WHAT IS SEAMEO?

The Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) is a regional intergovernmental organisation established in November 1965 with the mandate to strengthen regional cooperation in education, science, and culture. Over the decades, SEAMEO has grown into a dynamic platform for collaboration, operating through 25 regional centres and one network, each specialising in key areas of human resource development, research, and capacity building.

The organisation is governed by the SEAMEO Council, its highest policymaking body, which comprises the Ministers of Education from the 11 member countries: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam. Together, they provide strategic direction and collective leadership to advance SEAMEO’s mission of fostering sustainable development and regional integration through education and knowledge exchange.

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SEAMEO STEM-ED

A regional centre advancing STEM education through research, innovation, capacity building, and collaborative partnerships across Southeast Asia.

Background

SEAMEO STEM-ED (the SEAMEO Regional Centre for STEM Education) was established on 8 May 2019 in Thailand as one of the 26 specialist institutions of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO). The Centre was created to pioneer, develop, and strengthen STEM education capacities in the region, recognising the critical role of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in preparing societies to respond to rapid technological change, evolving workforce demands, and sustainable development challenges. The Centre officially commenced operations on 1 November 2019.

The establishment of the Centre reflects a shared regional commitment to advancing STEM education systems and nurturing human resources equipped with the knowledge and skills required in the twenty-first century. In particular, the Centre seeks to address key regional challenges, including improving student performance in science and mathematics in international assessments such as the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), supporting sustainable development goals, and preparing a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and enabling countries to overcome the middle-income trap.

As a regional knowledge hub, the centre serves policymakers, educators, and education stakeholders. Through research, experimentation, the development of educational resources, and policy advocacy, the Centre promotes evidence-based approaches to strengthening STEM education. Working in close collaboration with SEAMEO Member Countries, other SEAMEO Regional Centres, and a broad network of partners—including SEAMEO affiliate countries, public institutions and private organisations—the Centre facilitates regional cooperation, knowledge exchange, and capacity-building initiatives.

Through research, knowledge dissemination, professional development programmes, and technical consultation, SEAMEO STEM-ED contributes to the enhancement of STEM education policies and practices, thereby advancing education and human development across Southeast Asia.

STEM-ED Centre’s Definition of STEM Education

STEM education is a teaching and learning approach that emphasises the connections among–or the integration of–knowledge and skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. STEM education addresses problems faced by communities, as well as larger global issues that require a skilled workforce and knowledgeable citizens (who can apply these skills and knowledge) to develop solutions.

SEAMEO STEM-ED’s Key Focused Areas

  • Enhancing student performance in science and mathematics, with particular emphasis on international benchmarks such as PISA.
  • Advancing sustainable development through strengthened STEM education systems and practices.
  • Developing a highly skilled workforce to drive innovation and support countries in overcoming the middle-income trap.
Learn More about STEM Education Standards

Vision

To be a regional research and capacity-building centre of excellence for STEM education that advocates and supports evidence-based policy and practice.

Mission

To strengthen and pioneer STEM education in Southeast Asia through

  • Advocating evidence-based policy research in STEM education and providing policy recommendations to leaders on STEM education that matches national/regional socio- economic development;
  • Developing the capacity of educational personnel and policymakers in STEM education;
  • Enriching regional STEM learning resources and leveraging existing resources in the region that match regional context;
  • Building networks and partnerships of policymakers, professionals, practitioners, and private sector stakeholders to strengthen STEM education.

Strategic Goals

Values and Ways of Working

Our work is guided by a shared culture of collaboration, 
professionalism, and continuous learning, ensuring meaningful impact 
on STEM education across Southeast Asia.

STEM Core Values

STEM education is a teaching and learning approach that emphasises the connections among–or the integration of–knowledge and skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. STEM education addresses problems faced by communities, as well as larger global issues that require a skilled workforce and knowledgeable citizens (who can apply these skills and knowledge) to develop solutions.

S

Strive for Results

Show ambition and perseverance in pursuing challenging goals and delivering meaningful, measurable outcomes.

T

Team Synergy

Collaborate effectively across teams and partners to achieve shared objectives and collective success.

E

Effective Learning Agility

Continuously learn, adapt, and apply new knowledge to enhance practices and improve results.

