Greetings, readers!

As 2024 draws to a close, we reflect on a year marked by significant achievements in tackling regional challenges such as enhancing digital connectivity in remote areas and promoting gender equality in educational institutions. These strides have been instrumental in paving the way for more inclusive education across Southeast Asia.

In this edition of the SEAMEO Newsletter, we are excited to spotlight the transformative efforts that are shaping the future of education in Southeast Asia, including the discussions at the 47th SEAMEO High Officials Meeting—a key event that brought together educators, policymakers, and partners to share insights and forge partnerships for meaningful change in the fields of education, science, and culture.

Join us as we celebrate these advancements and set the stage for continued progress in 2025.

From Vision to Action: Advancing Inclusive Education at the 47th SEAMEO High Officials Meeting

At the 47th SEAMEO High Officials Meeting, the commitment to inclusive education took centre stage. With representatives from 11 Southeast Asian countries, the meeting served as a vibrant forum for discussing and forging policies that transform inclusive education from a shared vision into concrete action. This gathering set the groundwork for ambitious reforms that promise to redefine the educational landscape in the region.

Southeast Asia’s Educational Challenge:
11.8 Million Out of School Children & Youth

A recent rapid scoping study, unveiled alongside the 47th SEAMEO High Officials Meeting, indicates a troubling increase in out-of-school children and youth in Southeast Asia. The study estimates that 11.8 million individuals are currently out of school, surpassing pre-pandemic figures and accounting for nearly 5% of the global total.

The Road to Zero Dropouts: Thailand’s Education Transformation

In the 2023 academic year, 1.02 million Thai children dropped out of the education system. When discussing this issue, many people might envision small schools in remote rural areas, where students are forced to leave due to their families' financial struggles. While this image reflects part of the reality, it only captures one aspect of the broader problem.

Bridging the Digital Divide: Insights from the 2023 GEM Southeast Asia Report on Technology in Education

Despite significant progress in digital education across Southeast Asia, the digital divide remains a critical challenge. The 2023 Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Southeast Asia Report on Technology in Education reveals that while the adoption of digital learning tools is growing rapidly, a substantial number of students are still left behind. In rural and remote areas, nearly 30% of students lack reliable internet access, severely restricting their ability to benefit from online learning platforms.

Future4Girls: Advancing Gender Equality in Education Through Regional Collaboration and Policy Insights

At the 47th SEAMEO High Officials Meeting, the Future4Girls Programme hosted a consultation to share insights from its ongoing "Regional Mapping Study on Gender-related Policies and Programmes in Southeast Asia's Education Sector." The study highlights critical issues such as school-related gender-based violence (SRGBV), mental health, and skill development across 11 Southeast Asian countries.

SEA-PLM 2024: Driving Regional Collaboration to Transform Foundational Learning in Southeast Asia

SEA-PLM 2024 has been a year of significant progress in enhancing foundational learning across Southeast Asia. From the successful main survey rollout in seven countries to high-level regional dialogues, the program has strengthened its commitment to improving education systems through robust data collection and collaborative efforts. Key milestones include the launch of the Technical Experts Network and an extraordinary regional consultation, both aimed at leveraging SEA-PLM findings to inform policy and practice. Looking ahead, SEA-PLM aims to sustain this momentum with country-level workshops in 2025, fostering actionable strategies to ensure quality education for all children in the region.

In Action: Friends of SEAMEO Gallery

The Friends of SEAMEO Gallery (FoSG) made its return during the 47th SEAMEO High Officials Meeting. The gallery reflects SEAMEO's commitment to collaboration, bringing together five organisations eager to explore partnerships and contribute to the advancement of education, science, and culture in Southeast Asia. Each of these organisations brings a unique perspective and expertise, contributing to SEAMEO’s vision of fostering sustainable development in the region.

Click here for more News & Views