The Ministry of Education of the Kingdom of Thailand successfully hosted the 20th ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Education (20th SOM-ED) and the 15th ASEAN Plus Three Senior Officials Meeting on Education (15th SOM-ED+3) from 21–22 August 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand.
The meetings brought together ASEAN Senior Officials on Education, including representatives from Timor-Leste, and Plus Three Countries – China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea (ROK). The discussions were further enriched by the participation of regional and international education partners, including the SEAMEO Secretariat, ASEAN University Network (AUN) Secretariat, UNESCO, UNESCO Institute for Statistics, UK Mission to ASEAN, AUS4ASEAN/Australia Mission to ASEAN, British Council, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), SCOPE-HE, UNICEF East Asia and Pacific Regional Office, ASEAN Foundation, GIZ, Passage to ASEAN (P2A) and Institut Leimena, and others.
Throughout the two-day discussions, officials reviewed the progress and implementation of the ASEAN Work Plan on Education 2021–2025, highlighted ongoing regional initiatives supporting the education agenda, and reflected on Malaysia’s chairmanship education deliverables in 2025.
A key outcome was the endorsement of the strategic documents of the Common Space in Southeast Asian Higher Education – namely Roadmap, Workplan and Terms of Reference of the RISE Steering Committee, marking a milestone for regional connectivity and collaboration in higher education.
Looking ahead, the meeting welcomed the update on the development of the new ASEAN Work Plan on Education 2026–2030, ensuring it responds to the evolving educational landscape and the needs of ASEAN learners. The meeting also took note of the Philippines’ upcoming ASEAN chairmanship education priorities in 2026.
The ASEAN Plus Three Meeting further reinforced collaboration with China, Japan, and the ROK, focusing on joint initiatives that enhance resilience, connectivity, and innovation in education across the region.
In closing, participants reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening partnerships and collaborations with stakeholders to advance the regional education agenda, foster inclusive learning, and prepare ASEAN learners for the future.
The Ministry of Education of the Republic of Singapore will host the14th ASEAN Education Ministers Meeting (14th ASED) and related meetings in 2026.
