RSU International Research Conference 2023

Leading Research and Innovation for Opportunity and Readiness after the Pandemic

Habibah Abdul Rahim & Kamaleswaran Jayarajah

The Southeast Asia Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO), Bangkok, Thailand

E-mail: habibah@seameo.org; kamaleswaran@seameo.org

The COVID-19 pandemic is undoubtedly one of the greatest challenges ever faced by international
development and humanitarian organizations. The Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO)
acknowledged that the education sector has also been directly impacted due to the pandemic. In line with the SEAMEO
Strategic Plan (SSP) 2021-2030, the SEAMEO Secretariat has initiated a number of momentous programs in leading
research and innovation, not only to seek the opportunity and readiness of the teachers, lecturers and learners but also
by providing data and evidences that could impact the decision-making outcomes. The Southeast Asia Primary
Learning Metrics (SEA-PLM) Regional Learning Assessment, SEAMEO Centres Policy Research Network (CPRN)
Annual Policy Research Summit, The Online, Flexible and Distance Learning (OFDL) Research and other research and
innovative efforts carried out by the Secretariat and 26 SEAMEO Centres across the 11 countries in Southeast Asia,
These efforts provide opportunities on the development of relevant policies, standards, and delivery mechanisms apart
from enhancing collaborations in research and innovation for the region. As the world continues to grapple with the
effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the next normal, SEAMEO remain committed as the leading organization that
enhances regional understanding and cooperation in education, science and culture to ensure a better quality of life in
Southeast Asia.

Keywords: SEAMEO, SEAMEO Strategic Plan 2021-2030, SEA-PLM, CPRN, OFDL