SEAMEO STEM-ED and SkillUp Group Limited have signed a collaboration agreement to jointly advance the INSPIRE Programme, a multi-year initiative designed to strengthen STEM learning and future workforce readiness across Southeast Asia.

The Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for STEM Education (SEAMEO STEM-ED) and SkillUp Group Limited have signed a collaboration agreement to jointly advance the Integrated STEM Skills and Pathways to Innovation towards Readiness for Emerging Industries in Southeast Asia (INSPIRE) Programme.

The agreement, signed on 26 February 2026 at Deloitte Thailand, marks the beginning of a partnership between the two organisations to explore and mobilise support for the multi-year initiative, which aims to strengthen STEM learning and career readiness across Southeast Asia.

The INSPIRE Programme envisions connecting STEM education with emerging industry opportunities through a combination of digital learning, hands-on STEM experiences, teacher professional development, and career-related learning pathways. The initiative is designed around four emerging industry areas: Advanced Manufacturing, IT Careers, Smart AgriTech, and Health and Medical Technology.

A Shared Vision for Regional Impact

Opening the event, Jeanette Juay, Chief Purpose Officer, Deloitte Southeast Asia, joined the ceremony virtually and reflected on the significance of the collaboration, noting that Deloitte’s partnership with SkillUp is part of its WorldClass initiative, which aims to expand opportunities for learners across ASEAN.

She highlighted the growth of the SkillUp platform since its early development, noting that it has supported learners and educators across multiple countries in building skills and confidence for the future.

“When we unite across borders, we can create a truly transformative change.”

She noted that partnerships such as this demonstrate how organisations across sectors can work together to create meaningful impact for communities and future generations.

Expanding Opportunities for Students and Educators

Peter Longstaff, CEO of SkillUp, emphasised that the agreement represents an important step in strengthening collaboration to expand opportunities for learners across the region.

“I believe we're going to make a massive impact, not just on teachers, not just on students, but whole communities as well.”

Speaking following the signing ceremony, he explained that initiatives such as INSPIRE aim to complement existing education systems by providing additional learning pathways for students and educators.

“We're not trying to replace the current education system. What we're trying to do is to give different options to teachers, to students, to industry, and to academia as well.”

He noted that exploring options such as micro-credential courses and industry-informed learning experiences could help provide students with new perspectives on future career opportunities, particularly as the job market continues to evolve.

These flexible learning pathways may allow students to build specific skills and gain exposure to emerging industries, while also helping educators better understand how classroom learning can connect with future workforce needs.

Bridging Education and Industry

For Dr Kessara Amornvuthivorn, Centre Director of SEAMEO STEM-ED, the agreement reflects a shared commitment to strengthening collaboration between the education sector and industry in preparing young people for future challenges.

She noted that education systems often operate within large and structured environments, and that engagement with industry partners can play an important role in helping education systems better understand evolving workforce needs and emerging skills demands.

Through the INSPIRE initiative, SEAMEO STEM-ED and SkillUp aim to create a platform where educators, private sector partners, universities, and policymakers can work together to explore new approaches for connecting learning with real-world opportunities.

“By working closely with private sector, introducing high standards professional certificates, and working closely with the universities, we are confident that this initiative will help strengthen the existing education system.”

Dr Kessara added that the initiative is envisioned as a model for strengthening collaboration across sectors to better prepare young people with the competencies needed for the future workforce, including problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt in a rapidly evolving job landscape.

She also expressed appreciation for the support from partners and stakeholders who share a common commitment to advancing education, noting that the agreement marks the beginning of a joint effort to work together towards expanding opportunities for young people across the region.

Looking Ahead

The agreement between SEAMEO STEM-ED and SkillUp marks the beginning of a joint effort to further develop the INSPIRE Programme and engage partners in supporting its long-term vision.

By strengthening collaboration between education institutions, industry partners, and regional stakeholders, the initiative aims to contribute to the development of future-ready skills and expanded learning opportunities for young people across Southeast Asia.

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