Renewed education MoU advances AI, digital learning, and educator development
Indonesia and Singapore are strengthening their education partnership through a renewed commitment to artificial intelligence (AI), digital learning, and educator development, marking a new chapter in bilateral education cooperation ahead of the countries’ 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.
During a meeting in Singapore, Indonesian Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti and Singaporean Minister for Education Desmond Lee agreed to renew the bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on education, first signed in 2017. The updated agreement is expected to support closer collaboration in AI, education technology, and skills development while responding to evolving global and regional priorities.
Minister Mu’ti highlighted Indonesia’s challenge of providing quality education across an archipelago of more than 50 million students, many of whom live in remote communities. In line with President Prabowo Subianto’s education agenda, Indonesia is expanding technology-enabled distance learning to improve access to education and reduce regional disparities.
Minister Mu’ti said internet connectivity and AI could help bridge learning gaps, while emphasising that technology should complement, not replace, critical thinking, cultural understanding, and human judgment. He also invited greater collaboration with Temasek and Singapore-based companies operating in Indonesia to support education initiatives, particularly in Sumatra, and help address learning loss. The ministers also discussed strengthening the competencies of Indonesian educators and migrant workers to enhance professional development.
Minister Lee said the renewed education MoU reflects significant advances in technology, AI, and changing global priorities since the agreement was signed in 2017. He added that the updated framework would create a more adaptive and future-oriented foundation for Indonesia-Singapore education cooperation.
The ministers also discussed the future of the Indonesian School of Singapore, whose current site lease expires in April 2027. As both countries prepare to commemorate 60 years of diplomatic relations in 2027, the renewed education partnership is expected to deepen collaboration in AI, digital innovation, and inclusive learning, benefiting students, educators, and future generations in both countries.
Source: ANTARA News
