The Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics (SEA-PLM) programme, through its Co-Chairs,  proudly welcomed the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) of the United Kingdom as its newest Honorary Member Partner during the 15th SEA-PLM Regional Steering Committee (RSC) Meeting held in Malacca, Malaysia on 28 April 2025. 

FCDO was represented at the 15th RSC Meeting by Ms Isla Gilmore, Education Advisor at the UK Mission to ASEAN based in Jakarta, Indonesia. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to advancing evidence-based policies that improve learning outcomes and promote equity in education across the region. This marks a new milestone for SEA-PLM as it expands its network of regional and international partners supporting high-quality data collection, capacity building, and policy dialogue to ensure every child in Southeast Asia achieves foundational learning.

“We are pleased to welcome the UK as an honorary partner of the SEA-PLM programme,” said Datuk Dr Habibah representing SEAMEO. “Their commitment to gender equality and foundational learning aligns closely with our mission to foster inclusive and quality education systems in the region.”

The participation of the FCDO further amplifies SEA-PLM’s regional influence and reinforces its capacity to mobilize global support for Southeast Asian education reform. The SEA-PLM Programme is jointly governed by the SEAMEO Secretariat and UNICEF East Asia and Pacific Regional Office, and implemented in partnership with SEAMEO Member Countries, aiming to foster a culture of da0ta use to improve primary education systems and learning outcomes across the region.

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The UK supports SEA-PLM through the ASEAN-UK SAGE Programme, funded by UK International Development.