Based on the examples provided below, and without delving into the financial mathematics, it would enhance one’s educational experience and value far more than a system without such flexibility. In economics, we refer to this as being on the Pareto efficiency frontier, where resources and opportunities are allocated in the most efficient manner.

Flexibility holds intrinsic value in various aspects of life – careers, investment plans, and policymaking. A key reason for this is the uncertainty that surrounds future outcomes. Whether it is predicting the trajectory of financial markets, the global economy, the exchange rate of the Vietnamese dong, or even getting into a car accident, our ability to foresee the future is inherently limited.

This unpredictability is evident in the changing demands of the workforce. In Vietnam, more than 50 percent of students are expected to access online education by 2025, with universities increasingly offering remote and flexible degree programmes. At the same time, all learners and educators will be managed through digital IDs and platforms, signalling a nationwide push for reskilling and upskilling. With rapid growth in sectors such as high-tech manufacturing, IT, healthcare, and renewable energy, Vietnam’s job market is evolving fast – and so must its education system.

At the same time, companies in Vietnam are rethinking how they attract and retain talent, placing increased emphasis on hybrid work models, digital hiring platforms, and internal talent mobility. Meanwhile, job seekers are seeking meaningful careers with better work-life integration, ongoing professional development, and competitive compensation. These dynamics underscore the need for an educational system that can keep pace with change.

To support this shift, Vietnam’s National Digital Transformation Programme sets ambitious targets for 2025. Education is one of the priority sectors, with goals including personalised learning through digital platforms and the integration of AI tools in classrooms. The broader plan also aims for the digital economy to contribute 20 percent to the country’s GDP, and for most government services to be accessible via mobile devices. These efforts reflect a strong national commitment to building a future-ready, flexible education ecosystem.

Consider the current unpredictability of global events and their implications for education. In today’s rapidly changing world, traditional systems may no longer suffice. For instance, educational models that rigidly define paths without accommodating individual needs or interests risk leaving many behind. Additionally, the prevailing uncertainty presents a tremendous opportunity for ASEAN countries to collaborate for the betterment of humanity in the region, particularly in the field of education.

This is where the concept of flexibility becomes critical in education. Allowing learners to tailor their journeys based on personal or professional goals, or even unforeseen circumstances, enhances the overall value of education. Gap years, modular learning, and asynchronous courses are examples of how education systems can adapt to accommodate diverse needs.

Across the ASEAN region, there is growing recognition of the need for adaptive learning structures. Prestigious institutions have adopted models that allow students to pause their studies, explore interdisciplinary fields, or even take courses remotely. These practices not only enrich the individual learning experience but also contribute to society by fostering creativity, resilience, and adaptability among learners.

Take, for example, the emergence of digital and online learning in the last decade. Universities worldwide such as MIT, Cornell University, and Yale University have embraced this shift, offering remote learners access to high-quality courses and programs. From engineering in Patagonia to business analytics in Ho Chi Minh City, technology has bridged the gap between learners and education, bringing opportunities that were once out of reach.

In Southeast Asia, the Asia School of Business has introduced Agile Continuous Education (ACE), a flexible approach to upskilling that allows learners to accumulate course credits at their own pace, with the option to transition into full-time or part-time degree programs in case a terminal postgraduate degree is desired by the learners.

The economic value of flexibility in education extends beyond individual growth. It benefits employers by creating a more adaptable workforce and society by encouraging lifelong learning. According to LinkedIn’s Workplace Learning Report, 94 percent of employees say they would stay at a company longer if it invested in their learning and development – a testament to the importance of education that adapts to evolving career trajectories.

As education systems across ASEAN continue to evolve, the emphasis should remain on quality and accessibility. Agile learning methods, stackable courses, and modular degree options are examples of how institutions can make education more inclusive and relevant. These innovations represent a step toward a future where learning is not just a phase of life but a continuous, adaptive journey.

Educational institutions in ASEAN and around the world are already setting the stage for this transformation. By embracing flexibility, we can create an ecosystem that supports learners at every stage of their journey – and, in doing so, prepare for a future where uncertainty is the only certainty.