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Current Status of Main Industries in the Sulu-Sulawesi Economic Corridor

    Greater Sulu-Sulawesi Economic Corridor Current Status of Main Industries in the Sulu-Sulawesi Economic Corridor       Young Kyung Ko (ASEAN Center, Asiatic Research Institute, Korea University)       The Greater Sulu-Sulawesi Economic Corridor (GSSC) encompasses a vast area including the northern Sulawesi of Indonesia and the Sulu Archipelago of the Philippines. This region is rich in marine resources and possesses abundant natural resources such as nickel, coal, and natural gas. The primary industries include agriculture, mining, and fisheries, constituting the primary sector, with manufacturing industries interconnected with these primary sectors and tourism-centered services supporting the regional economy.   GSSC (Upper-right pentagon) within the Priority Economic Corridors in BIMP-EAGA Source: UNODC (2016) Protecting peace and prosperity in Southeast Asia: synchronizing economic and security agendas p9,  https://www.unodc.org/roseap/uploads/archive/documents/download/2017/Economic_Integration_07_05_Feb_2016.pdf     In the Mindanao region, the main agricultural products include bananas, coconuts, rice, corn, and abaca. Coconuts are produced throughout Mindanao, while palm oil is produced in the Caraga region. In the Indonesian territory of North Sulawesi, fertile soils support the cultivation of various crops such as corn, onions, cloves, and potatoes. Apart from selling the crops themselves, the dried coconut processing industry has also become a significant business. However, agriculture and food industries within the GSSC still operate at relatively low levels of technological application. For instance, Cavendish bananas from Mindanao are mostly exported in fresh condition, while some Cardaba bananas are processed into banana chips or utilized for crafting banana fiber products.   The fishing industry is another major sector within the Greater Sulu-Sulawesi Economic Corridor. In Mindanao, one of the three main export industries is fisheries, and in North Sulawesi, abundant seafood such as squid, mackerel, tuna, and clams are caught. Tuna cans are also produced in the northern regions of Sulawesi. However, similar to agriculture, the fishing industry also faces limitations in producing high-value-added products due to its small scale.   The timber industry in the GSSC Corridor has thrived based on abundant forest resources. Mindanao is a prime hub for the timber industry, accounting for over 60% of the Philippines' timber product exports. Utilizing light mahogany, it produces premium construction and structural timber products, along with various types of plywood, veneer, and lumber products being manufactured and sold. North Sulawesi, on the other hand, is renowned for furniture made from coconut trees. While furniture manufacturers in this region offer diverse products, their inability to establish large-scale production facilities limits their market expansion.   The Greater Sulu-Sulawesi Economic Corridor has witnessed prosperity in the development of underground resources such as oil, gas, nickel, and coal. While mineral resource development has provided employment opportunities and stimulated the local economy, projects concentrated on mining have been criticized for causing environmental pollution and exacerbating exploitative economic practices. These projects have primarily served as bases for producing raw materials or processed goods, thereby hindering the growth of high-value-added industries within the region.   Among the manufacturing sectors, the food processing industry and shipbuilding industry are gaining prominence. With abundant production of crops and seafood in the region, the food processing industry has flourished to process and commercialize these agricultural and marine products. The Greater Sulu-Sulawesi Economic Corridor, being a maritime region, experiences a significant volume of ships and movement for fishing and trade. The areas of Mindanao and western Kalimantan have favorable conditions and demand for shipbuilding and repair industries. Like agriculture and fisheries, for the manufacturing sector in this region to grow, it requires pathways to enhance competitiveness and access to larger markets.   The Greater Sulu-Sulawesi Economic Corridor has substantial growth potential based on its geographical location and abundant resources. To generate more added value than at present, growth in primary industries such as mining, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, along with related manufacturing, requires expanding value chains through cross-border investments and enhancing logistical capabilities to achieve economies of scale. Furthermore, development strategies such as establishing advanced processing and distribution systems are necessary to secure competitiveness in the international market. The Greater Sulu-Sulawesi Economic Corridor is strengthening transportation infrastructure connectivity and enhancing incentives and institutional support to attract investments, aiming for regional economic development and value chain enhancement.        Source: BIMP-EAGA INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN CORRIDOR VALUE CHAINS (2017) p70-74,  https://bimp-eaga.asia/sites/default/files/publications/bimp-eaga-investment-opportunities-in-corridor-value-chains.pdf            

