Prince of Songkla University invites the Prime Minister to deliver a special talk on “Public Strategies and Sustainable Development for the South”

Prince of Songkla University in conjunction with the Prince of Songkla University Alumni Association organized a public-private seminar on “Public Strategies and Sustainable Development for the South” at PSU International Convention Center, with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva as a keynote speaker via videoconferencing system and Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, ASEAN Secretary General giving a talk on “ASEAN Community and Sustainable Development of Southern Thailand”. This is to find out from the country leaders the directions and strategic plans in developing the south so that directions for systematic moves can be specified, resulting in good atmosphere in trades, investment and tourism which would help in confidence building and economic growth. Another aim was the fund-raising for the alumni.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva talked via the videoconferencing system that the government’s view on the development and solution of problems in the south was not different from the policy that had been laid that peace and security are looked after by soldiers and police. However, the government has additional economic measures aiming at sustainable development. “The heart of the solution of problems is development and fairness”. At present, SBPAC is being revived and put under the Prime Minister’s supervision. The law has been approved and expected to be implemented next year, making the integrated administration clear. The government is aiming at discontinuing the use of the special law in the area and reducing the size of the force.

Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, ASEAN Secretary General, gave a talk on “ASEAN Community and Sustainable Development of Southern Thailand”. He said that “ASEAN” is a multicultural region and the south of Thailand is very similar in that there are many religions. It is the model of this globalized world which has to integrate many cultures together. The uniting of ASEAN community makes it the market that once one enters, trading can be made with people of 10 different countries. However, how large the share each country will get depends on how well-prepared each is in terms of infrastructure and human resources. An important thing is the peace within the country. If there is still confrontation, it will be difficult to compete in this arena.

In the history, the south is the destination for people migration via the sea. It is the origin of civilization of the region. Hence, southern people were ready to learn and understand. Some communities were ready to become marketers, investors, and guides since they know and understand more about the language and culture of ASEAN than those living in the north of ASEAN. Only some beliefs and attitudes have to be adjusted.

“ASEAN Community” was established so that there are alternatives and challenges for the generations to follow in terms of occupations, especially, engineers, medical doctors, accountants and tourism industry personnel. In 2015, the agreement to certify these study programs in the Community’s countries will be implemented. However, the ability to compete can be high only if one is truly capable in his own field.