BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – Brunei’s Permanent Secretary (Core Education) at the Ministry of Education, Dr. Shamsiah Zuraini Kanchanawati binti Haji Tajuddin, chaired the 2025 Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) Executive Committee Meeting, the 20th ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Education (SOM-ED), and the 15th ASEAN Plus Three Senior Officials Meeting on Education (ASEAN SOM-ED+3) in Bangkok, Thailand, from August 20 to 22.
The SEAMEO Executive Committee convenes annually to provide guidance on the priorities and operations of SEAMEO units, set directions, and make recommendations on the management of the SEAMEO Secretariat and the development of SEAMEO centres.
Discussions included the SEAMEO Secretariat’s work plan, outcome framework, and proposals for subsidiary projects and programs. Several proposals were approved for presentation at the 48th SEAMEO High Officials’ Meeting scheduled for November 2025.
Following the SEAMEO Executive Committee Meeting, the Brunei delegation participated in the 20th ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Education and the 15th ASEAN Plus Three Senior Officials Meeting on Education.
These annual meetings address regional education issues, review the progress of regional education programs, initiatives, and activities by ASEAN Member States, and explore further cooperation with dialogue partners, including China, Japan, and South Korea.
During these meetings, Dr. Shamsiah provided updates on Brunei’s initiatives under the ASEAN Education Work Plan 2021–2025.
Notably, she highlighted activities led by the SEAMEO Regional Centre for Vocational and Technical Education and Training (SEAMEO VOCTECH) and Brunei’s Leaders and Teachers Academy, which contribute to enhancing vocational education and leadership development in the region.
These engagements underscore Brunei’s active role in shaping regional education policies and fostering collaborative efforts to advance educational standards across Southeast Asia.