2024.09.12

Status of Human Resource Development in BIMP-EAGA

    BIMP-EAGA's 5 Key Strategic Pillars: Socio-Cultural and Education Status of Human Resource Development in BIMP-EAGA     Bo-Kyung Gu (Korea Institute for ASEAN Studies, Busan University of Foreign Studies)     In 2017, the BIMP-EAGA adopted a prioritized development strategy with Connectivity, Food Basket, Tourism, Environment, and Socio-cultural and Education, supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), to build an integrated cooperation framework. Particularly, the education sector emphasizes the significance of producing competent talents based on demand and fostering mutual growth through knowledge sharing, skills development programs, and personnel exchanges in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.   EAGA is a region characterized by over 200 indigenous groups who use their native languages and various dialects, each with its own unique culture. To enhance cohesion and exchange among these diverse communities and to foster talent, a Human Resource Development (HRD) cooperation strategy has been formulated. And EAGA regional governments and the private sector are actively expanding partnerships in this endeavor.   The main HRD cooperation initiatives of BIMP-EAGA consist of three key components. Firstly, the organization hosts TVET forums and education summits. Secondly, it focuses on establishing networks for TVET and Higher Education Institutions (HEI). Lastly, it drives the BIMP-EAGA Entrepreneurship Camp to promote entrepreneurial spirit in the region.     TVET Forum & HEIs Summit Exchange of expertise and core competencies among educational institutions, with regular events ∙1st BIMP-EAGA TVET Youth Tech Camp, 2004 ∙1st BIMP-EAGA TVET Leaders Forum, Davao, Philippines, 2014 ∙1st BIMP-EAGA TVET Forum, Davao, Philippines, 2016 ∙1st BIMP-EAGA TVET HEI Summit, Sabah, Malaysia, 2017 ∙2nd BIMP-EAGA TVET Forum and HEIs Summit, Palawan, 2018 ∙3rd BIMP-EAGA TVET Conference, Kuching, Malaysia, 2023  TVET, HEI  Network ∙Solidarity between TVET and HEI ∙Strengthening partnerships between academia and industry for education development aligned with AQRF ∙Facilitating technology and research transfer and labor mobility through teacher and student exchanges ∙BIMP-EAGA Conference hosted by Palawan State University and Sabah University, 2023. BIMP-EAGA Entrepreneurship Camp ∙For 30 TVET and HEI students only. Focusing on fostering entrepreneurial spirit, leadership skills and knowledge, cultural awareness, and enhancing creative and critical thinking abilities. ∙1st BIMP-EAGA Entrepreneurship Virtual Camp, 2021  ∙1st BIMP-EAGA Entrepreneurship Competition, 2022 Tourism Expert Training ∙"Tourism" sector is one of the core development areas within BIMP-EAGA, necessitating strengthened efforts in training and developing experts to enhance the tourism industry in EAGA. ∙Development of education and training programs adhering to ASEAN tourism standards. ∙Implementation of pilot projects to dispatch tourism professionals of equivalent positions within EAGA. Source: BIMP-EAGA, BIMP-EAGA TVET, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, BIMP-EAGA VISION 2025   At the 2nd TVET Forum and HEIs Summit held in Palawan, Philippines in 2018, discussions revolved around HRD cooperation measures, focusing on "① Project Management Inspection ② Public Awareness Enhancement ③ Strengthening Competency-Based Education Responsive to Knowledge-Based Society ④ Improvement of Monitoring and Evaluation Management." Additionally, China and the Northern Territory Government of Australia proposed various collaboration methods, including the expansion of sharing higher and technical education aligned with the ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework (AQRF).   The 1st BIMP-EAGA Entrepreneurship Camp, hosted by the Brunei government in 2021, brought together students and graduates from TVET institutions and HEIs, as well as industry stakeholders, to discuss topics related to "Entrepreneurship in the Era of COVID-19." Discussions focused on leadership skills, entrepreneurial knowledge development, and technology entrepreneurship activation.   In 2022, as an extension of the Entrepreneurship Camp, the "BIMP-EAGA Entrepreneurship Competition" was organized as a pilot program. Targeting Bruneian students, the competition featured free discussions on various topics such as agricultural technology artificial intelligence, digitization, food and beverage, and waste management. It was assessed to have positively impacted human resource development by enhancing students' entrepreneurial awareness and strengthening their capabilities.   In 2023, the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technological Research (MEITD) of Sarawak State and Sarawak Skills, a government-supported technical education and training institution, jointly organized a TVET conference. The conference provided a platform for sharing the status of education and technical programs among educational institutions and strengthening partnerships. Participants discussed various subtopics such as innovation and technology, human resource management and prospects, green TVET, and enhancing partnerships between BIMP-EAGA TVET and HEIs, based on the demand in the rapidly changing job market. They presented case studies and shared best practices to discuss improvement strategies.       BIMP-EAGA TVET Conference 2023 Source: BIMP-EAGA, https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=514981780817838&set=a.163778919271461   BIMP-EAGA's higher education cooperation adopts the existing ASEAN program, the ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework (AQRF). Led by universities such as the University of Sabah Malaysia (UMS) and the University of Sarawak (UNIMAS), a total of 35 higher education institutions are collaborating. Key activities include student exchange programs between universities (ASEAN International Mobility for Students, AIMS), the ASEAN Credit Transfer System (ACTS), and quality assurance guidelines for higher education (AUN AQ Guideline, UNESCO APQN Toolkit). These initiatives not only promote academic exchanges within BIMP-EAGA but also expand international regional networks.   AIMS, initiated as a pilot project by the governments of Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre specialising in Higher Education and Development (SEAMEO RIHED) in 2009, has now evolved into a key educational cooperation program within ASEAN. BIMP-EAGA utilizes the AIMS program to foster the development of globally competent talents while encouraging international student exchanges to mitigate disparities in educational environments.       AIMS Virtual Regional Orientation Source: AIMS, https://aims-rihed.net/story-posts/aims-virtual-regional-orientation/   Recently, there has been a call to reassess the existing Human Resource Development (HRD) strategies in response to the technological innovations and advancements that have emerged in the EAGA following the pandemic. With the onset of the digital transformation era, it is imperative to discuss concrete measures to support digital education, ensuring that human resources can adequately adapt to market demands and crises.        

