SEAQIS held the STEM Training Development Workshop for Early Childhood Education (ECE) on 14 and 21 January 2025 at its office in Bandung. This workshop marks SEAQIS’ first step in promoting STEM learning at the early childhood level, aligning with the SEAMEO 7 Priority Areas 2015–2035, which prioritise early childhood education as the foundation for lifelong learning.
The workshop emphasised the importance of introducing STEM concepts early to foster curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. SEAQIS invited Dr Euis Kurniati, a lecturer in Early Childhood Teacher Education at the Indonesia University of Education, and Ms Anna Musdalifah, Headteacher of TK Assalaam Bandung, to share insights into adapting STEM approaches to suit the developmental needs of young learners.
Discussions centred on how STEM learning can be integrated into early childhood education through hands-on, exploratory activities that promote engagement, creativity, and critical thinking. These insights will contribute to the development of a framework for STEM learning that addresses problem-solving skills in a wide range of contexts—beyond just technology.
Though still in its early stages, SEAQIS’ initiative aims to lay the groundwork for a comprehensive approach to STEM in early childhood education, including teacher training, resource development, and regional collaboration. By fostering problem-solving abilities from an early age, SEAQIS hopes to help children develop the skills to tackle real-world challenges.
This initiative underscores SEAQIS’ commitment to advancing STEM education across Southeast Asia, ensuring that regional education systems align with the evolving needs of society.
Writer: Rizwan Darmawan
