The Southeast Asia Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) and JA Asia Pacific Partner to Advance Future-Ready Education Across Southeast Asia

JA Asia Pacific and the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) have formalized a new partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a significant step toward advancing education and youth empowerment across the region.

This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, and mindsets needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world. By bringing together regional policy leadership and proven educational practice, the partnership seeks to strengthen the connection between education and real-world opportunities for youth.

A handshake between Dr Kessara Amornvuthivorn (Centre Director at SEAMEO STEM-ED) and Dr Vivek Kumar (President and CEO of JA Asia Pacific) to mark a new partnership based on the common goal of advancing youth education in the Asia Pacific region

Addressing a Critical Regional Challenge

Home to one of the world's largest youth populations, the Asia-Pacific region has tremendous potential. Yet many young people continue to face barriers to meaningful participation in education and employment. According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), a significant number of young people across the region remain disconnected from education, employment, or training, highlighting the need for education systems that are not only accessible, but also relevant and future-focused.

As economies transform and workforce demands evolve, education systems must increasingly prepare young people with practical competencies such as entrepreneurship, financial capability, digital skills, and career readiness. Addressing this challenge requires collaboration across sectors and stakeholders.

Bringing Together Policy Leadership and Practical Innovation

As an intergovernmental organization, SEAMEO plays a pivotal role in advancing regional cooperation in education, science, and culture across Southeast Asia. Through its network of specialized centers and strategic partners, SEAMEO drives innovation, research, and capacity building that strengthen education systems across the region.

This geographic reach aligns closely with JA's network of Members in the Asia Pacific region, creating opportunities to connect policy leadership with on-the-ground implementation. Several of SEAMEO's centers are based in countries where Junior Achievement has a strong local presence, including Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia, enabling both organizations to leverage regional expertise and local impact.

SEAMEO's specialized centres and partners who signed the MOU:

• SEAMEO STEM-ED (Regional Centre for STEM Education) located in Bangkok, Thailand;

• SEAMEO INNOTECH (Regional Centre for Educational Innovation and Technology), located in Quezon City, Philippines;

• SEAMEO RECSAM (Regional Centre for Education in Science and Mathematics), located in Penang, Malaysia;

• SEAMEO SEAMOLEC (Regional Open Learning Centre), located in Jakarta, Indonesia; and

• Caravan of Knowledge Corporate Fund, located in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

JA Worldwide, one of the world's largest youth-serving nonprofit organizations, complements this expertise through decades of experience delivering experiential learning programs that prepare young people for success in work and life. Across Asia Pacific, JA reached nearly five million students in the past year through learning experiences focused on entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial health. Through its network in 15 countries and territories, JA Asia Pacific continues to expand opportunities for young people to develop the skills and confidence needed to realize their potential.

Signees from JA Asia Pacific and SEAMEO STEM-ED, SEAMEO INNOTECH, SEAMEO RECSAM, SEAMEO SEAMOLEC and Caravan of Knowledge Corporate Fund

Advancing Future-Ready Education

The partnership between JA Asia Pacific and SEAMEO creates a platform for greater collaboration between policymakers, educators, and practitioners. Together, both organizations will explore opportunities to:

• Inform education policy through evidence and insights from classrooms and communities.

• Expand access to proven educational models that develop entrepreneurial and employability skills.

• Strengthen pathways between education and the workforce.

• Promote entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and future-ready competencies as essential components of student learning.

• Foster innovation and collaboration across education systems in Southeast Asia.

By combining policy influence with practical educational solutions, the partnership aims to accelerate efforts to ensure that young people are prepared not only for today's opportunities, but also for the challenges and possibilities of the future.

The team behind the scenes who worked hard to make the partnership and signing ceremony a success - including Thada Savetsila (Board Member of JA Asia Pacific and Chairman of JA Thailand) and M.L. Pariyada DIskul (Executive Director of JA Thailand), Kirk Kenny (Chief Operating Officer of JA Asia Pacific) among others.

A Shared Vision for Youth Success

At JA Asia Pacific, we believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to build a productive and fulfilling future. Meaningful progress requires strong partnerships across sectors, bringing together governments, educators, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector to create lasting impact.

This collaboration with SEAMEO represents an important step toward that vision. Together, we look forward to strengthening education systems, empowering young people, and creating pathways that enable the next generation to succeed in an increasingly dynamic world.