The Office of the Education Council (OEC), together with 10 partner agencies, hosted the 17th ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework (AQRF) Committee Meeting and related sessions, held from 3 to 5 August 2026.
The meeting brought together the AQRF Committee, National Qualifications Framework Committees, representatives from ASEAN member states, experts, executives, and relevant agencies at the Mandarin Hotel in Bangkok, alongside electronic media participation.
Participants engaged in focus group discussions to achieve regional cooperation goals by considering digital recognition of qualifications (DRQ) to enhance flexibility, transparency, and ease of qualification verification, and promoting quality assurance principles (PQAP) to build trust and raise standards across member states' education systems.
They also addressed third-party comparison (TPC) to establish neutral, credible assessment criteria. Additionally, progress was reviewed on developing qualifications reference reports for Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar.
The meeting advanced efforts on AQRF Criterion 11, which focuses on linking and identifying national qualifications framework (NQF) levels with the ASEAN reference framework, including discussions on technical assistance concerning referencing and learning outcomes.
Exchanges on education technology experiences, review of the AQRFC work plan for 2025–2030, and coordination with the ASEAN TVET Council (ATC) and the AQRF Secretariat were also held to set directions for enhancing ASEAN workforce capabilities to meet the demands of modern labor markets and facilitate efficient free labor mobility. In the evening, the OEC and partners hosted a welcome reception for the AQRFC committee, ASEAN member representatives, the ASEAN Secretariat, and related agencies.
Mr. Prasert Chantrawongthong, Minister of Education, delivered a welcoming address to strengthen relationships and express gratitude to ASEAN member representatives. The 17th AQRFC meeting will continue on 5 August 2026, its final day, to conclude agreements and strategies for jointly advancing the ASEAN Qualifications Framework.
/ Major Cineplex Group, Thailand's leading integrated lifestyle entertainment business, continues enhancing convenience for digital-era consumers. Recently, it partnered with Max Solution Service Co., Ltd., a PTG Group affiliate, to deliver a more convenient, faster, and more rewarding entertainment experience.
They announced a new feature allowing customers to pay for movie tickets via Max Me Wallet on the Max Me app, E-Ticket kiosks, and the Major App starting today. Customers will earn Max Point rewards immediately and enjoy exclusive discounts on movie tickets and popcorn for Max Card Plus and Max Card Plus EV members throughout 2026.
/ Central Retail Corporation Public Company Limited (CRC) invites shoppers to celebrate Mother's Day with the special campaign CENTRAL RETAIL MOM MOMENTS. This campaign unites affiliated businesses, over 3,000 stores nationwide, and more than 260 leading brands to offer exclusive benefits and deals both in-store and online, enabling mothers and children to design joyful moments and choose meaningful gifts throughout August 2026.
The CENTRAL RETAIL MOM MOMENTS campaign this year highlights the collaboration across CRC's business groups, including Central Department Store, Robinson Department Store, Supersports, Central Marketing Group (CMG), Tops, Go Wholesale, Power Buy, B2S, and Robinson Lifestyle malls. It aims to drive collective business growth and enhance seamless shopping experiences during the significant Mother's Day period, when many seek gifts for loved ones, providing exclusive deals, promotions, and diverse benefits to enrich memorable family moments.