The graph compares the percentage of students in universities in Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand from 1961 to 2011. Overall, the proportion of students in higher education in the four countries increased over a fifty-year period. Thailand and Singapore experienced significant growth, while Malaysia and the Philippines showed more gradual upward trends.
In 1961, Thailand had the highest proportion, at around 24%, followed by Singapore at roughly 15%. Malaysia and the Philippines were much lower, at about 2% and 7% respectively. By 1971, Singapore rose sharply to 30%, overtaking Thailand, whose figure fell slightly to around 21%, while Malaysia rose significantly to 10%, and the Philippines remained stable.
Between 1981 and 1991, Singapore climbed significantly, reaching more than 35%, despite a brief decline in 1981. In contrast, Thailand decreased gradually to 20% in 1991. During the same period, Malaysia and the Philippines increased steadily to around 15% in 1991. After 1991, Thailand surged dramatically, reaching approximately 42% in 2011, the highest figure overall. Singapore also grew to about 40% by the end of the period. Meanwhile, the Philippines increased moderately to 19%, whereas Malaysia leveled off at around 15%.