BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Brunei Darussalam—The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) convened its 74th Governing Board Meeting on 29–30 September 2026 to review its performance and strengthen regional cooperation in agricultural and rural development.
At the opening formalities, SEARCA Center Director Dr. Mercedita Sombilla welcomed senior officials from the Government of Brunei Darussalam the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) Network. She underscored the importance of fostering collaboration, deepening partnerships, and strengthening human resource development for greater regional impact.
"Our task is to connect SEARCA's efforts even more deliberately—linking knowledge generation with capacity development; research with policy; innovation with technology transfer and commercialization; and partnerships with the resources and institutions needed to sustain impact," Sombilla emphasized.
The meeting's guest of honor, Yang Berhormat Datin Seri Setia Dr. Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh, Minister of Education of Brunei Darussalam, stressed the importance of regional collaboration, innovation, and shared commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous Southeast Asia.
"With its strong foundation, dedicated leadership, and extensive regional network, SEARCA is well positioned to contribute even more significantly to the advancement of Southeast Asia in the years ahead," the Minister stated.
As SEARCA's highest policymaking body, the Governing Board reviewed the Center's accomplishments and operational performance for Fiscal Year 2025/2026, and provided strategic guidance on the regional programs and priorities. The meeting was presided by Dr. Lyda Hok, Country Representative of Cambodia to and Chair of the SEARCA Governing Board.
"The region's agrifood systems are under increasing pressure from elements that threaten Southeast Asia's long-term food security. This is the very reason why our gathering today matters. Our collective expertise, experience, and passion can create meaningful responses to these realities, thereby ensuring that our initiatives at SEAMEO SEARCA translate into tangible improvements for our farming communities," Hok remarked.
Other Country Representatives in attendance were Asst. Prof. Dr. Inta Chanthavong of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR), Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Nur Azura Adam of Malaysia, Dr. Theingi Myint of Myanmar, Dr. Jose Camacho, Jr., of the Philippines, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chew Fook Tim of Singapore, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Donludee Jaisut of Thailand, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Acácio Cardoso Amaral of Timor-Leste, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Hung Quang of Vietnam.
Dr. Suhaimi bin Haji Abdul Wahab, Country Representative of Brunei Darussalam, and the Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE) support team provided valuable assistance in organizing the meeting.
Reflecting on SEARCA's growth, Dr. Wahab described the Center's development as "nothing short of inspiring" and added that it "has transformed challenges into opportunities and visions into tangible impact."
The SEAMEO Secretariat was represented by Mr. John Arnold Siena, Deputy Director for Programme and Development, who commended SEARCA for six decades of dedicated service to the region.
Diplomatic representatives attending the opening formalities included His Excellency Michael Hoy, Australian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam; Her Excellency Eve Lubin, French Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Brunei Darussalam; His Excellency Weert Börner, German Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, and his spouse, Dr. Imke Börner; and Ms. Jacqueline Ong, Second Secretary and Consul of the Philippines to Brunei Darussalam with Mr. Philip Adrian Fernandez, Public Diplomacy Officer, Cultural Assistant, and Economic Assistant.
Online attendees represented the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco to Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam, the Southeast Asia One Health University Network (SEAOHUN), the Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding (APCEIU), and the Education University of Hong Kong.
The 74th Governing Board Meeting concluded with the election of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Donludee Jaisut of Thailand as Governing Board Chair for 2026–2028 and Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Nur Azura Adam of Malaysia as Vice-Chair.