regional centres and networks to conduct studies and training in education, science and culture, among others.-VNA