Education in Southeast Asia From the Second Half of the 19th Century to the Early 20th Century

After establishing the governances in Southeast Asian nations (except Thailand) in the second half of the 19th century, Western governments implemented economic, political, cultural, and social policies. In particular, education policy not only affected the socio-economic, but also had long-term effects of their colonial rule. In addition to the long tradition education that had profoundly influenced the culture, thought, and lifestyle of indigenous peoples. Colonial governments adopted a new, secular education followed by the Western model in Southeast Asia countries. This new education had many differences compared to the traditional education in program, content, management, etc. The setting-up of the new education was the long fighting process between the religious education and the secular education, between the conservative and radical forces. The article presents and analyzes the new education in Philippines, Myanmar, and Malaysia from the second half of the 19th century to the beginning of the 20th century to confirm popularity, science, and humanity of this new education.