Overview
The SEAMEO Regional Centre for Lifelong Learning (SEAMEO CELLL) is a public non-business unit under the Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam, operating as a regional centre of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO).
The Centre aims to cater for the regional needs in promoting lifelong learning and provide opportunities for cooperation in the field of lifelong learning among SEAMEO Member Countries and Associate Member Countries, help strengthen the relationship and increase mutual understanding among educational researchers, practitioners and policy makers of the region, in a spirit of mutual respect and partnership.
Vision
A regional centre of excellence in research and training on lifelong learning, a regional forum for educational policy development on lifelong learning and a focal point for linkage among Southeast Asian, Asian and European countries to promote cooperation in lifelong learning.
Mission
- To conduct research on lifelong learning.
- To act as an information centre and consultation/service provider on lifelong learning.
- To conduct training for lifelong learning managers, researchers and adult education managers.
History
- 23 April 2012: Decision No. 1561/QĐ-BGDĐT of the Minister of Education and Training established the Centre.
- 20 March 2013: The Memorandum of Agreement between SEAMEO and the Government of Vietnam was signed at the 47th SEAMEO Council Conference (SEAMEC 47) in Hanoi.
- 4 May 2013: The Regulation on the Organisation and Operation of the Centre was issued under Decision No. 1565/QĐ-BGDĐT.
- 10 January 2025: Ceremony for the re-appointment of Dr. Le Thi My Ha as Centre Director.
Purposes
- Establishing and maintaining close cooperation with ministries/departments in charge of lifelong learning policies, particularly the ministries of education and ministries of labour in SEAMEO Member Countries.
- Promoting the concept and good practices of lifelong learning in SEAMEO Member Countries in order to widen participation in education and training, employment and civic life, and to combat exclusion and inequality in educational opportunities.
- Conducting joint research and comparative studies on lifelong learning, as well as research for policy making at national and regional levels.
- Disseminating knowledge by publishing books, international academic journals and operating a website in English.
- Facilitating, where necessary, policy learning among governments of SEAMEO Member Countries.
- Organising appropriate events serving the purpose of the Centre, including high-profile conferences, seminars and workshops, flexible and tailor-made training courses, lifelong learning festivals and promotion of good practices.
- Supplying, where necessary, expert consultancy, advice and support services on request.
- Maintaining close cooperation in the field of lifelong learning with relevant regional and international organisations.
Organisation
- Governing Board
- Director: Dr. Le Thi My Ha
- Research and Training Department: Mr. Khau Huu Phuoc (MA), Manager
- Administration Department
- Financial Planning Department
- International Relations Department
- ICT Department
The Centre has 15 staff members (including 2 PhD and 3 Master’s degree holders), a network of around 200 external experts, and partnerships with more than 40 domestic and international institutions.
Governing Board Members (FY2025–2026)
| Country | Member | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Brunei Darussalam | Mr. Kim Lian Boon | Acting Director, Lifelong Learning Centre, Ministry of Education |
| Cambodia | Dr. Dy Samsideth | Secretary-General of the National Committee for Lifelong Learning; Deputy Director General of Education, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport |
| Indonesia | Mr. Saryadi, S.T., M.B.A | Acting Director of Courses and Training, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education |
| Lao PDR | Mr. Sengaloun Boutsady | Deputy Director-General, Department of Non-Formal Education, Ministry of Education and Sports |
| Malaysia | Ms. Surya Hani Binti Salleh | Deputy Undersecretary, Human Capital Section, Policy and Research Division, Ministry of Higher Education |
| Myanmar | Dr. Win Pe | Deputy Director General, Department of Alternative Education, Ministry of Education |
| Philippines | Dr. Jerome T Buenviaje | Assistant Secretary for Curriculum and Teaching, Department of Education |
| Singapore | Assoc. Prof. Sim Soo Kheng | Director, Research and Innovation Division, Institute for Adult Learning |
| Thailand | Mr. Yothin Sommanonont | Director, Division of Strategy and Planning, Department of Learning Encouragement, Ministry of Education |
| Timor-Leste | Dr. Apolinario Serpa Rosa | Ministry of Education |
| Vietnam | Assoc. Prof. Vu Thi Tu Anh | Deputy Director, Vocational and Continuing Education Department, Ministry of Education and Training |
Legal basis
- Decision No. 1561/QĐ-BGDĐT dated 23 April 2012 on the establishment of the Centre.
- Decision No. 1565/QĐ-BGDĐT dated 4 May 2013 promulgating the Regulation on the Organisation and Operation of the Centre.