By Salawati Haji Yahya –
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, OCT 23 – Brunei Darussalam’s Ministry of Education has coordinated the 68th Southeast Asia Ministry of Education Innovation and Technology Center for Educational Technology (SEAMEO INNOTECH) Governing Board Meeting (GBM), which lasted three days starting today at the Rizqun International Hotel.
Present as guest of honor to inaugurate the opening ceremony of the meeting, the Minister of Education, Yang Berhormat Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh and then deliver the keynote speech at the meeting.
The ceremony started with a welcome speech by the Director of SEAMEO INNOTECH, Dr Leonor Magtolis Briones, which was delivered by the Deputy Director of SEAMEO INNOTECH, Kochakorn Khattapan Acidre as a representative, among other things, outlining one of the main points of this year’s meeting is the presentation of the Five Year Development Plan of SEAMEO INNOTECH. 11.
He went on to explain that this plan was formed through a Future Thinking approach, representing an ambitious and future-oriented vision for the center in the coming years. In addition, he also shared his vision on the 16th International Conference, with the theme Cultivating the I in AI: Multi-Sector Synergies for Human-Focused Education.
“The event will explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can be harnessed to improve education while putting human well-being at the center of technological progress,” he explained. Through the event, he looked forward to insights and guidance on the best way to interact with various sectors to create a meaningful and inclusive education system that prioritizes the holistic development of students.
Meanwhile, Policy and Planning Specialist, SEAMEO Secretariat, Emiljohn Sentillas, in his opening speech shared that this GBM is an important event for the SEAMEO Center where it functions as a space to see achievements, discuss the progress of ongoing programs and explore future initiatives.
“By promoting the relationship between the SEAMEO Center and the Ministry of Education, we ensure coordination and responsiveness to the evolving needs and priorities of our region,” he explained.
This year’s GBM focused on key discussions on the future direction of SEAMEO INNOTECH.
This includes reports on the center’s achievements, updates on educational programs, as well as progress in areas such as knowledge management, research, capacity building, and human resources.
The meeting revealed the continued and strong support from SEAMEO member countries for regional cooperation and innovation in education.
The discussion and results of the meeting are also expected to help shape strategic education initiatives as well as support the goal of creating an innovative and inclusive learning environment throughout the region.
This meeting is jointly organized by the Educator Management Department, the Ministry of Education of Brunei Darussalam and SEAMEO INNOTECH.