This special issue of the Journal of Southeast Asian Education consolidated research papers on best practices in response to COVID-19 from SEAMEO member countries and beyond to:

• Showcase the best education responses to the pandemic and school closures in the region
• Identify opportunities and challenges that Southeast Asian schools are facing amidst the pandemic
• Consolidate policy changes and ways forward for the new normal
• Identify ways to address the needs of the disadvantaged, especially with regard to remote learning