flexible learning strategies neet youth southeast asia

Flexible Learning Strategies That Work: Promising Approaches and Recommendations for Youth Not in Employment, Education, or Training (NEET) in South-East Asia.

Abstract

This brief was prepared by the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok and Office for UN Coordination for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCO Bangkok) and the Equitable Education Fund Thailand (EEF) as co-chairs of the Equitable Education Alliance (EEA) under the Learning and Education 2030+ Network for Asia and the Pacific.

 
It aims to highlight flexible learning strategies and practices as a powerful mechanism for re-engaging NEET youth, offering inclusive, adaptable routes to education and skills development that meet young women and men’s diverse backgrounds and needs.
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Contact

For more information, please contact: UNESCO Bangkok Education Section – [email protected]

Resources

Summary of Findings from Flexible Learning Strategies That Work

NEET Youth in Southeast Asia

The Reality of Out-of-School and NEET Youth in Southeast Asia

17M
Children and youth out of school in Southeast Asia
UIS, 2025
14M
Youth out of low and upper secondary education in Southeast Asia
UIS, 2025
1.5x
Young women are more likely become NEET in Southeast Asia
ILO, 2024, p.9
1 in 5
Youth (15-24) have NEET status in Southeast Asia
(ILO, 2024, p.1)
Current NEET Rates by Country

Current NEET Rates by Country

Gender Gap in NEET Rates Across Southeast Asia
Lao PDR
20.4% Male
24.6% Female
Indonesia
16.7% Male
26.3% Female
Thailand
9.9% Male
15.8% Female
Vietnam
9.9% Male
11.8% Female
Malaysia
9.9% Male
10.6% Female
Cambodia
4.3% Male
8.3% Female
Male NEET Rate
Female NEET Rate

Source: Youth NEET rate - ILOSTAT

Key Research Themes

Key Research Themes

Gender
Disability Inclusion
Migration
Digital Innovation
Low Employability
Early Warning Systems
OOSCY Intervention Lens

How are interventions for OOSCY Designed?

Analytical Lens of the Circumstances of Exclusion

This lens complements 7D analysis by focusing on the circumstances, duration, stages, choice or constraint that led to or sustain exclusion. It moves beyond static labels to support flexible, context-responsive programming that reflects the fluidity of realities, highlighting key stages points where interventions can be most effective.

🚫
Never been enrolled in Education
E.g. financial burdens, displacements, school closures, social norms
🎓
Late Enrollment
e.g. Recently enrolled, overage, learning recovery needs
🌤️
Temporal Absenteeism
E.g. Seasonal or temporal due to harvesting periods or care burdens
📅
Regular Absenteeism
E.g. work burdens, occasionally attends school or chronic absenteeism
🚪
Dropped out of Education
E.g. financial burdens, displacements, school closures, social norms
The Cost of Inaction

The Cost of Inaction: Why We Must Act Now

💔

Lost Human Capital Crisis

14 million young minds are trapped outside education in Southeast Asia. Young women face systematically higher NEET rates. This persistent gender gap represents millions of women locked out of economic participation, limiting the region's access to half its talent pool. (UIS 2025, Youth NEET rate – ILOSTAT)

📉

Missing the Demographic Opportunity Window

In 2025, ASEAN is experiencing a demographic window of opportunity, with most of its population in the working-age group and few dependents. However, this window is expected to close around 2035-2040. By 2055, the region will have more elderly (65+) than children/youth (0-15). Without adequate investment in youth education and skills now, countries risk entering the aging population phase unprepared. (United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs 2024)

🚫

Falling Behind in Meeting Emerging Skills

Without digital skills and modern competencies, Southeast Asia risks falling behind in the global economy. Skills mismatches mean countries cannot capitalize on emerging green energy and technology sectors, making the region dependent on low-value activities while competitors advance.

Flexible Learning – Implementation Models

Flexible Learning Approach as the Central Prevention and Solution

🎯 The Central Prevention and Solution is Adaptive, Flexible Learning Pathways

Across all successful interventions, the common thread is flexibility – learning systems that bend without breaking, that meet youth where they are, and that recognize multiple paths to success.

Implementation Models by Research Theme

👩 Gender-Responsive Flexible Learning
Core Principle: Address overlapping barriers through holistic integrated support
Thailand – UNICEF Model

Intersectional Lens: Combining flexible vocational training with structural change addressing gender norms, poverty, and rurality

Regional AEPs

Modular programmes: Integrated life skills, flexible timing for household demands

Thailand

Gender Budgeting Action Plan: Basketing sector funds with gender focal points in Ministries

Key Elements: Childcare provision, transport subsidies, psychosocial support, recognition of care burdens

♿ Disability-Inclusive Flexible Learning
Core Principle: Community-based identification with tailored pathways
Vietnam – VAEFA Model

100% Deaf staff: Conducting workplace-based training with community role models in real workplaces

Vietnam & Indonesia

Skills to Succeed: Dual approach – youth skill building + employer inclusion preparation

Regional

Community-based outreach: Mobile teams conducting functional assessments

Key Elements: Functional assessments, workplace learning centres, employer engagement, peer support

