Smart Learning Institute

The Workshop on Educational Planning and Governance in the Intelligent Era: A Southeast Asian Perspective, held from 8–12 September 2025 at the Nikko Hotel Bangkok, brought together over 65 education leaders, policymakers, researchers, and AI experts from Southeast Asia and beyond.

Organised by SEAMEO STEM-ED, in partnership with Beijing Normal University (BNU), with technical support from UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok, the five-day event provided a unique platform for stakeholders to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in reshaping education.

The workshop opened with a keynote address by Dr Kritsachai Somsaman, Director of SEAMEO STEM-ED, who emphasised the organisation’s commitment to equipping education systems with the tools and strategies needed for the challenges of the AI era. Distinguished guests, including Ms Chitralada Chanyaem from the Ministry of Education of Thailand, Ms Marina Patrier from UNESCO Bangkok, and Professor Zhou Zuoyu from BNU, also shared their vision for AI's role in education.

Discussions soon shifted to the critical topics of AI ethics, governance, and policy frameworks. UNESCO’s introduction of its AI Readiness Assessment Methodology laid the foundation for understanding how different countries are preparing for AI integration in education. Experts from China shared valuable best practices in smart education, sparking deep discussions about the ethical safeguards needed to ensure equitable access to AI-powered learning. These conversations were central to identifying the potential risks of AI, particularly around data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the digital divide.

As the week progressed, the focus turned to the future of education in Southeast Asia, with participants delving into how AI can help create more inclusive and equitable learning environments. Leading AI companies presented innovative technologies that are already transforming classrooms, while discussions emphasised the importance of aligning policies to ensure that AI benefits all learners, regardless of their background or resources. A series of collaborative group activities allowed participants to examine the unique challenges and opportunities that each country faces in integrating AI into its education system.

One of the key outcomes of the workshop was the drafting of actionable, AI-driven education policy proposals. These recommendations, created with the support of mentors from UNESCO and BNU, were refined through expert feedback, ensuring they addressed the practical needs of the region. The focus was on making these policies both innovative and adaptable, ensuring they are rooted in the local context while preparing education systems for the demands of the future.

The workshop concluded with a collective commitment to continue the dialogue and collaborate on future initiatives aimed at creating inclusive, AI-powered education systems. Participants pledged to maintain momentum through future workshops, research collaborations, and regional partnerships. By the end of the week, a shared vision had emerged: to harness AI not just as a technological tool, but as a force for social good, capable of building education systems that are more inclusive, equitable, and ready for the future.

The event also included a cultural visit to Bangkok’s Grand Palace, underscoring the importance of collaboration and cultural exchange in driving innovation. With this shared commitment, the workshop marked a significant step toward a smarter, more equitable future for education across Southeast Asia.

For concept note and programme: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15UlxaAG5fxcXv4KIruAt6OET_ec-DJPY?usp=drive_link

Original link: https://www.seameo-stemed.org/news-and-events/workshop-on-educational-planning-and-governance-in-the-intelligent-era-a-southeast-asian-perspective-concludes-with-shared-vision-for-ai-in-education/?fbclid=IwY2xjawM4SoVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE3dHY1U1l0dlIzbGdMOVZ4AR6TCUWVmX6hJCQsdMK5XlO90yNc6FPCBytQNEctjfhEogFqIhVNVXHz2y4mMA_aem_1ZlJ38ooTZPoxKt7feBfHQ