Excellence in Science Learning for All: The ASE Southeast Asia Conference 2026

At King’s Bangkok, we believe that great teaching is rooted in continuous learning. Teaching is a profession where learning never stands still, and one of its most powerful principles is modelling: modelling how to write, how to structure ideas, and how to approach learning itself. As educators, we are not only guides for our students, but also lifelong learners in our own right.

It was with this shared mindset that we were proud to host the ASE South East Asia Conference 2026, welcoming educators from across the region to collaborate, reflect, and grow together under the theme “Excellence in Science Learning for All”.

While events such as this are often described as Continuing Professional Development, they are, at their heart, an opportunity to pause and reflect on two essential questions: Are we providing the very best for our students? And how can we further enhance the student experience?

The conference brought together leading voices in education, offering both inspiration and practical insight. We were honoured to welcome Professor Louise Archer, President of the ASE and Karl Mannheim Professor of Sociology of Education at UCL, whose keynote explored how we can better support all students to engage with science, grounded firmly in research evidence. Her address set a purposeful tone for the day, reminding us that at the centre of all we do are our students.

We were also delighted to host Matt Endean, Deputy Director of CLEAPSS, who delivered a series of workshops focused on health and safety in science education. These sessions empowered educators to strengthen standards and promote safe, effective practice across their schools. Alongside this, Hellen Ward from Canterbury Christ Church University led engaging workshops centred on curiosity, exploration, and meaningful learning in primary science.

A particularly exciting development this year was the expansion of the Philip Harris Technician Strand, led by Jacqueline McKie. Now double in size, this strand highlighted the vital role that laboratory technicians play in science education. Their expertise and support make practical learning possible, yet their contribution is often unseen. Providing dedicated training and a professional platform for technicians is an essential step in strengthening science education as a whole.

Beyond the keynote and specialist sessions, one of the greatest strengths of the conference lay in the workshops led by teachers from international schools across Southeast Asia. These educators bring with them a deep understanding of both science teaching and the regional context in which they work. By sharing what has been successful, as well as what has not, they foster honest, meaningful dialogue that benefits the entire community.

Sessions such as Starting a Science Unit: The Power of Phenomena, Dangerous? Or Just Forgotten: Reviving Big Demos with Confidence, and Discuss Like Scientists: Using Role-Based Dialogue to Deepen Scientific Thinking exemplified this spirit of collaboration. They created space for professional exchange that extends well beyond the conference itself, continuing into classrooms, departments, and schools in the weeks and months ahead.

Ultimately, the value of events like the ASE South East Asia Conference lies not only in the day itself, but in the momentum it creates. The conversations sparked, the ideas shared, and the actions that follow all contribute to improving both teaching practice and the student experience.

At King’s Bangkok, we remain committed to fostering these opportunities for growth and collaboration, as we continue striving towards Excellence in Science Learning for All.

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