Higher education in Asian countries and the role of international ...

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Acknowledgement
I am humbly thankful to God who bestowed me the peace of mind, knowledge, competencies
and opportunities that helped me to accomplish doctoral study. I am grateful to my parents who
always prayed for my success that provided me a spiritual power to reach at this place and
position. I always feel and witness the pleasant breeze of their prayers with me everywhere. I
thank my mother whom I lost for forever during this period. She sacrificed her whole life to
educate me. I am thankful to Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan, from the depth of
my heart, for the funding and cooperation without that it was impossible for me to pursue this
degree in France.
I acknowledge the focal role of my research supervisor prof. Dr. Thierry Chevaillier in the
realization and completion of this research study. He always took me as a friend this gave me an
enhanced confidence and let me to benefit more and more from his pool of knowledge and to
learn from his experiences. He always showed a democratic attitude that gave me courage, sense
of responsibility and sense of belonging. Professor Chevaillier provided me guidance, directions
and assistance at all stages not only in my research but beyond that as well.
I offer a big thanks to my wife Nazia Amjad, a loving and courageous lady. She not only
compromised with my plan to pursue doctoral studies abroad but also encouraged me during this
whole period. She took on double responsibility by acting as a mother and as well as a father in
nurturing our kids and performing familial responsibilities.
My brother Hyder Ali deserves more than simple words of thanks because he did great services
for me by shouldering all responsibilities from looking after my family to managing educational
institution that was established by me to bring a positive change: a social cause. His selfless
devotion, sense of responsibility and commitment with the cause enabled me to continue my
studies with mental freedom and tranquility.
I am thankful to IREDU team, OECD, UNESCO and the World Bank officers who extended
their cooperation in the completion of the study. I am also thankful to all my friends and fellows
from Africa, America, Asia and Europe who encouraged me through moral support and positive
enforcement.