Can industrial revolution 4.0 increase access and equity to HE in SE Asia?

This brief highlights policies and procedures adopted by governments in South East Asia to increase better access to higher education among the lower socio-economic population groups. Increasing skills, knowledge, and competencies will create a competitive workforce for the manufacturing industry that is fast adopting Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR 4.0) for increased production and viability. The brief also outlines the challenges faced in actualizing these policies. It highlights the impact of Covid-19 in accelerating technology use in higher education, as well as underscoring the increased gaps in access to higher education in the region due to Covid-19. The policy brief concludes with recommendations of best practices adopted in developed countries that are grounded in collaboration and sharing of resources.