High tertiary enrolment rates

The Paymaster boss went on to say that her research shows that all the countries which have recorded significant increases in their per capita income and improvement to their living standards have high tertiary enrolment rates.

A high tertiary enrolment rate means that the number of students in the age group 17-24 enrolled in tertiary institutions is rapidly increasing. In Japanese cities such as Osaka and Tokyo it has already exceeded 50 per cent.

"We should also note that the economic development which has taken place in the fast growing economies has been consistent with their cultural and social development. These countries have at least one thing in common - all have a vested interest in producing a highly educated workforce. A commitment that has helped to ensure the growth and development of a strong middle class and a cadre of thinkers and knowledge purveyors, bred for strong decision-making and leadership," said Marks.