This article critically examines how Asian countries have responded to the global economic crisis which started in late 2008, with particular reference to explore what major coping strategies have been adopted by these Asian governments to continue educational development. This comparative study highlights the significant role of the state in support of education, especially when foreign aids for development projects have declined in those developing economies in Asia.[Copyright of Journal of Education Policy is the property of Routledge . Full article may be available at the publisher's website: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02680939.2010.510641]