Structured Learning Visit to SEAMEO Secretariat

Bangkok, Thailand, October 15, 2024 – The Mekong Institute (MI) team undertook a structured learning visit to the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) Secretariat in Bangkok, Thailand, as part of its capacity-building efforts.

Led by MI Executive Director, Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn, the team was warmly welcomed by Mr. John Arnold Siena, SEAMEO Deputy Director (Programme & Development), and Ms. Pintip Iamnirath, Deputy Director (Admin & Communication). Both provided valuable insights into SEAMEO’s mission of promoting regional cooperation and development in education, science, and culture across Southeast Asia.

The visit offered participants an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of SEAMEO’s operational frameworks and regional collaboration strategies. Through engaging discussions and breakout sessions with SEAMEO’s experts, the team explored key areas such as policy formulation, communication strategies, stakeholder engagement, and financial management.

This visit is part of the “Capacity Building for Enhanced Secretarial Support and Development in the Mekong Region” project, which is supported by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). The one-year project aims to enhance MI personnel’s capabilities through a series of capacity-building activities, including structured learning visits to key subregional secretariats and organizations.

This learning visit highlights MI’s commitment to advancing regional cooperation as it prepares to support the Ayeyawady – Chao Phraya – Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) Interim Secretariat. The knowledge and insights gained during this visit will strengthen MI’s capacity to contribute more effectively to regional development initiatives.

Related News

Scroll to Top

Mrs. Guohua Liu

Director, Sustainable Energy & Environment (SEE) Department

Mrs. Liu Guohua is the Director of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Department at the Mekong Institute. Prior to this role, she worked in the Department of International Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, where she played a key role in shaping and implementing China’s cooperation strategies with UN development agencies. During this time, Mrs. Liu was actively involved in advancing initiatives related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on climate change and green development. Additionally, she contributed to the evaluation of projects funded by various Chinese initiatives, such as the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Special Fund, etc.

In addition to her work in the Department of International Economic Affairs, Mrs. Liu has an extensive diplomatic background. She spent 7 years in the Department of African Affairs, followed by a 4-year tenure at the Chinese Embassy in Lao PDR, where she gained deep expertise in both Southeast Asian and African affairs. These diverse experiences have played a crucial role in shaping her approach to sustainable development and international collaboration, particularly in building regional partnerships and tackling global challenges like climate change.

She holds a Master’s degree in Economics, with a specialization in Finance, from the Central University of Finance and Economics, and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, specializing in International Economics and Trade, from the Shanghai University of International Business and Economics.