This document reports a study of the role of institutions of higher education in the development of countries in South-East Asia covering Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet-Nam. Emphasis is placed on the geographical, historical and social background; patterns of education within the region; higher education; education as a service and investment; economic problems and development planning in the region; characteristics of national economic development plans; the high-level manpower needs of development; social development and higher education; language policy and higher education; national development and qualitative implications for higher education; the structure and growth of post-secondary institutions; students, study and welfare; teachers, teaching and research; and regional co-operation and higher education. Major issues discussed include manpower, social and cultural projection of higher education, institutional patterns, students and studies, teachers and teaching, inter-regional co-operation, and a proposed South-East Asian Institute of Higher Education and Development. Appendices of related material and statistical data are included. Related documents are HE 004 651, HE 004 652, and HE 004 673. (MJM)