Education

While health and safety is at the core of Abu Dhabi’s initiative to close villa schools, the push will also have positive knock-on effects for the local construction sector by creating opportunities to build educational facilities to replace them.

Qatar is taking definitive steps to refine its education system, increasing the focus on preparation for employment in a knowledge-based society as the government works to boost job opportunities and diversify the economy.

On February 27, when outlining his government’s proposed plan of action, Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit told parliament that he was firmly committed to extending financial support to the nation’s universities to overcome any funding shortfalls and to continue to expand their activities. Directing more energy and money towards courses that meet the needs of the economy will help give Jordan’s education system a sharper focus and provide students with the skills required to find employment after graduation.

Brunei Darussalam is planning to strengthen its technical and vocational education system by increasing the number of institutions providing training, expanding the range of courses on offer and establishing exchange programmes with neighbouring countries.

Given that a major part of the government’s strategy for Malaysia’s economic development depends on a dynamic education sector, plans by one of India’s leading educational providers is to set up a new $180m university in Kuala Lumpur have been welcomed.

The commitment of substantial funds to expand a preschool programme could be an important step in Indonesia’s ongoing efforts to improve its education system through greater financial support and better access.