International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education (IJERE) Vol. 14, No. 3, June 2025, pp. 2007~2017 ISSN: 2252-8822, DOI: 10.11591/ijere.v14i3.31828  2007 Journal homepage: http://ijere.iaescore.com Pioneering educational frontiers: South Korea-ASEAN synergy in big data integration and future innovations Catherine Joy T. Escuadra 1 , Ella Joy Avellanoza Ponce 2,3 1 Department of Physical Therapy, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines 2 Graduate School of International Studies, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea 3 Department of Social Sciences, Central Luzon State University, Nueva Ecija, Philippines Article Info ABSTRACT Article history: Received Jun 26, 2024 Revised Feb 6, 2025 Accepted Mar 11, 2025 This study examines the evolving trends in publication collaboration and research topics related to big data and education in South Korea and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, analyzed through the lens of international relations (IR). Using scientometric methods, the study analyzed 2,427 publications from Web of Science (WoS) through R Studio and VOSViewer, highlighting a marked increase in publication volume, citation, and collaboration in recent years. The research focuses on key areas such as the integration of big data in teaching and performance assessment, the intersection of big data with artificial intelligence (AI), and the varying implementation frameworks across different countries. The findings reveal that while significant progress has been made, there is a need for more structured collaborative efforts. To enhance future research output and collaboration, the study recommends establishing international research networks, organizing joint projects, facilitating exchange programs, and investing in necessary infrastructure. Additionally, it suggests developing policy frameworks and securing funding to support these initiatives. Engaging industry partners and expanding collaborative networks are crucial for advancing the field and optimizing the application of big data in education. Keywords: ASEAN Big data Education integration International relations Scientometrics This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA license. Corresponding Author: Ella Joy Avellanoza Ponce Graduate School of International Studies, Ewha Womans University Seoul, South Korea Email: ellaponce@ewhain.net 1. INTRODUCTION The exponential growth of data has led to predictions that it will become the new oil on a global scale, fueling various sectors and driving innovation [1]. Big data, characterized by its vast volume, high velocity, and diverse variety, surpasses traditional storage and analysis methods, necessitating advanced information technology systems and methods such as cluster analysis, natural language processing, predictive modeling, and social network analysis [2]. This burgeoning field has already begun to induce significant societal changes across multiple domains, including communication, government, banking, transportation, health, and education. In the educational sector, the integration of information and communication technologies has resulted in nearly all student activities-ranging from coursework and assessments to interactions with learning materials-being digitized and stored as data [3]. Experts recognize the transformative potential of big data in education, predicting it will revolutionize educational processes and systems. Extensive research has demonstrated various applications of big data in education [4], [5], such as predicting student performance,