“

AI should augment human capability, not diminish it.

”

SEAMEO propels its drive to bring Southeast Asia to the forefront of dialogues on artificial intelligence in education during the Global Smart Education (GSE) Conference 2026, held from 18 to 20 August in Beijing, People’s Republic of China. Under the theme “Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Development in Education,” the conference brought together education leaders and practitioners to explore how AI can advance more inclusive, resilient and future-ready education systems.

Putting People at the Centre of AI Transformation

Datuk Dr Habibah Abdul Rahim, Director of the SEAMEO Secretariat, delivered a keynote address and participated in high-level policy discussions on smart education and AI governance. In her keynote, Datuk highlighted the need to look beyond technology adoption and strengthen the human capabilities, professional capacity and institutional readiness needed to make innovation meaningful across diverse education systems.

Empowering Teachers for Digital Transformation

SEAMEO also contributed to the China-Southeast Asia Capacity Development Programme on STEM and AI, focusing on empowering rural teachers for digital transformation. Discussions underscored the critical role of equipping teachers with the skills, tools and support needed to use technology effectively, particularly in underserved communities.

Strengthening Regional Cooperation

High-level exchanges such as the GSE Conference allows SEAMEO to reaffirm the importance of regional and global cooperation in ensuring that AI and smart education contribute to more inclusive and equitable learning opportunities across Southeast Asia.