Against the vibrant backdrop of Bangkok, the 48th High Officials Meeting (HOM) of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) unfolded on 19–20 November 2025, marking a milestone in regional cooperation. Among the distinguished participants was the SEAMEO QITEP in Mathematics (SEAQiM), represented by Director Dr. Sri Wulandari Danoebroto and Deputy Director for Administration Ms. Puji Iryanti.
This year’s HOM carried special significance as SEAMEO celebrated its 60th anniversary under the theme “Leading Through Learning: Empowering Schools and Communities in Southeast Asia.” The gathering brought together high officials from SEAMEO Member Countries, Associate and Affiliate Members, SEAMEO Centres’ Directors, and partners — a testament to the organization’s enduring role in shaping education, science, and culture across the region.
In her opening remarks, Datuk Dr. Habibah, Director of the SEAMEO Secretariat, reflected on SEAMEO’s journey, noting that the organization has trained more than 38,000 teachers and continues to be a driving force in regional educational development.
The opening ceremony featured powerful messages from regional leaders:
- Anongnat Chakaew, Secretary to the Minister of Education of Thailand, emphasized the urgency of addressing uneven opportunities, evolving skill requirements, and the challenges of digital transformation.
- Shamsiah Zuraini Kanchanawati binti Haji Tajudin, Permanent Secretary of Brunei’s Ministry of Education, called for schools to instill sustainable behaviors to combat climate change, urging SEAMEO Centres to take concrete action.
These remarks underscored the collective vision of Southeast Asia’s education leaders: to prepare schools and communities for a rapidly changing world.
Indonesia’s contributions shone brightly during the meeting, with two institutions earning international recognition:
- Uswatun Khasanah, Coordinator Teacher of SMA Al Huda Boarding School, Tuban received the SEAMEO-Japan Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Award.
- Dr rer nat Robby Zidny, S Pd, M Si, Assistant Professor Sultan Agung Tirtayasa University won the SEAMEO-Jasper Research Award.
These achievements highlight Indonesia’s growing leadership in sustainability and educational innovation.
Datuk Dr. Habibah reported the circulation of 50 working papers for review. Among them was SEAQiM’s proposal: “Numeracy Corner Programme in Indonesian Primary Schools: A Pilot Project.” This initiative aims to strengthen foundational mathematics skills, reflecting SEAQiM’s mission to enhance numeracy education across the region.
The meeting also spotlighted Indonesia’s digital innovation. The Secretary General of Indonesia’s Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Suharti Ph.D introduced Rumah Pendidikan, a superapp designed to support teachers in teaching and learning. The platform has already gained international acclaim, winning the Silver Award at the International Customer Experience Awards (ICXA) 2025 in London, UK.
This recognition positions Indonesia as a pioneer in leveraging technology to empower educators and improve classroom experiences.
Beyond awards and innovations, the HOM provided a platform for SEAMEO Associate and Affiliate Members, along with partners, to share updates on collaborations with the SEAMEO Secretariat and Centres. These exchanges reinforced the spirit of cooperation that has defined SEAMEO’s journey for six decades.
The 48th SEAMEO HOM was more than a meeting — it was a celebration of shared achievements and a reaffirmation of collective goals. For SEAQiM, its participation underscored its commitment to advancing mathematics education and contributing to regional innovation. As Southeast Asia faces challenges from climate change to digital transformation, SEAQiM’s role in shaping resilient, future-ready schools and teachers remains vital.