Innovators SEAL: Building Innovative Leadership for the Future of Education in Southeast Asia

QUEZON CITY, Philippines — The Innovators SEAL (Innovators in Education: Southeast Asian School Leadership Program) convened 33 school leaders and education officials from 12 countries for its in-person workshop held from 5–15 June 2026, marking Phase 2 of the program’s three-phase learning journey focused on innovation, leadership, and educational transformation. 

Representing all SEAMEO Member Countries and Sri Lanka, participants came together to share innovative practices and initiatives from their respective countries, engage in knowledge exchange, and collaborate with fellow education leaders from across the region. 

Throughout the workshop, participants explored diverse approaches to educational innovation and leadership while discussing common challenges and opportunities facing schools and education systems. The program provided a platform for participants to learn from one another’s experiences and gain insights into initiatives being implemented in different national contexts. 

A key component of the workshop was the collaborative design of regional innovation projects. Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies, participants explored innovative solutions to shared educational challenges and developed actionable plans that may be adapted and implemented within their respective contexts. 

The workshop also underscored the importance of collaboration in addressing educational priorities across the region. By bringing together school leaders and education officials from diverse backgrounds, the program fostered dialogue and the exchange of ideas aimed at strengthening innovation in education. 

The Innovators SEAL Program forms part of SEAMEO INNOTECH’s continuing efforts to strengthen the leadership capacities of educators and education officials while promoting innovation, collaboration, and transformative approaches to learning. Through initiatives such as this, the Centre continues to support the development of education leaders capable of responding to the evolving needs of learners, schools, and education systems across Southeast Asia and beyond.