Dr. Glenn Gregorio, Center Director, SEAMEO SEARCA (fourth from the left) poses with the SEAMEO SEARCA GB country representatives from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand and Ms. Pintip Iamnirath, Deputy Director for Administration and Communication of the Southeast Asian Ministers for Education Organization Secretariat (SEAMES).
SIEM REAP, Cambodia—The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), one of the 26 specialist institutions of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO), convened its 71st Governing Board Meeting (GBM) on 2 October 2023. This year's GBM, which took place at the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort in Siem Reap, Cambodia, marked a significant milestone for the Center as it was the first time after five years that the meeting was held outside the country.
The meeting opened with welcome remarks from Dr. Glenn Gregorio, Center Director, which set the tone for a meaningful and productive session. Dr. Gregorio expressed his genuine appreciation for the dedication of the GB Members and emphasized the importance of collaboration. "We have come a long way since the inception of our 11th Five-Year Plan. Starting in the middle of the pandemic, there were a lot of unprecedented challenges that we have faced and overcome. Now, better, bigger, and smarter—with your continued support, SEAMEO SEARCA will not only weather challenges but also thrive in the ever-changing landscape of Southeast Asia. Together, we will create a future where the region's agriculture sector is not only adaptable and resilient but also a beacon of progress for all," the Center Director pronounced.
(L-R) Dr. Nur Azura Binti Adam, SEAMEO SEARCA Deputy Director for Programs; Dr. Jose Camacho, Jr., SEAMEO SEARCA Governing Board Chair; His Excellency Dr. Touch Visalsok, Secretary of State, Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport, Kingdom of Cambodia; and Dr. Glenn Gregorio, Center Director
As the highest policymaking body of SEAMEO SEARCA, the Governing Board (GB) evaluated the Center's performance for Fiscal Year 2022/2023 with a focus on its regional operations and financial resources. The GB members, led by its Chair, Chancellor Jose Camacho, Jr. of the University of the Philippines Los Baños, actively participated during the annual meeting. They provided guidance on how SEAMEO SEARCA can further improve its programs and directly respond to the challenges of the agricultural landscape in the region.
"Our founding members had envisioned what we are all reaping now, and that is the agricultural transformation. I believe that we were not mistaken in establishing SEAMEO SEARCA as one of the important institutions in agriculture human resource development," Chancellor Camacho remarked. He furthered, "Today, in this 71st GB Meeting, we will not only talk about the challenges and issues that confront SEAMEO SEARCA in its operation, but we will continue the dialogue toward greater partnerships and collaboration for the sake of our future generations and this region."
The GB members, led by its Chair, Dr. Jose Camacho, Jr., actively participate in the annual meeting.
Other GB members present were Dr. Suhaimi bin Haji Abdul Wahab representing Brunei Darussalam; Dr. Huon Thavrak, representing Cambodia; Dr. Somphong Chanthavong from Lao People's Democratic Republic; YBhg Prof. Dr. Nazamid bin Saari from Malaysia; Dr. Ye Tint Tun representing Myanmar; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chew Fook Tim representing Singapore; and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sutkhet Nakasathien from Thailand. The GB Member from Indonesia, Prof. Dra. Tjitjik Sri Tjahjandari, joined the meeting virtually.
SEAMEO Secretariat was represented by its Deputy Director for Administration and Communication, Ms. Pintip Iamnirath.
His Excellency Dr. Touch Visalsok, Secretary of State, Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport, Kingdom of Cambodia, joined the opening formalities, representing His Excellency Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport (MoEYS), as the Guest of Honor. H.E. Dr. Visalsok, also a SEAMEO SEARCA alumnus, delivered a message highlighting the importance of the Center's contribution to the development of human resources in agriculture in Southeast Asia.
"The role of SEARCA in the development of agriculture in Southeast Asia is very crucial, especially in terms of building human resources in the field of agriculture. SEARCA's scholarship program has allowed thousands of Southeast Asian nationals to contribute to advancing agricultural research and fostering regional collaboration," H.E. Dr. Visalsok stated."
The Governing Board gives feedback on the Center's Fiscal Year 2022/2023 performance.
Mr. Ty Channa, Director of the Department of Personnel and Human Resource Development (PHRD) at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries in Cambodia and a former SEAMEO SEARCA GB Member, was also present at the event and received recognition for his invaluable contribution to the Center. Also in attendance during the opening formalities were His Excellency Dr. Ngo Bunthan, Rector, and Dr. Seng Mom, Vice Rector, both from the Royal University of Agriculture (RUA) in Cambodia. H.E. Dr. Bunthan (2011 to 2017) and Dr. Mom (2017 to 2020) served as past Country Representatives of Cambodia to the SEAMEO SEARCA GB.
Mr. Ty Channa, Director of the Department of Personnel and Human Resource Development (PHRD) at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries in Cambodia and a former SEAMEO SEARCA GB Member (center), receives recognition for his invaluable contribution to the Center.
The 71st GB Meeting concluded with the election of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sutkhet Nakasathien of Thailand as the new GB Chair of SEAMEO SEARCA for 2023 to 2025. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chew Fook Tim of Singapore was also elected as the Vice Chair, and Dr. Somphong Chanthavong as the Chief Rapporteur.