ASEAN Strengthens AI-STEM Education Cooperation as 2026-2030 Priority

Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti announced that the ASEAN Work Plan on Education 2026–2030 is set to build an inclusive, comprehensive, and transformative education system, prioritising the use of artificial intelligence, strengthening STEM education, and developing student character. Mu’ti made the statement in Jakarta on Friday, summarising the outcomes of the 14th ASEAN Education Ministers Meeting (ASED) in Singapore, which addressed strategic education issues including AI, STEM, and character development.

He noted that a key agenda item was the launch of the ASEAN Work Plan on Education 2026–2030 by the bloc’s education ministers, providing a direction for cooperation over the next five years. The plan serves as a shared reference for building education systems that are inclusive, comprehensive, and transformative. The forum, themed “Strengthening ASEAN through Education,” underscored that education is the foundation for a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready ASEAN community.

Singapore’s Education Minister Desmond Lee remarked that education is not only about how each country moves forward, but also about how participating nations strengthen mutual ties and build ASEAN’s future. He outlined three main focuses for the region’s educational development: adapting AI in learning, reinforcing STEM education, and cultivating student character to meet future challenges.

Beyond the meeting, the Indonesian delegation visited North Vista Primary School in Singapore to observe the implementation of AI and STEM learning. Mu’ti said the delegates toured the school’s makerspace, where students experiment by applying theory to real-world practice. To support the implementation of the ASEAN Work Plan on Education 2026–2030, Singapore also introduced several collaborative programmes, including the ASEAN Plus 3 STEM Camp, the ASEAN Student Adventure Camp, and the ASEAN Values Education Network for Unity and Engagement (AVENUE).