I think that's true for most societies. Trump is only interested in trade issues and thinks education is a waste of time, so to hell with the universities. The classic-minded Eastern Europe and Russia are very interested in the classic studies, like Foreign Languages, Art, Latin, Engineering, chess, and Mathematics. Now that is turning into business, and trading, just like Trump's America.
My grandsons go to the International school in Hua Hin, and read some English books (and comics!), but their iPads are their center in life, plus mom and dad.