🚶 Migration-Responsive Flexible Learning
Core Principle: Mobile, portable education that travels with populations
Thailand – MLCs

Learning Centres: Offering flexible learning opportunities to migrant children and youth

Thailand & Indonesia

Mobile Education Partnerships: Education delivery mirroring migration routes with child protection integration

Cambodia

Climate-resilient TVET: Links to emerging green-energy economies

Key Elements: Portable credentials, employer partnerships, flexible scheduling, cultural sensitivity

💻 Digital Innovation Flexible Learning
Core Principle: Hybrid delivery adapting to digital literacy levels and infrastructure
Indonesia – Kartu Prakerja

Six platforms + 183 institutions: Post-training cash incentives with 91% skills improvement and 10% income increase

Malaysia – Di-Girls

Offline workshops: Mobile-accessible modules for gradual digital integration

Vietnam – Digital Futures

High-demand skills: Digital literacy, data analytics, e-commerce training

Key Elements: Multiple entry points, progressive complexity, offline alternatives, financial support

💼 Employability-Focused Flexible Learning
Core Principle: Work-integrated learning with employer co-design
Cambodia – BEET-TVET

Learning centres in workplaces: Automatic placement guarantees with flexible, blended learning

Cambodia – Decent Employment for Youth

Demand-driven TVET: Aligned with growth sectors like construction, agriculture, and tourism

Regional

Recognition of Prior Learning: Formal certification of informal skills and community-based learning

Key Elements: Employer curriculum input, workplace learning centres, skills certification, mentoring

⚠️ Early Warning Systems with Preventive Flexible Learning
Core Principle: Data-driven prediction with immediate flexible re-engagement options
Thailand – Zero Dropout

Real-time tracking: “1-School-3-System” allowing work-study combinations with Thai Zero Dropout Application

Malaysia – EMIS-EWS

Machine learning prediction: Flexible catch-up programmes with robust Education Management Information System

Cambodia – SDPP

School Dropout Prevention Pilot: EWS with mentoring and school-based incentives

Key Elements: Integrated data systems, predictive analytics, immediate response protocols, credit banking

Universal Success Factors

Universal Success Factors Across All Models

⚡ Immediate Response

Quick intervention when risk factors are identified

🔄 Multiple Entry/Exit Points

Youth can join, pause, and re-enter as life circumstances change

🏢 Employer Integration

Business sector involvement in design and delivery

🤝 Community Ownership

Local stakeholders driving identification and support

📊 Data-Driven Decisions

Evidence-based targeting and programme adjustment

💰 Financial Integration

Addressing economic barriers through targeted support

Good Practices of Employer Integration in Southeast Asia

Engagement Strategy Description Programs Countries Outcome
Curriculum Co-Design Employers participate in designing training curricula to ensure relevance to actual job requirements United for Youth Employment; BEEP-TVET Cambodia Skills match labour demand
On-the-Job Training Youth gain practical experience through workplace exposure and apprenticeship Young Futuremakers Thailand Reduced skills gap
Inclusive Hiring Employers commit to hiring practices that include marginalised/NEET youth Skills to Succeed; United for Youth Employment Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia Increased hiring of disadvantaged youth
Workplace Mentorship In-workplace mentors support youth persistence and provide guidance Skills to Succeed Indonesia Higher job retention rates
Policy Advocacy Programs advocate for policy changes enabling youth employment United for Youth Employment Cambodia Systemic enabling environment
Post-Employment Support Ongoing support after placement to ensure job retention and advancement BEEP-TVET; Skills to Succeed Cambodia, Indonesia Sustained employment + career progression
Preliminary Recommendations

Preliminary Recommendations

For Practitioners

1. Design flexible, modular learning pathways that allow young people to re-enter education at different points with recognition of prior learning
2. Localise delivery through community learning centres, mobile units, and outreach teams to reach rural and marginalised youth
3. Integrate holistic support linking programmes to psychosocial support, childcare, and transport subsidies
4. Strengthen work-based learning and linkages to local labour markets through closer employer collaboration
5. Pilot flexible, non-formal pathways with recognition of workplace learning and on-the-job experience

For Decision Makers

1. Embed NEET reduction targets for youth into national development plans with clear accountability mechanisms
2. Invest in integrated data systems that track youth transitions across education, employment, and training
3. Strengthen financing through blended models and public-private partnerships for sustainability
4. Recognize and fund non-formal and community-based learning initiatives
5. Explore national policy recognition of non-formal credentials and workplace learning
6. Allocate basket budget lines for gender mainstreaming and disability inclusion within education for youth NEET population
Must-Haves for Flexible Learning

Two Must-Haves for Flexible Learning Strategies for Out-of-School and NEETs Youth

💰 Innovative Financing
EEF Thailand Approach
National Policy: Thailand Zero Dropout policy promotes flexible education building credibility to secure funding.
Think Beyond: Explore innovative funding like social bonds, private partnerships, and outcome-based models.
Build Trust: Combine data and storytelling with transparent feedback loops for the community and your partners.
Leverage UN Networks: UN global platforms can boost visibility and support LLL and flexible education.
The Path Forward

The Path Forward

🌟 The Path Forward

Southeast Asia needs a comprehensive, cross-country support model that puts flexible learning pathways at the center. By linking early warning systems, digital hubs, mobile units, wrap-around services, employer partnerships, and innovative financing, countries can respond to the diverse needs of out-of-school and NEET youth.

