The highest honour conferred by SEAMEO QITEP in Science, recognising the best science teachers in Southeast Asia. It is inspired by Ki Hajar Dewantara's dedication to making education a path to human liberation.
As a regional centre dedicated to improving the quality of science teachers, SEAMEO QITEP in Science (SEAQIS) is committed to recognising the hard work teachers put into shaping each nation's next generation.
The award is named after Ki Hajar Dewantara — the father of Indonesian national education — in tribute to his unwavering commitment to making education a means of human liberation.
The award goes to the best science teacher selected from 11 nominees — one teacher from each SEAMEO member country. The nominees present their research or science teaching innovations to a jury of education experts from across the ASEAN region.
The first-place winner is named Regional Best Science Teacher and formally recognised at the SEAMEO High Officials Meeting — the most prestigious forum in the SEAMEO community.
Since 2016, the KHD Award has honoured four of the region's best science teachers, with themes that keep pace with developments in global education.
The inaugural edition, and a first in SEAMEO's history. Seven countries took part: Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. The winner was formally recognised at the 39th SEAMEO High Officials Meeting in Bangkok.
The second edition extended participation to more ASEAN countries, with a focus on student-centred innovation in science teaching.
The first edition held in a hybrid format, due to the pandemic. It showcased how science teachers adapted to maintain the quality of science learning amid a global crisis.
The latest edition, held as part of SICSE 2024 (SEAQIS International Conference on Science Education). The 11 nominees presented papers at the conference before the award ceremony.
The KHD Award selection process is transparent and involves an international jury panel from ASEAN countries and the global scientific community.
SEAQIS sends an official invitation to all Governing Board Members. Each country may nominate one science teacher.
Each country runs its own selection to choose the best nominee to represent it.
The 11 nominees come to Bandung and present their research papers or teaching innovations to an international jury panel.
The winners are announced and formally recognised at the SEAMEO High Officials Meeting. The first-place winner receives a travel grant to attend.
Nominations for the KHD Award are made through each country's Governing Board Member. Contact the SEAQIS Secretariat for the schedule and requirements of the next edition.