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.
