Siem Reap, Cambodia - Following the 14th SEA-PLM Regional Steering Committee Meeting, the 4th Project Steering Committee Meeting of SEA-PLM and High-Level Regional Conference on Foundational Learning were convened with the support from ASEAN - Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF).  The Meetings were jointly organized by the SEA-PLM regional Secretariat, SEAMEO Secretariat, UNICEF EAPRO and the ASEAN Secretariat.

During the 14th Regional Steering Committee Meeting, the steering committee meeting welcomed the esteemed presence of His Excellency Lee Jang-keun, Korean Ambassador to ASEAN, who reaffirmed the Mission’s continued support for SEA-PLM’s vital work in monitoring and enhancing the quality of learning across the region. His Excellency also lauded the strong partnership between the programme and Korean educational institutions, KEDI and KICE, which plays a crucial role in bolstering the region’s capacity to leverage evidence in improving basic education in Southeast Asia.

In addition, the meeting was honoured by the attendance of His Excellency Dr Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth, and Sport of Cambodia, who emphasised the significance of the SEA-PLM 2024 Main Survey. He shared insights into Cambodia’s policy reforms and efforts within the Ministry, guided by the SEA-PLM 2019 data and findings. These reforms encompassed enhancements in teacher training, curriculum development, textbook revision, expansion of pre-school facilities, and fostering parental involvement in schools.

Followed by 4^th SEA-PLM Project Steering Committee (PSC) Meeting, the SEA-PLM Regional Secretariat presented an overview of the progress of SEA-PLM Project Workplan. With the guidance of AKCF and ASEAN Secretariat, the SEA-PLM Regional Secretariat has indicated its readiness to manage forthcoming processes and protocols to ensure the continued commitment of SEA-PLM in monitoring and improving student learning outcomes in the region.