Singapore Education Minister Desmond Lee said the work plan reflects the region's shared commitment to building education systems that are responsive to global and technological developments.

It also aims to ensure equitable access to quality education, promote student well-being and strengthen regional cooperation.

He proposed three key areas of discussion to shape the education systems in the region: artificial intelligence (AI) in education; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); and holistic development.

bootstrap slideshow

"Through the ASEAN Five-Year Work Plan on Education, and our focus on AI in education, STEM and holistic development, we are taking practical steps to prepare our people for the future, while strengthening the bonds between us.

"Singapore will do our best to build on the foundation laid by past chairs and advance our shared aspirations for ASEAN education," he said at the opening of 14th ASEAN Education Ministers Meeting (ASED) and Related Meetings here on Wednesday.

The meeting was hosted by Singapore under its 2026-2027 chairmanship of the ASEAN Education Sector.

Themed "Strengthening ASEAN through Education," the 14th ASED was attended by ASEAN education ministers including Malaysian Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek and Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, San Lwin.

Under its chairmanship, the Singapore Centre for Character and Citizenship Education will lead a regional research network aimed at advancing common approaches to values education across ASEAN member states.

It will provide a platform for ASEAN member states to share how values education is designed and implemented within their national curricula.

-- BERNAMA