Join our 14th SEAMEO-Tsukuba Symposium

 

The 14th SEAMEO–University of Tsukuba Symposium brings together education leaders, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to explore how digital transformation can create more equitable, resilient, and sustainable learning systems across Southeast Asia and Japan.

Through expert dialogues, regional insights, and practical innovations, the symposium offers a space to connect ideas with action—shaping learning futures that leave no one behind.

Why should you join?

  • Gain regional insights on how digital transformation—including AI and data—can strengthen equity, foundational learning, and system resilience.
  • Learn from evidence, policies, and real-world practices shaping equitable and sustainable education in Southeast Asia and Japan.
  • Engage with policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to exchange ideas and co-create actionable directions for education reform.
  • Explore innovative models for teacher development, digital inclusion, ethical AI, and climate-responsive education.
  • Be part of a trusted regional platform driving collaboration and shared commitments for future-ready education systems.
  • Receive an e-certificate upon successful completion of all required activities during the event

Provisional Agenda

Livestream links to join the 14th SEAMEO-UT Symposium, unless otherwise indicated

Time (GMT +9)

Agenda

DAY 1: Thursday, 5 February 2026 

09:15 AM

Photo Session

Group photo session for onsite participants at the stairs in front of the plenary hall.

09:30 - 10.00 AM

Opening Ceremony

  • SEAMEO Colours
  Welcome Remarks by
Dr Osamu Ohneda, Vice President for Global Affairs, University of Tsukuba
  Remarks by
H E Romaizah Mohd Salleh, Minister of Education, Brunei Darussalam, SEAMEO Council President
    Remarks by
the representative from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) Japan

 

Presentation of the Symposium Objectives, Programme Flow, and Format by
Mr John Arnold Siena, Deputy Director for Programme and Development, SEAMEO Secretariat
10:00 - 10:30 AM Keynote Messages on the theme of “Empowering Learning Futures: Digital Transformation for Equitable and Sustainable Education”

 

Datuk Dr. Habibah Abdul Rahim, SEAMEO Secretariat Director 
  Dr Nomura Nakao, Director of CRICED, University of Tsukuba

10:30 - 11:30 AM

Expert Panel Presentation 1: 
“From Gaps to Gateways: Leveraging Digital Transformation to Advance Foundational Learning and Equity”

Essential question: How can digital transformation be intentionally designed to close foundational learning gaps and expand opportunities for the most underserved learners, including out-of-school children and youth, in Southeast Asia and Japan?
  Mr. Alejandro Ibanez, Programme Manager and Policy Specialist, SEA-PLM
    Ms Mariel Bayangos, Education and Partnerships Specialist, Youth Impact
  Professor Vina Adriany, PhD, Director, SEAMEO Regional Centre for Early Childhood Care Education and Parenting (CECCEP)
  Dr Suguru Mizunoya, Technical Cooperation Team Leader, UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning
  Moderator: Ms Haani Mazari, Asia Lead and Digital Personalised Learning Lead, EdTechHub

11:30 - 12:00 AM

Campus Tour and Transition to Lunch Break

12:00 - 01:00 PM

Lunch break

01:00 - 02:00 PM

Expert Panel Presentation 2:
“Future-Ready Educators and Schools: Strengthening Capacity, Leadership, and AI-Enabled Teaching Systems”

Essential question: What system-wide strategies are needed to build teacher and school leadership capacity, supported by AI, data, and digital tools, in ways that enhance instructional quality, protect teacher agency, and prepare schools for future disruptions?
  Ms Majah-Leah V Ravago, Director, SEAMEO Regional Centre for Educational Innovation and Technology (INNOTECH)
  Professor Salome Martinez, Centre for Mathematical Modeling, University of Chile
  Professor Masami Isoda, University of Tsukuba
    Ms Le Thi Thuy Duong, Director, SEAMEO Regional Training Centre (RETRAC)
    Artec Technologies
    Moderator: Mr Lukman Nulhakim, Head of Programme and Training Division, SEAMEO QITEP in Science

