On 25 April 2025, the SEAMEO Regional Centre for Lifelong Learning (SEAMEO CELLL) hosted a seminar titled “Artificial Intelligence Applications in Education for Lifelong Learning Promotions: Concepts and Techniques” at its headquarters. This seminar was one of SEAMEO CELLL’s key initiatives aimed at updating knowledge and practical skills for teachers, administrators, and education experts, with a view to promoting responsible and effective application of AI in teaching, learning, and education management.
The seminar attracted nearly 30 participants, including national and international leaders, educators, and experts, as well as representatives from partner organisations and educational institutions. From SEAMEO CELLL were Dr. Le Thi My Ha, Director of the Centre, and all staff members. International delegates included representatives from SEAMEO RECSAM (Malaysia) and COGNOTIV (Singapore). SEAMEO RECSAM was represented by Dr. Azman bin Jusoh, Director; Ms. Rashihah Binti Hj Othman, Deputy Director of Administration; and Ms. Wong Lai Cheng, Head of Communications and Publications. From COGNOTIV, Mr. Mai Tze Woei, Company Director, and expert Mr. Tan Peng Yew Edmund participated. Vietnamese participants included Dr. Pham Quang Huy, Rector of Dong Thap Community College, and his colleagues; Ms. Tran Thi Thu Ha, former Deputy Director of the Vocational Education Quality Accreditation Agency; Ms. Nhan Thi Hang Nga, President of the Gia Lai Provincial Study Promotion Association; Mr. Ho Phu Bac, Vice President of the Ho Chi Minh City Association for Learning Promotion; and representatives from University Cuu Long and YEA Group.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Le Thi My Ha warmly welcomed all participants and affirmed the role of artificial intelligence as a catalyst for innovation in education. She emphasised the importance of leveraging modern technology to enhance school governance and improve the quality of teaching and learning. “AI is more than just a support tool,” she noted. “It is a key driver of change, reshaping the roles of administrators, teachers, and learners in today’s educational and professional environments,” contributing to a more flexible, personalised, and equitable learning environment for all.
The seminar featured four working sessions, focusing on three main topics: concepts and techniques of AI application in education, practical models in Vietnam and the region, and ethical principles in AI usage.
The program began with a presentation by Mr. Khau Huu Phuoc, Head of Research and Training at SEAMEO CELLL, who provided an overview of AI, its developmental stages, and its widespread applications in education and training. His presentation not only clarified theoretical concepts but also vividly illustrated AI tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot, and Stable Diffusion, which are reshaping teaching and learning techniques by enhancing interaction and personalising the learning process. Among these, ChatGPT stands out as a versatile assistant helping educators optimise lesson planning by summarising materials, suggesting teaching content and presentation slides, generating illustrations, and editing text in various styles—formal, conversational or journalistic—thereby improving instructional content and delivery.
Following that, Mr. Mai Tze Woei, Director of COGNOTIV Singapore, discussed AI applications in educational assessment and career guidance. He highlighted differences between traditional technologies and AI, and introduced COGNOTIV’s models for managing competency indicators, analysing skill gaps, and mapping career development pathways. These models are designed to build a sustainable learning ecosystem that bridges schools with the labour market and enhances learners’ adaptability in the digital transformation era.
The third session focused on practical experiences from educational institutions and localities in Vietnam. Ms. Nhan Thi Hang Nga introduced AI applications in Community Learning Centres, particularly in literacy and sustainable farming training for ethnic minorities in Gia Lai. Dr. Pham Quang Huy shared digital transformation initiatives at Dong Thap Community College, including the use of AI for personalised content, virtual reality applications, and virtual assistant systems. Adding to the discussion, Dr. Tran Thi Thu Ha stressed the importance of data and digital systems in ensuring vocational education and training quality and developing smart vocational school models aligned with current demands.
The topic of ethics and responsibility in AI usage was addressed by Ms. Wong Lai Cheng, who emphasised algorithm transparency, data privacy protection, and equitable access to technology. She also warned of potential risks of AI misuse or unregulated operations underlining that ethical frameworks must be firmly embedded in the design and deployment of AI systems to ensure that technology truly serves learners and the community.
A highlight of the seminar was the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between SEAMEO CELLL and both SEAMEO RECSAM and Dong Thap Community College. These agreements lay the foundation for joint initiatives in training, technology transfer, and capacity development for education professionals in the region.
The seminar concluded with a group photo session and a networking luncheon, reflecting the spirit of solidarity and cooperation toward educational innovation and the development of a creative, sustainable learning society.
