Society has changed. Fundamental changes in production and in the structure of organizations, and changing employment patterns, have rendered individuals increasingly insecure, living in uncertainty and in small units where they are no longer protected by a larger unit. Individuals have to survive and thrive with much stronger capacity in their emotions, attitudes, and ethical standards. In this context, the notion of twenty-first century skills and the expansion of competencies beyond hard knowledge and skills has come onto the agenda. However, the notion has been underpinned by different interpretations in different cultures. While the US framework seems to place more emphasis on performance in work, East Asian societies seem to consider attributes that lie within the person. In the realm of education, developing the person, and the values of serving the community and caring for others, seem to be essential. This chapter attempts to analyze such differences from a cultural perspective.