Education is a crucial factor in promoting the development of individuals, societies, and nations. Access to quality education is essential for achieving sustainable development goals, reducing poverty, improving health outcomes, and promoting social and economic progress. Despite significant progress, access to education in Malaysia and Southeast Asia remains a challenge for many communities facing barriers such as poverty, cultural norms, and geographic isolation.
Marginalised communities, including children from low-income households and rural areas often struggle, leading to disparities in educational attainment and opportunities. This can have long-lasting effects, perpetuating social and economic inequality and exacerbating other social issues such as health disparities, political instability, and environmental degradation.
By promoting equitable access to quality education and providing learners with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed, we can build more resilient and sustainable communities. This requires collaboration between education experts, policymakers, and stakeholders in Malaysia and Southeast Asia to develop and implement innovative solutions that support education and contribute to the development of thriving communities in the region.
This high-level forum aims to provide a platform for our expert panel and participants to share their experiences, ideas, and best practices in identifying the primary challenges and opportunities in promoting access to quality education, develop innovative solutions, create partnerships and networks, increase awareness and advocacy, and hopefully produce a set of recommendations and policy briefs.
Panel Members:
YB Tuan Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, Member of Parliament for MUAR and President of MUDA
Shahnaz Al-Sadat, Co-Founder and Chairperson, LeapEd Services
Azlina Kamal, UNICEF Education Specialist and Lead
Kelvin Tan, co-Founder, Project ID
Professor Susan Elliott AM, Provost and Senior Vice-President, Monash University
Date: Thursday 6 July, 2023
Time: 5.30pm - 8.00pm
Venue: KuAsh Theatre, Pusat Kreatif Kanak-Kanak Tuanku Bainun, Taman Tun Dr. Ismail (TTDI), Kuala Lumpur