Notable Progress and Prospective Challenges in Diverse Regions of South and Southeast Asia

This chapter investigates trends, current statuses and challenges of the educational situation in relation to macro cross-sectional data, with a particular focus on Southeast and South Asia, based on the case study of countries in both regions, in order to identify the progress towards achieving the EFA/MDGs and SDGs. Specifically, the study analysed the school enrolment, completion, repetition and dropout status of primary education in both regions and the trends and current status of gender differences in education. In addition, the study also identified educational challenges faced by both regions, focusing on issues related to ethnic minorities, medium of instruction, socio-economic backgrounds and the expansion of secondary education. However, macro cross-sectional data alone have limitations in accurately understanding the actual situation of grade repetition and school dropouts; problems with schooling occur concerning ethnic minority groups and disparate socio-economic conditions in Southeast and South Asia countries. Therefore, it is necessary to utilise micro longitudinal data, which focuses on and values the individual, together with macro cross-sectional data to grasp more accurate educational status towards achieving new educational goals of SDGs.