To address the urgent need for innovative, sustainable, and future-ready science education, SEAQIS organised a Regional Training for science teachers from 4 to 9 August 2025 in Bandung, Indonesia. The programme brought together 90 educators from eight ASEAN members, such as Cambodia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Viet Nam, and Indonesia. The training programme focused on three core areas such as Earth and Space Science (ESS), Environmental Education for Sustainable Development (EESD), and Science Classroom Supervision (SCS). Through these focus areas, it can enhance teaching competencies, promote cross-country collaboration, and support the continuous improvement of science education across the region.
In his opening remarks, Mr Reza Setiawan, S.Si., M.T., Director of SEAQIS, highlighted that this training course served as a platform to enhance professional development, promote meaningful collaboration, and foster cross-cultural understanding. Additionally, he noted that the programme was not only about acquiring new knowledge, but also about sharing ideas, appreciating cultural diversity, and building strong professional networks. Furthermore, he encouraged all participants to engage actively in each session, to bring valuable insights and experiences back to their schools.
Further welcoming remarks were delivered by Mr Putra Asga Elevri, S.Si., M.Si., a SEAQIS Governing Board Member from Indonesia. In his speech, he encouraged teachers to become agents of transformation, especially in addressing global challenges. He stressed that educators are not only responsible for delivering scientific knowledge but also for fostering adaptability, collaboration, and a deep commitment to sustainability. Moreover, he called on participants to reflect on their local contexts, exchange best practices, and draw inspiration from one another to create science learning that is engaging, relevant, and responsive to both local and global needs.
The training courses were officially opened by Ir. Suharti, M.A., Ph.D., the Secretary General of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education of the Republic of Indonesia. Through her opening statements, she emphasised that we are meeting at a critical time, as countries around the world are navigating fast-moving changes, including the climate crisis, digital transformation, and the increasing demand for new skills in the era of artificial intelligence (AI). She stressed the need to nurture new ways of thinking by encouraging students to observe, to question, to experiment, to solve problems, and to innovate. Additionally, it was further underlined that the future of the region depends on how well we prepare today’s children through the quality of science education.
One of the highlights of the event was a keynote presentation by Ms. Fereshteh Rafieian from UNESCO Jakarta, who shared knowledge regarding “The Global Trends and Challenges of Science Education.” She underlined the urgent need to adapt science teaching methods in response to global environmental and technological changes. Furthermore, she emphasized the role of educators in preparing students for the future, particularly by enhancing the quality of science education.
Reflecting this shared vision, the training’s thematic courses offered targeted and practical development opportunities. The Science Classroom Supervision course aimed to empower school principals and supervisors with strong academic supervision practices grounded in instructional leadership. The Environmental Education for Sustainable Development course promoted science as a transformative tool to foster sustainability and environmental awareness. Meanwhile, the Earth and Space Science course deepened understanding of geoscience concepts, including natural disasters, climate change, and planetary systems, anchoring them in real-world relevance.
More than just a training, the programme became a melting pot of ideas, cultures, and inspiration. Through hands-on workshops, collaborative projects, and dynamic discussions, participants didn’t just sharpen their science teaching skills, but they also built lasting connections. Educators from across Southeast Asia shared their classroom experiences, exchanged innovative practices, and discovered fresh perspectives from one another. By bringing these passionate teachers together, SEAQIS is not only strengthening science education but also nurturing a regional community that learns, grows, and leads change together.
Written by. Lily, Laesya, Febianty & Adinda.
