Research released today by the Asia New Zealand Foundation has found less than 10 percent of school leavers are ‘Asia-ready’ and only 36 percent are ‘in the zone’ when it comes to Asia readiness.
The Foundation’s Losing Momentum – School Leavers’ Asia Engagement 2016 report also finds that while seven out of ten senior secondary school students believe Asia is important to New Zealand’s future, over six out of ten do not think Asia-related skills and knowledge will be important for the country’s future workforce.
This is a near 10 percentage points decline (46 percent to 37 percent) from when the Foundation first surveyed school leavers in 2012.
Members of the Asia-NZ Foundation at the panel
The survey also reveals 18 percent either ‘do not believe Asia is important to our future’ or ‘have no interest in Asia or Asian cultures’.
“This is a concerning trend given New Zealand’s present and future – economically, culturally and socially – are tied to Asia,” says Simon Draper, executive director of Asia New Zealand Foundation.
“If this continues, our kids will likely miss out on life-changing opportunities brought about by the rise of Asia’s influence and relevance to New Zealand.”
He noted businesses are increasingly looking for employees who have Asia-related skills and knowledge – and they are not getting those skills.
“All indicators suggest that Asia will play a critical role in young New Zealanders’ careers, their personal relationships, and their life experiences. Developing Asia-related competencies will be a necessity for their future.”
The survey also shows general knowledge of Asia has decreased. Students scored less than six out of nine on basic Asia questions, a small drop from 2012. “These trend lines are in the wrong direction. There needs to be a course correction if we want school leavers to thrive in the Asian century,” says Mr Draper.
The survey revealed an urban-rural and socio-economic divide. Those who feel they know nothing about Asian countries – about one in five students – are more likely to come from the two lowest deciles, are likely to be Maori or Pasifika, and live in a small town or rural area. “We don’t want a two-tier system when it comes to Asia readiness. This is a bad outcome and is unfair,” says Mr Draper.