Following the landmark adoption of the ASEAN-SEAMEO Joint Declaration on the Common Space in Southeast Asian Higher Education in August 2024 and ongoing efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, SEAMEO RIHED, and key partners, and stakeholders in higher education have come together for the 2024 Inter-Regional Research Symposium (IRRS). Held from November 20 to 22, 2024, at The Sukosol Hotel in Bangkok, this year’s Symposium, registered as an ASEAN andSEAMEO event, is a vital platform for advancing higher education and sustainable development through transformative approaches.
The event was inaugurated on November 20 by Supachai Jaismut, Vice-Minister, on behalf of Her Excellency Supamas Isaraphakdi, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, Thailand. Asst. Prof. Dr Romyen Kosaikanont, Centre Director of SEAMEO RIHED and Professor Dr Supachai Patumnakul, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, also delivered messages to set the stage for an engaging and impactful event.
A significant highlight of the Symposium was the Regional Policy Dialogue on transforming higher education to meet regional and global goals, which followed a thought-provoking intervention by the architect of the Common Space, Prof. Dr. Supachai Yavaprabhas. Senior policymakers from Cambodia, Lao PDR, and the Philippines engaged with the audience to explore their roles within the Common Space in Southeast Asian Higher Education. Complementing the dialogue were thought-provoking keynotes, dynamic panel discussions, and a spirited debate hosted by the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF).
On November 21, the Symposium shifted focus to gender equity, diversity, and inclusion in higher education, led by the British Council, in collaboration with SEAMEO RIHED. This session opened critical discussions on advancing gender equity and inclusion in the region. This was followed by sessions on flexible learning pathways from inter-regional perspectives and higher education’s crucial role in climate action.
IRRS 2024: A Platform for Global Collaboration
The Symposium has drawn policymakers, leaders, educators, researchers and learners from over 25 countries to discuss pathways and take action for more sustainable futures in higher education.
Key components of the IRRS include:
- Expert Keynotes on Navigating Digital Transformation, Flexible Learning Pathways and Lifelong Learning, and Climate Action.
- Presentations of innovative research with tangible impacts on higher education and sustainable development.
- Special sessions led by partners, including the British Council, the Asia-Europe
Foundation, AKEPT, and CIMEA, addressing gender equity, diversity and inclusion, digital transformation, flexible learning pathways and recognition.
As the 2024 IRRS concludes on November 22, key partners in Southeast Asian Higher Education will outline actionable steps to further the Common Space in Southeast Asian Higher Education.
This Symposium’s insights and collaborative spirit underscore its aim to transform higher education into a driver of sustainable development, innovation, and regional solidarity.
For more information on IRRS 2024 and SEAMEO RIHED’s initiatives, visit
https://www.rihed.seameo.org.
Disclaimer: RIHED-SHARE does not claim any intellectual property ownership of the content. The copyright belongs to SEAMEO RIHED who are the organisers of the above mentioned event.
