APEC Human Resources Development Working Group told language skills essential to economic progress

The 27th Meeting of the APEC Human Resource Development Working Group took place in Thailand recently, with over 150 representatives from 21 nations attending the event.

Prof Dr Chira Hongladarom, who chaired the event, told delegates that language skills are vital to economic progress.

“Currently, developed countries such as the USA, Japan, and Europe employ a great number of foreigners, especially those from the Philippines, Malaysia, India and China. This group has the advantage of speaking English, and very good communication skills are in demand,” said Professor Chira.

Perhaps the eminent expert should consider his own language skills - last time I looked, Europe was not a country.

However, I will allow him that little slip as I more concerned with yet another expert being well paid to state the bleeding obvious.

It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out that if overseas workers wish to be successful working in another country, language skills are essential.

Well, that's the theory anyway, and we all know about theories.