The 5th Strategic Dialogue for Education Ministers (SDEM) was held virtually on Thursday, 17 June 2021, 1.30 – 3.30 pm by the Ministry of Education, Singapore. The Ministers of Education from 9 SEAMEO Member Countries, namely, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Philippine, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam joined the Dialogue. Indonesia was also present in the Meeting but as an observer.

The Dialogues aims to discuss the way forward for SEAMEO countries as SEAMEO begins a new phase of educational improvements with the SEAMEO Strategic Plan (2021 – 2030), against the backdrop of disruptions brought about by COVID-19.