02:00 - 03:00 PM

Expert Panel Presentation 3: 
“Scaling What Works: Governance, Data, and Regional Cooperation for Sustainable Digital Futures”

Essential question: How can countries in Southeast Asia and Japan strengthen governance, leverage robust data systems, and deepen regional cooperation to effectively scale proven digital transformation models that are equitable, sustainable, and future-ready?
  Professor Roberto Araya, University of Chile
  Professor Masami Isoda, University of Tsukuba
    Mr Rivandra Royono, Southeast Asia Regional Director, IDInsight
    Professor Cher Ping Lim, Chair Professor of Learning Technologies and Innovation and Co-Director, Global Institute for Emerging Technologies, The Education University of Hong Kong
  Moderator: Dr Nakao Nomura, University of Tsukuba

03:00 - 03:15 PM

Networking Break

03:15 - 04:15 PM

Expert Panel Presentation 4:
“Sustainable, Safe, and Smart: Designing Climate-Responsive and Ethical Digital Education Systems”

Essential question: How can countries integrate sustainability, climate resilience, and ethical safeguards into digital education policies to ensure that digitalization supports long-term environmental responsibility, learner wellbeing, and safe AI adoption?
    Mr Haji Norjemee bin Jenek, Director, SEAMEO Regional Centre for Vocational and Technical Education and Training (VOCTECH)
    Prof Masahisa Sato, Tokyo City University
    Prof Dr Edi Santosa, Centre Director, SEAMEO Regional Centre for Tropical Biology (BIOTROP)
    Moderator: Mr Victor SY Labotano, Training Division Manager, SEAMEO SEAMOLEC

04:15 - 04:30 PM

Closing Remarks and Announcements for Day 2

DAY 2: Friday, 6 February 2026 

09:30 - 10:15 AM Empowering Learning Futures: How Digital Technologies Enable PBL and Multicultural Co-learning: The case of SEA Teacher Pilot Programme
  Moderated by Ms Nao Ishihara, University of Tsukuba
10:15 - 11:15 AM Parallel Session
  Sub-Theme 1: Strengthening Digital Education Systems for Equity, Quality, and Resilience
Examining how digital transformation can reshape education systems from foundational learning to TVET and higher education by improving teaching quality, strengthening institutional capacity, and reducing systemic inequities in access, participation, and learning outcomes.

Moderator: Mr John Arnold Siena, DDPD, SEAMEO Secretariat
  Sub-Theme 2: Advancing Inclusive STEM and Digital Health for Sustainable Development
Exploring how digital technologies can expand access to STEM education, support innovation in health and well-being, and strengthen the link between scientific research, education, and societal needs particularly for underserved and vulnerable populations.

Moderator: Dr Arif Hidayat, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Indonesia
  Sub-Theme 3: Digital Culture for Inclusion, Identity, and Social Cohesion
Highlighting how digital tools can preserve cultural heritage, promote linguistic and cultural diversity, and foster inclusive identities, while ensuring that digital transformation strengthens social cohesion and intergenerational knowledge transfer.

Moderator: Ms Nao Ishihara, University of Tsukuba

11:15 - 12:00 AM

Reflection Workshop
To collectively reflect on regional experiences, insights, and lessons to surface shared understandings around coherent, equity-first, and sustainability-focused digital transformation, and to identify areas for deeper alignment and future collaboration.

 

Facilitator:
Mr Carlo Fernando, Learning Innovation and Information Specialist, SEAMEO Secretariat
 

Reflections and Overall Synthesis:
Mr John Arnold Siena, Deputy Director for Programme and Development, SEAMEO Secretariat
12:00 - 12:15 PM Closing Session
  Final Closing Message by
Datuk Dr. Habibah Abdul Rahim, Director, SEAMEO Secretariat
  Final Closing Message by
Dr. Nomura Nakao, the University of Tsukuba

 

Final Announcements

End of Programme

Contact Information

  • Mr. Carlo FERNANDO, Learning Innovation and Information Specialist, SEAMEO Secretariat 
    carlo@seameo.org

  • Ms. Nao ISHIHARA, Professional Staff, CRICED, University of Tsukuba
    criced@un.tsukuba.ac.jp