English language teachers in Southeast Asia have to properly prepare for the reality of the changes proposed for the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015. Besides teaching they have to be able to manage their classrooms to accommodate the new era within the ASEAN learning communities. Lots of things in education might be changed ranging from educational systems, curricula, teaching methods and requirements of the teachers. All of those may be affected. In 2015, bilingual or multilingual teachers will be on demand to serve all schools even in the local or provincial educational districts. English is the most important language, and it is clearly the key to success and opportunity in the new ASEAN community. It is not only the official language in a country, but it is also the ‘world language’ which is used across the globe for nearly all international dialogue and trade. Moreover, World Englishes and English for Specific Purposes will be needed to teach and serve the ASEAN communities when the free market across ASEAN opens. Its education policies must certainly adapt to meet the demands and requirements of an open labor market. And that is why all teachers in Southeast Asia have to be aware of the changes. Without strong English skills, people within the ASEAN community will not only be prevented from progressing beyond unskilled and menial jobs, teachers without strong English skill will face even bigger problems.

 

Therefore, teachers in each country will be prepared, trained and equipped to best respond to the English language needs of the imminent changes coming in the ASEAN Economic Community.