SEAMEO STEM-ED proudly participated in the SEAMEO Centres Policy Research Network (CPRN) Summit 2026, held from 9–11 June 2026 at Mankuluhur ARTOTEL Suites, Jakarta, Indonesia, under the theme “Bridging Research, Policy, and Practice: Pathways toward Inclusive, Equitable, and Sustainable Futures”. The forum served as a high-level platform for regional cooperation, bringing together stakeholders from various sectors to foster meaningful collaboration, knowledge exchange, and evidence-based dialogue.
During the summit, a research paper entitled “Strengthening STEM Teacher Education in Southeast Asia: Cross-Country Insights from the Southeast Asian Teacher Education Programme (SEA-TEP) and Policy Pathways for Sustainable Change” was presented by Dr Nor Haniza Abdul Hamid from SEAMEO STEM-ED on behalf of the collaborative SEA-TEP research team. The paper highlighted cross-country insights from SEA-TEP research in Cambodia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, and Thailand, providing regional evidence on effective approaches to strengthening STEM teacher education across Southeast Asia. The findings identified key challenges, emerging opportunities, and policy pathways to support the sustainable enhancement of innovative teaching practices, teacher professional development, and quality STEM education within participating countries. During the same session, Dr Parvinder Singh Amar Singh from SEAMEO RECSAM also presented the SEA-TEP country research paper, sharing findings and lessons learned from SEA-TEP implementation in the Malaysian context.
As part of the summit, SEAMEO STEM-ED co-organised two side-by-side workshops focusing on innovative and transformative educational practices in the areas of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education and literacy development through meaningful picture book reading practices. These workshops aimed to strengthen educators’ competencies, encourage learner-centred pedagogies, and promote critical thinking and innovation in educational settings. The two workshops are:
🤖 AI Teaching Made Easy with Floaino by Associate Professor Dr Panrasee Ritthipravat from Mahidol University showcased practical applications of artificial intelligence to support innovative teaching and learning. The session was moderated by Mr Aljhun Datchberll Gile Tapalla from SEAMEO STEM-ED. Participants were introduced to accessible AI tools and strategies that can enhance lesson planning, classroom engagement, and personalised learning experiences.
📖 Picture Books to Enhance Critical Thinking and Meaningful Reading by Assistant Professor Dr Ruj Luecha and Dr Rungrong Sommitr from Srinakharinwirot University, together with Dr Nantina Nilayon, explored creative strategies to foster critical thinking and literacy through picture books. The session was moderated by Ms Veeraya Chowopass from SEAMEO STEM-ED. Through practical examples and interactive activities, participants gained insights into how picture books can promote meaningful reading, discussion, and higher-order thinking skills among learners.
SEAMEO STEM-ED remains committed to promoting research-informed policies, strengthening educational leadership, and advancing innovative STEM teaching and learning practices across the region.
