Bangkok: Dr Kamaleswaran Jayarajah, a former Chemistry and Biology teacher at Kolej Tingkatan Enam Desa Mahkota and SMK Chenderiang in Perak, is now serving at the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) Secretariat in Bangkok. Dr. Jayarajah, originally from Tanjung Malim, is the eldest of three siblings and the first in his family to pursue academic endeavors beyond his hometown. With extensive experience in teaching, educational administration, and regional policy, he contributes to educational policy efforts across Southeast Asia.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr. Jayarajah moderated a session at a regional forum titled ‘Leveraging on Technology and Innovative Strategies to Reduce OOSCY Barriers.’ He highlighted how the event’s focus aligns with his ongoing work in regional education policy. He emphasized the distinct challenges faced by each ASEAN country and the importance of collaboration, teacher empowerment, and cultural sensitivity to bridge educational gaps.

Earlier, Minister of Education Fadhlina Sidek announced that the Langkawi Joint Statement on Out-of-School Children and Youth (OOSCY) was ratified by ASEAN Education Ministers. This document serves as a guiding framework to address access to education challenges in the region. The document, “Accelerating Innovative Strategies: Addressing OOSCY Challenges,” will be further developed in a seminar leading up to the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur later this year.