Join our 14th SEAMEO-Tsukuba Symposium

Register for the 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

Time (GMT +9)

Agenda

DAY 1: Thursday, 5 February 2026 

09:00 AM

Opening Ceremony

  • SEAMEO Colours
    Welcome Remarks by Dr Osamu Ohneda, Executive 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, Program Flow, and Format
09:30 - 09:50 Keynote Message

 

“Empowering Learning Futures: Digital Transformation for Equitable and Sustainable Education” by
SEAMEO Secretariat Director
Datuk Dr. Habibah Abdul Rahim

09:50 - 10:30

Opening of the 14th SEAMEO-University of Tsukuba

  • SEAMEO Center Posters and Transition to Formal Photo Opportunity

10:30 - 11:50

Expert Panel Presentation 1:
“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?

11:50 - 12:00

Reminders for Afternoon Program, and Transition to Lunch

12:00 - 01:00

Lunch break

01:00 - 02:00

Expert Panel Presentation 2:
“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?

02:00 - 03:00

Expert Panel Presentation 3:
“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?

03:00 - 03:15

Networking Break

03:15 - 04:15

Expert Panel Presentation 4:
“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?

04:15 - 04:45

Workshop: Synthesis and Reflections

04:45 - 04:55

Closing Remarks

04:55 - 05:00

Announcements for Day 2

DAY 2: Friday, 6 February 2026 

09:00 - 10:30

3 Breakout Sessions (SEAMEO Centers)
Thematic: Education, Science,  Culture

10:30 - 10:50

Morning Networking Break

10:50 - 11:30

Action Planning
11:30 - 12:00 Closing Session
  Closing Message by Datuk Dr. Habibah Abdul Rahim, Director, SEAMEO Secretariat
  Ways Forward and Closing Message by Dr. Nomura Nakao, the University of Tsukuba

 

Final Announcements

12:00 - 01:00

Lunch break

01:00 - 03:00

Networking Break

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