Seoul, Republic fo Korea | Apiradee Treerutkuarkul: The Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics (SEA-PLM) Regional Secretariat has advanced the preparation for the Main Survey in 2024 by hosting the 3rd SEA-PLM Regional Technical Workshop from 11 to 15 December 2023, in collaboration with the Korea Institute for
Curriculum and Evaluation (KICE).

This collaborative effort engaged participating countries and partners in active discussions surrounding the psychometric results of cognitive and contextual instruments. National experiences gleaned from the Field Trial operations showcased best practices and lessons learned that can help inform the Main survey operations. Guided by the SEA-PLM technical standards, countries deliberated and agreed on the final selection of test items, instruments, procedures for the upcoming assessment scheduled for next year.

Crucial to this regional event was the annual gathering of national technical teams, essential for aligning and synchronising national and regional calendars and expectations. The alignment aimed to ensure a seamless and timely execution of programme activities both at the regional and national levels.

Present during the event were the national teams of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Timor Leste, and Viet Nam, co-chairs of the SEA-PLM programme—SEAMEO Secretariat and UNICEF EAPRO, key partners from AKCF and ASEAN Secretariat, technical experts from ACER and cApStAn LQC, among other collaborators of the programme.

Dr. Jimin Cho, Vice-President of KICE, acknowledged the significant milestones achieved in preparing for the 2024 assessment. Dr. Cho also articulated a vision of transforming the program into a sustainable and robust mechanism for monitoring student learning outcomes in the region.

The SEA-PLM Co-chairs, led by Datuk Dr. Habibah Abdul Rahim, Director of SEAMEO Secretariat, and Ms. Mitsue Uemura, Regional Education Advisor of UNICEF EAPRO, commended the diligent efforts of participating countries and the guidance provided by technical partners. They emphasized the foundational work undertaken to facilitate the successful execution of the Main Survey the following year. Furthermore, they urged all workshop participants to not only focus on assessment plans but also to recommit to the core objective of the programme – collectively enhancing the quality and equity of education across the region.