at the sub-regional and bilateral levels while efforts at the ASEAN level require further acceleration. People-to-People Connectivity 10. There are notable developments in promoting deeper intra-ASEAN social and cultural understanding. The ASEAN Curriculum Sourcebook (for primary and secondary schools) was developed in 2012, and ASEAN is now working on ways to promote utilisation of the Sourcebook, in addition to the existing supplementary materials on ASEAN studies in schools. The website management of the ASEAN Virtual Learning Resource Centre (AVLRC) which focuses on ASEAN’s peoples, news, culture, travel, studies and opportunities has been continuing since its soft launch in March 2015. 11. The ASEAN University Network (AUN) has progressed well with a number of initiatives (for instance, credit transfer schemes, quality assurance). However, the significant differences in curricula and standards among institutions, limited financial resources for student and staff exchange, and language differences have all constrained progress. 12. There have also been steps taken to encourage intra-ASEAN tourism through the concerted development of tourism products (for example, heritage sites, cruises, home stay, health and medical tourism, and eco-tourism); easier access to tourism areas; and affordable packages. 13. Progress on freer mobility of skilled labour in ASEAN has been limited. Seven mutual-recognition arrangements have been concluded (between 2005 and 2014) covering engineering services, nursing, architectural services, tourism, medical practitioners, dental practitioners, and accounting services; as well as a framework arrangement covering surveying. However, many gaps still remain. For example, in the tourism sector, ASEAN has published competency standards and curricula, and launched a registration system for tourism professionals in August 2016, but it has not standardised procedures for visa issuance. In health care, there has been limited published progress in drawing up common standards and visa procedures. In addition, corresponding changes in national laws and regulations to allow ASEAN certified professionals to practice their professions in another Member State have not yet been fully finalised in any Member State. MASTER PLAN ON ASEAN CONNECTIVITY 2025 21

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