The SEAMEO Search for Young Scientists 2026 congress united 475 students from eight nations, boosting regional STEM collaboration and innovation.
GEORGE TOWN: The 14th Regional Congress – SEAMEO Search for Young Scientists (SSYS) 2026 has been hailed as a pivotal platform for strengthening educational cooperation across Southeast Asia.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek (pic) said the event celebrates young potential while promoting scientific exploration and cross-border collaboration.
The congress brought together 475 students from 72 schools across eight Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia.
Fadhlina emphasised the Ministry of Education’s focus on meaningful cooperation in areas impacting society and daily life.
She cited the newly launched Malaysia Education Blueprint 2026-2035 as providing clear direction for a more inclusive and competitive education system.
The blueprint also forms a foundation for deeper regional collaboration in STEM education and teacher development.
It supports student mobility and practical programmes delivering tangible benefits to schools and communities.
Fadhlina stated the congress aligns with the ministry’s goal to nurture creative, innovative and socially responsible students.
“Through SSYS, students are encouraged to think critically, collaborate across disciplines and apply STEM knowledge to address real-world challenges,” she said.
She described the event as a meaningful platform that enriched learning and strengthened regional cooperation.
The ministry expressed high appreciation to SEAMEO RECSAM for organising the initiative to nurture young scientific talents.
“Programmes such as SSYS reflect SEAMEO RECSAM’s continuous commitment to producing young scientists,” she added.
Fadhlina also acknowledged the contributions of collaborative partners, judges, educators and industry representatives.