Background Research – OOSCY & NEETs

Background Research on Initiatives Supporting OOSCY and NEETs

Effective and Replicable Strategies

🌐 Digital Inclusion
Vietnam

Digital Futures: Training youth in digital literacy, data analytics, and e-commerce – high-demand skills

Malaysia & Region

Di-Girls: Uses offline workshops and mobile-accessible modules providing hands-on, peer-supported learning crucial for girls with limited prior exposure to digital tools

Indonesia

Kartu Prakerja: Provides digital-training vouchers and post-training cash incentives to create a financial safety net while youth up-skill or search for employment

🚶 Migration Support
Thailand

Migrant Learning Centres (MLCs): Offering flexible education to migrant children and youth

Thailand & Indonesia

Mobile Education Partnerships (MEP): Flexible education that reaches large migrant populations and travels with them, mirroring their routes

Cambodia

Climate-resilient TVET: Links youth to emerging green-energy economies, providing targeted training

♿ Disability Inclusion
Regional

Community-based outreach: Mobile teams conduct functional assessments and link youth to services, enabling tailored educational pathways

Vietnam & Indonesia

Skills to Succeed: Combines youth training with employer-side inclusion efforts, tackling both supply- and demand-side barriers

Vietnam – VAEFA Model

100% Deaf staff orientations: Community role models from within the Deaf community conduct training in real workplaces

👥 Gender-Responsive Programming
Regional

Accelerated Education Programmes (AEPs): Most effective when flexible, modular, and offering integrated life and livelihood skills; critical for households with multiple demands

Thailand

Intersectional lens: UNICEF Thailand addressed overlapping barriers – gender norms, poverty, rurality – creating structural change alongside vocational training

Thailand

Gender Budgeting Action Plan: Sector budget “basket” funds with gender focal points in ministries to ensure targeted responses and accountability

💼 Employability Enhancement
Regional – ASEAN-UNICEF

21st-Century Skills Initiative: Addresses employability gaps and social-exclusion gaps; civic-engagement activities improve self-esteem

Cambodia

Decent Employment for Youth: Demand-driven TVET aligned with growth sectors like construction, agriculture, and tourism

Cambodia – BEET-TVET

Automatic placement & employment: Work placements plus workplace learning centres; blends flexible learning with counselling and strategic partnerships

⚠️ Early Warning Systems
Thailand

Zero Dropout Policy: Whole-of-government EWS with cross-sector coordination and flexible learning pathways; strong government buy-in ensures timely follow-up

Malaysia

School Dropout Prevention Pilot: EWS leverages EMIS data with machine-learning algorithms to predict dropout risk, triggering catch-up/flexible-learning programmes

Cambodia

School Dropout Prevention Pilot (SDPP): Combines EWS with mentoring and school-based incentives, addressing emotional and economic barriers to retention

Opportunities for Replication

💳 Digital Training Support
Indonesia – Kartu Prakerja Model

Collaboration with six digital platforms, 183 training institutions, and multiple fintech companies delivers flexible digital training. Evaluations show 91% of participants improved work-related skills, monthly incomes rose by 10%, and 30% started or expanded small businesses.

Enabling factors:

Political will to institutionalize; good tech infrastructure; strong public-private partnerships

🎓 Flexible Learning Pathways
Thailand – 1-School-3-System

Under Zero Dropout Policy, students split time between school and work, earning credits via a “credit-bank” system. Private-sector “LEARN TO EARN” programmes provide skills development and income generation.

Enabling factors:

Flexible policy environment for non-formal and hybrid education models

📱 Early Warning Systems
Thailand – Zero Dropout Application

Real-time tracking integrating data across agencies for targeted support, using the Thai Zero Dropout App with machine-learning capabilities and whole-of-government coordination.

Enabling factors:

Functioning EMIS plus school-level data-collection capacity

🤝 Holistic Integrated Support
Cambodia – School Dropout Prevention Pilot (SDPP)

Combines EWS with mentoring and school-based incentives, addressing both emotional and economic barriers to retention.

Enabling factors:

Strong NGO technical working groups enable multi-sector coordination

🏭 Public-Private Partnerships
Vietnam – Employer Engagement in TVET
Lao PDR – ILO Decent Work Programme

Tripartite governance involving government, employers, and workers co-designs TVET curricula and training programmes.

Enabling factors:

Employer incentives and strong social-dialogue culture

🏘️ Community-Level Identification
Cambodia – Youth Employment Project (YEPSD)
Thailand – Migrant Learning Centres (Mae Sot)

Mobile learning units and community identification systems reach vulnerable NEET youth, leveraging local civil-society capacity.

Enabling factors:

Robust local civil-society networks able to identify and support NEET youth