Greetings, readers!

As we embrace a new year full or new beginnings, we are reminded of the immense opportunities for transformation that lie ahead. Across Southeast Asia, bold initiatives and new beginnings are charting the course for a brighter future in education, science, and culture.

In this first edition of SEAMEO Newsletter in 2025, we explore critical conversations on rethinking education reform, embracing technological advancements, and celebrating the linguistic richness of our diverse region. These efforts underscore the drive for a sustainable and inclusive future in which every learner has the opportunity to thrive.

We invite you to read the articles in this issue, which reflect not only the challenges we face but the bold, innovative solutions that are already making a difference.

Together, we can continue to build a brighter, more inclusive future for the people of Southeast Asia.

New Opportunities for Health Research in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is on the brink of a new era in health research with the launch of the SEA DREAM (Developing Research Excellence and Mentorship in Southeast Asia) Programme. Spearheaded by the SEAMEO Secretariat in collaboration with regional partners, Wellcome, and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, this transformative initiative aims to strengthen the region’s research ecosystem through funding, collaboration, and leadership development. With a focus on urgent health priorities such as infectious diseases, mental health, climate change, and public health systems, SEA DREAM will empower institutions and researchers to drive real-world impact.

Data, Research, and Policy:
SEAMEO’s Strategic Workshops for Educational Excellence

On 13–14 March 2025, SEAMEO brought together all its Centres for two dynamic capacity-building workshops under the ASEAN-UK SAGE Programme, spotlighting Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) and Policy Research and Publication. With engaging activities like a “speed dating” session for data collection methods and hands-on guidance from global partners including EdTech Hub, ACER, and the British Council, participants gained new tools to drive impactful, ethical, and inclusive research across Southeast Asia.

Nourishing Futures: Strengthening Communities with School Nutrition Programmes

For years, Ms Lorian L Guanio, Principal of Patiis Elementary School in the Philippines, dreamt of giving her students a healthy start each day—and now, thanks to the Promotion of Well-being in Schools in Southeast Asia Project, that dream is taking shape. Backed by Chevron and SEAOHUN, and implemented by SEAMEO SEPS, this initiative has awarded grants to schools across Southeast Asia to champion student health through nutrition, hygiene, and sustainability. From farm-to-school meals in Brunei to herbalist clubs in Indonesia, these inspiring efforts are transforming young lives.

Thailand Takes Action: Tackling Root Causes of Out-of-School Children

Thailand continues to face pressing challenges in bridging the educational gap, especially for its most economically disadvantaged children. With nearly 3 million students living below the poverty line—and 1.3 million of them categorised as extremely poor—the Equitable Education Fund (EEF) has taken a proactive role in addressing these disparities. Through targeted scholarships, close monitoring, and inter-agency collaboration, EEF has helped retain nearly 98% of these students in school. But with over 980,000 children still out of school in 2024, more comprehensive, student-centred solutions are urgently needed.

Rethinking Education Reform: Moving Beyond Inputs to Real Learning Gains

Despite decades of reform and increased investment, Southeast Asia still faces a pressing question: Are education systems truly delivering better learning outcomes? At the 13th SEAMEO-University of Tsukuba Symposium, experts explored this challenge under the theme “Transforming Education to Problem-Based Learning in the Era of AI and Data Sciences.” Findings from large-scale studies suggest that while digital tools and teacher training are valuable, they alone are not enough—real progress depends on rethinking how we measure success and support students’ learning.

Promoting EdTech for Inclusive Education in Southeast Asia

The digital revolution is transforming education in Southeast Asia—but not equally for all. With over 400 million internet users and a digitally engaged youth population, EdTech has immense potential to enhance learning. Yet, as the 2023 Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report highlights, deep disparities in access remain, especially for rural and disadvantaged learners. From radio lessons in conflict zones to digital Braille in Malaysia, countries are making strides, but more inclusive policies are essential to ensure no learner is left behind.

Celebrating Southeast Asia’s Linguistic Diversity

With over 1,300 living languages, Southeast Asia’s rich linguistic landscape offers both a unique challenge and a powerful opportunity for education. At the heart of improving learning outcomes lies the need for mother tongue-based multilingual education (MTB-MLE), as research shows students learn best in the language they speak at home. Recognising this, SEAMEO and its partners have developed the Southeast Asia Roadmap on MTB-MLE—an adaptable framework that guides countries in making education more inclusive and effective for all.

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