2024.09.12

The “Last Frontier” of the Philippines, Palawan

    The “Last Frontier” of the Philippines, Palawan       Hojai Jung (Asia Center, Seoul National University)     Palawan and Mindanao are the major islands within the BIMP-EAGA region in the Philippines. The Philippines is subdivided into seventeen regions and Palawan is an island province located in the Mimaropa, Region IV. The name MIMAROPA is a portmanteau that stands for its provinces, which are: MIndoro Occidental and Oriental, MArinduque, ROmblon and PAlawan     Palawan Island Map Source: google map, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Palawan_Island_Red.png     Palawan is the largest province (11,690.44 km²) in the Philippines in terms of total land area. It is located in the western part of the country and is composed of the main Palawan Island, as well as numerous smaller islands and islets, with an approximate coastline stretching 1,892.29 kilometers.   According to the 2020 Census, Palawan's population stood at 939,594, making up 29.10% of the total population of the MIMAROPA Region, 1.51% of Luzon Island's overall population, and 0.86% of the entire population of the Philippines.   The provincial capital of Palawan is Puerto Princesa City, located on the eastern coast of Palawan Island. Puerto Princesa serves as the administrative and economic center of the province. Palawan is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, characterized by pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, limestone cliffs, and lush tropical forests. It is often referred to as the "Last Frontier" of the Philippines due to its rugged and undeveloped landscapes.     Palawan Mangrove Forest     Palawan is recognized as one of the most biodiverse regions in the Philippines and is acknowledged as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including unique species not found anywhere else on Earth. Palawan's coastal and marine ecosystems boast 379 species of corals, 13 species of seagrasses, and 31 species of mangroves. The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, the first Philippine site to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1993, is located within Palawan's jurisdiction. Palawan's mangrove forest covers an area of 44,500 hectares, making it the area with the largest remaining mangrove cover in the Philippines. Mangroves play a crucial role as habitats for marine life, reptiles, and birds, as well as in preventing land erosion.            

2024.05.03

Puerto Princesa, the Capital City of the Province of Palawan

    Puerto Princesa, the Capital City of the Province of Palawan       Hojai Jung (Asia Center, Seoul National University)     Puerto Princesa, the largest city and capital of Palawan Island, covers an area of 2,381.02 km2 and has a population of 307,079 people. This city boasts sufficient depth for a variety of vessel sizes to anchor, earning its name, "Puerto Princesa," which translates to "Princess Port" in English, thanks to its advantageous geographical location.   Located approximately 50 kilometers north of downtown Puerto Princesa on Palawan Island's northern coast lies one of Palawan's most famous attractions—the Puerto Princesa Underground River. Stretching beneath the limestone karst terrain of the St. Paul Mountains, the Puerto Princesa Underground River has been excavated to a total length of 8.2 kilometers, making it the longest underground river in the world. The St. Paul Mountains were formed by the erosion of massive layers of limestone formations dating back between 23 million and 5.3 million years ago, resulting in the creation of karst landscapes, caves, and underground rivers. Adorned with impressive stalactites and stalagmites, the underground caves offer a captivating sight. The most unique feature of the underground river is its direct flow into the sea, where downstream regions are influenced by tidal movements, resulting in a mix of freshwater and saltwater.     Puerto Princesa Underground River National Park     The forested areas of the Puerto Princesa Underground River region are abundant with hardwood trees, while the coastal areas are home to mangroves, mossy forests, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. Within the protected area, several endangered species inhabit the region, including the Palawan Peacock Pheasant (Polyplectron napoleonis), Palawan tree shrew (Tupaia palawanensis), Palawan porcupine (Hystrix pumila), Palawan stink badger (Mydaus marchei), and dugong (Dugong dugon). Additionally, various species of swiftlets and bats are known to inhabit the tunnels and underground spaces of the river.   In 1971, the Philippine government designated the Puerto Princesa Underground River as a national park to preserve its natural landscape and ecosystem. Recognizing its exceptional universal value in terms of karst geomorphology, biodiversity, and cultural significance, UNESCO designated the Puerto Princesa Underground River as a World Heritage Site in 1999. In 2012, it was also voted as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature through a global poll.     Puerto Princesa Underground River     Tourists can experience the breathtaking underground landscapes and unique cave ecosystems of the Puerto Princesa Underground River through guided boat tours. However, to prevent potential damage to the delicate cave ecosystem due to increasing visitor numbers, the daily visitor limit is enforced, and individual visitors without guides must obtain separate entry permits. Palawan, renowned for its beautiful natural landscapes, and the Underground River Natural Park symbolize the Philippines' efforts towards environmental conservation and sustainable tourism.            

2024.04.30

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