Each month, members of the Bett Asia Advisory Board gather to discuss challenges and solutions to priorities in education across Southeast Asia.

The Bett Asia Advisory Board Q2 discussions brought together a wide range of perspectives on the evolving education landscape, highlighting both tangible progress and the complex challenges shaping future priorities. Across the conversations, several clear themes emerged, reflecting a sector that is simultaneously innovating rapidly while grappling with foundational issues.

School initiatives

One of the most encouraging aspects of the discussion was the breadth of recent achievements shared. Large-scale literacy and numeracy interventions demonstrated measurable impact, with targeted, data-driven approaches helping significant numbers of students move out of critical learning gaps. These initiatives emphasised the value of diagnostic assessment tools and tailored teaching strategies over one-size-fits-all solutions. This demonstrates that even relatively straightforward interventions can drive meaningful change when implemented systematically. Elsewhere, successful school-led initiatives (including a student-led festival and collaborative cross-disciplinary programmes) highlighted the importance of creativity, student engagement, and community-building in education. There was also notable progress in developing new frameworks for teaching and learning, with pilot programmes involving educators actively testing and refining approaches grounded in cognitive science and effective lesson design.

How to measure true learning

At the same time, emerging areas of interest reveal where the sector’s attention is shifting. Artificial intelligence continues to dominate conversations, but with a more mature and critical lens than in previous years. Rather than focusing purely on tools, there is increasing emphasis on how AI intersects with pedagogy, critical thinking, and authentic learning. Questions around how to measure real understanding in an age of generative AI, and how to ensure students engage cognitively rather than passively, are becoming central. Alongside AI, there is growing interest in neuroscience and cognitive development, particularly in how these insights can inform classroom practice.

Raising the profile of Early Years education

Another key area gaining traction is early years education, especially play-based learning. Participants noted that early childhood education is often underrepresented in professional discourse, despite its foundational importance. Similarly, there is increasing focus on inclusion, with discussions around supporting learners with diverse needs, language barriers, and varying levels of literacy becoming increasingly prominent. The rise in multilingual classrooms and increased student mobility are pushing educators to rethink how they support language acquisition and maintain equity in learning outcomes.

Managing screen time and attention spans

However, the conversation also underscored several persistent and emerging challenges. Screen time and mobile phone usage have become particularly pressing issues, with schools, parents, and policymakers struggling to find the right balance. While some institutions are moving toward stricter controls (including total phone bans), there are concerns about practicality, equity, and unintended consequences, especially in environments where devices are integral to learning. The debate is further complicated by evolving parental expectations and shifting societal attitudes, with many now calling for greater regulation and guidance.

Responsible use of AI

Data privacy and responsible technology use also remain significant concerns. As students increasingly engage with AI tools, questions arise about who is responsible for safeguarding personal data and ensuring ethical use. These challenges are compounded by inconsistent or incomplete government guidance, leaving schools to interpret and implement policies in ways that suit their unique contexts. This is addition to learners and educators not fully understanding when they are uploading personal data into AI tools.

Pace of change

Another critical issue is the sustainability of educational initiatives. While short-term programmes can deliver impressive results, there is ongoing frustration around the lack of long-term adoption and systemic change, particularly when working with government systems. Ensuring that successful interventions are embedded and scaled remains a major hurdle.

Collaboration across education

The advisory board also highlighted a range of interesting work contributed by members. These included initiatives to encourage greater participation in STEM among underrepresented groups, such as programmes supporting young women in AI and technology through hackathons and mentoring. There were also examples of collaborative professional development models, where educators work together to test and refine new teaching approaches in real classroom settings.

Continuing professional development

Looking ahead, members expressed a clear desire for deeper exploration of several topics. Accreditation of prior learning emerged as an area of interest, particularly in the context of lifelong learning and the need for more efficient, scalable systems. There was also demand for more nuanced discussions about screen time, moving beyond simplistic narratives to exploring evidence-based approaches and practical implementation strategies. Professional development for educators remains a priority, especially in terms of how it is supported, structured, and aligned with career progression. Assessment practices, literacy challenges, and the effective integration of AI into teaching and learning were also identified as areas where further insight would be valuable.

Policy and practice

Current affairs continue to shape the educational agenda, particularly in relation to government policies on technology use, social media restrictions for younger students, and national responses to learning loss. These developments are influencing both institutional strategies and classroom practices, often requiring educators to respond quickly to evolving guidance while maintaining a focus on student outcomes.

Maintaining the balance

Overall, the discussion reflected a sector in transition; one that is embracing innovation while striving to remain grounded in evidence-based practice. The balance between technology and pedagogy, innovation and equity, short-term impact and long-term sustainability will continue to define the education landscape in the months ahead.

What’s next?

As these conversations evolve, collaboration across the education community will be essential. Bett Asia provides a vital platform for sharing insights, challenging assumptions, and driving meaningful change. To be part of these critical discussions and help shape the future of education in the region, stakeholders are encouraged to engage, contribute, and join the conversation at Bett Asia on 23 – 24 September 2026

Register for your free ticket here.

Recommended resources

You can also read articles and listen to podcasts featuring members of the Bett Asia Advisory Board here:

Nina Adlan Disney: