SEAMEO QITEP in Science (SEAQIS), in collaboration with the Directorate of Early Childhood and Non-Formal Education Teachers, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, held a webinar entitled Aktif Bermain, Aktif Belajar: STEM Sederhana untuk PAUD on 20 August 2026, as part of a series of activities leading up to the launch of the National STEM programme.
The webinar brought together teachers and education personnel to explore the introduction of STEM in early childhood education. The session featured Irma Yuliantina from Universitas Panca Sakti Bekasi and Aisyah Fadilah from TK Istiqamah Bandung, with Annisa Fitriani R from the Directorate of Early Childhood and Non-Formal Education Teachers serving as the moderator.
Opening the webinar, Mr Reza Setiawan, Director of SEAQIS, highlighted the importance of STEM learning in early childhood and the role of well-prepared teachers in facilitating it. He also highlighted SEAQIS’s early childhood STEM programme in 2025, which involved 17 partner schools and adopted an In-On model combining training, mentoring, and classroom implementation. The programme’s findings were compiled into a policy brief, launched on 2 June 2026. Building on this initiative, SEAQIS and its partner teachers have also developed STEM Activity Book Series for Early Childhood Education, comprising 24 activity books that provide accessible resources to support STEM implementation in the classroom.
The webinar explored STEM learning in early childhood from academic and classroom perspectives. Irma Yuliantina highlighted STEM as a learning experience that encourages children to explore, think critically, and solve problems, with teachers providing appropriate support based on children’s needs. Aisyah Fadilah complemented this perspective by sharing a fish house project that encouraged children to identify problems, develop solutions, and learn through hands-on exploration.
Both speakers emphasised that STEM learning does not have to be complicated or costly. What matters is the process, giving children opportunities to try, experience failure, and improve their ideas while teachers accompany them throughout the learning journey. The discussion also highlighted how STEM can complement deep learning by creating meaningful and enjoyable experiences that support children’s development.
The webinar concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening STEM education from an early age. The collaboration between SEAQIS and the Directorate of Early Childhood and Non-Formal Education Teachers serves as a step towards strengthening STEM practices and supporting the wider implementation of the National STEM programme. For more information and to watch the webinar recording, visit the Guru PAUD PNF YouTube channel or click here.
Written by Salsabila Nadhifah
