On 3 December 2025, SEAQIS welcomed the Minister of Education of Brunei Darussalam, who also serves as President of the SEAMEO Council, Yang Berhormat Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah, during a visit that highlighted new opportunities for regional collaboration in advancing science education across Southeast Asia. The visit provided a meaningful platform for dialogue on strengthening partnerships and expanding the reach of science education initiatives.
The main discussion session provided SEAQIS with an opportunity to present the development of its programmes in recent years, including teacher training, educational research, and school mentoring initiatives. SEAQIS also outlined potential areas for deeper collaboration with Brunei Darussalam, particularly through activities focused on strengthening teacher competencies and supporting programmes aligned with national priorities. The presentation received a positive response from the President of the SEAMEO Council, who emphasised the importance of cross-country collaboration in expanding the impact of science education across the region.
During the visit, the delegation from Brunei Darussalam explored the Young Explorers STEM Learning Expo, an exhibition showcasing a range of STEM learning projects from early childhood to upper secondary levels. The guests were welcomed with demonstrations of students’ work that highlighted creativity, analytical skills, and scientific understanding integrated with simple technologies. The delegation also engaged in direct discussions with teachers and students regarding exploratory learning approaches currently implemented in SEAQIS partner schools.
In addition to the exhibition at SEAQIS, the delegation had the opportunity to visit TK Assalaam (Assalaam Kindergarten), one of the schools participating in the early childhood STEM programme. There, they observed how STEM concepts are introduced to young learners through enjoyable, contextual activities designed to spark curiosity. The visit illustrated how exploratory approaches can help build the foundations of scientific thinking from an early age.
The event was further enriched by the presence of representatives from Indonesia and the SEAMEO Secretariat, including Ms Pintip Lamnirath, Deputy Director for Administration and Communication at the SEAMEO Secretariat; Mr Suparto, S.Ag., M.Ed., Ph.D., Director of Early Childhood and Non-formal Education at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of Indonesia; and Dr Sugito Adiwarsito, M.Pd., Or., Head of Educators Professional Development Center in West Java. Their attendance strengthened discussions on the direction of regional cooperation in science education.
The visit of the SEAMEO Council President underscored regional confidence in SEAQIS as a centre for science education development that is adaptive and responsive to future needs. Support and appreciation from Southeast Asian education leaders open new opportunities for expanding programmes, driving learning innovations, and enhancing teacher capacity more systematically throughout the region.
Written by Yuliyanti