M

Mastery of Professional Practice

Demonstrate expertise, innovation, and integrity in delivering high-quality professional work.

Key Competencies

Complementing our STEM Core Values, the Centre’s key competencies—known as the 3Ps-guide how our staff collaborate and implement initiatives across the region.

Partnering

Building strong, strategic partnerships with stakeholders and collaborators to maximise impact.

Problem Solving

Applying analytical and creative thinking to address complex challenges effectively.

People Management

Fostering teamwork, leadership, and professional growth to strengthen human capital.

Strategic Execution

Translating strategies into effective action and delivering impactful results.

Dr Kessara Amornvuthivorn

SEAMEO STEM-ED Centre Director

Education is a transformative force—building resilient communities, fostering sustainable economies, and shaping a brighter future for all.
The world is changing rapidly. Technology is reshaping industries, transforming the workforce, and creating jobs unlike those of the past. At the same time, climate change continues to disrupt communities, threaten livelihoods, and place growing pressure on farmers and vulnerable populations across the region. Rising geopolitical tensions have further intensified economic and social challenges worldwide.
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Former Directors

2022 - 2025
Dr Kritsachai Somsaman

In the age of disruption, we must equip ourselves with the right competencies to stay relevant. STEM education enables us to aquire the necessary skills, use technology effectively, and create a better world.

2019 - 2022
Dr Pornpun Waitayangkoon

With STEM education, we can overcome the challenges in front of us, and help our bright- eyed children build better futures.

Dr Kessara Amornvuthivorn

SEAMEO STEM-ED Centre Director

Message from the Centre Director

The world is changing rapidly. Technology is reshaping industries, transforming the workforce, and creating jobs unlike those of the past. At the same time, climate change continues to disrupt communities, threaten livelihoods, and place growing pressure on farmers and vulnerable populations across the region. Rising geopolitical tensions have further intensified economic and social challenges worldwide.

Yet education has struggled to keep pace. Too often, classrooms remain disconnected from real-world challenges and do not adequately prepare young people for the future. This widening gap between what is taught and what is needed has become one of the defining challenges of our time, highlighting the urgent need to reimagine education so that learners are empowered to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

At SEAMEO STEM-ED, we believe education must drive transformation. STEM education is not just about teaching science, technology, engineering, and mathematics separately, but about empowering young people to think critically, solve problems, and innovate through integrated learning. Artificial intelligence and computational thinking are central to this vision—helping students break down problems, design solutions, and build digital literacy, while enabling educators to personalise learning, analyse data, and refine teaching strategies. Together, these tools prepare learners with workforce-ready skills and give teachers the insights to create more effective, engaging, and future-focused classrooms.

Over the past six years, SEAMEO STEM-ED has strengthened collaboration between the public and private sectors to support education systems across the region. We have mobilised resources, fostered regional partnerships, strengthened institutional capacities, and advocated for policies and programmes that create meaningful impact.

We believe education is a shared responsibility among educators, governments, employers, communities, and partners. This is especially important as industries face growing workforce and skills mismatches, while many communities continue to weaken as younger generations migrate to cities in search of economic opportunities.

We are grateful to our funders and partners whose support enables us to expand our impact across the region. Together with government leaders and regional partners, we are committed to strengthening teaching and learning by equipping students with critical thinking and transdisciplinary STEM skills needed to address real-world challenges. We also support teachers through high-quality learning units and resources focused on climate and sustainability education. Through collective efforts by our regional partners, we present what works to inform policymakers so that the education system can be strengthened. Through continuous improvement informed by expertise and evidence, we are confident that we are making a sustainable impact.

At SEAMEO STEM-ED, our mission is guided by the values embodied in STEM: Strive for Results, Team Synergy, Effective Learning Agility, and Mastery of Professional Practice. We are driven by ambition and perseverance, setting challenging goals and working tirelessly to deliver meaningful outcomes. Collaboration is central to our approach, as we join forces across teams and with partners to achieve collective success. With a spirit of continuous learning, we adapt and apply new knowledge —including the transformative potential of AI and computational thinking— to strengthen our practices and improve results. At the same time, we uphold the highest standards of professionalism, demonstrating expertise, innovation, and integrity in all that we do. Together, these values reflect our belief that education is a transformative force—one capable of building resilient communities, fostering sustainable economies, and shaping a brighter future for all.