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UNESCO EE-Net Southeast Asia Sub-Regional Secretariat
The UNESCO Entrepreneurship Education Network (EE-Net) Sub-Regional Secretariat for Southeast Asia is hosted in Malaysia under the Royal patronage of His Highness Tengku Amir Shah Ibni Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj, Raja Muda of Selangor. His Highness’s commitment underscores the critical role of entrepreneurship education in driving equitable growth and regional unity.
Our mission is to bridge sustainability, entrepreneurship, education and diplomacy, ensuring scalable impact in Malaysia and across Southeast Asia.
Our Mandate
The UNESCO Entrepreneurship Education Network (EE-Net) Southeast Asia Sub-Regional Secretariat was established following the 10th UNESCO APEID Meeting held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on October 10-11, 2024. This meeting emphasized the need for sub-regional networks to enhance collaboration among diverse stakeholders. In response, national chapter heads from Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, and Indonesia agreed to create this sub-regional network with Dato' Stephen Cheah as chairman.
This initiative aims to coordinate efforts in promoting entrepreneurship education across the region, aligning educational practices with sustainable development goals, and addressing real-world challenges faced by youth and communities. By fostering collaboration and sharing best practices, the Secretariat plays a crucial role in empowering individuals and driving economic growth throughout Southeast Asia.
Strategic Importance
The sub-regional Secretariat is hosted in Malaysia to facilitate regional collaboration in policy development, capacity building, research innovation, and global representation. By leveraging Malaysia’s leadership within ASEAN, we seek to drive scalable solutions that align educational initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education).
Our efforts focus on fostering cross-border partnerships, empowering educators and entrepreneurs, and establishing Malaysia as the region's hub for transformative innovation. Through these initiatives, we aim to create a robust ecosystem that not only enhances educational frameworks but also contributes significantly to economic growth and social inclusion across Southeast Asia.
Our Mission
The UNESCO EE-Net Southeast Asia Sub-Regional Secretariat is dedicated to advancing entrepreneurship education as a transformative tool for sustainable development and regional collaboration across ASEAN and plays a pivotal role in bridging sustainability, entrepreneurship, and diplomacy to advance UNESCO’s global mission.
Key Objectives:
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Empower Educators & Entrepreneurs: Provide training programs and mentorship opportunities.
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Foster Cross-Border Partnerships: Enhance educational frameworks through collaborative efforts.
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Establish Malaysia as a Regional Hub: Position Malaysia at the forefront of innovative educational practices within ASEAN.
Leadership
Our Patron
His Highness Raja Muda of Selangor
Tengku Amir Shah Ibni Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj
Patron of UNESCO Entrepreneurship Education Network (EE-Net) Southeast Asia
His Highness Tengku Amir Shah is an influential Malaysian royal dedicated to youth and education. He focuses on empowering young people through educational initiatives, scholarships, and leadership programs, fostering a new generation of leaders in Malaysia. His commitment to enhancing educational opportunities significantly contributes to the development of youth in the region.
Executive Board Members
Y.Bhg. Dato' Stephen Cheah
President
Dato’ Steve Cheah is the Chairman of the UNESCO Southeast Asia Entrepreneurship Education Network (EE-Net), advocating for entrepreneurship education and sustainable development across the region. He plays a pivotal role in fostering collaboration and innovation among ASEAN nations.
Y.Bhg. Datuk Jojie Samuel
Vice President
Datuk Jojie Samuel is a prominent figure in Malaysia's Foreign Ministry, known for his expertise in international relations and diplomacy. His leadership contributes significantly to advancing Malaysia's foreign policy objectives and enhancing bilateral relations with various nations.
Mr Michael Chai
Secretary
Mr. Michael Chai is the Secretary General of the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (NCCIM) and the founder of Michael Chai & Co. He is dedicated to advancing the business community's interests through strategic advocacy, policy development, and fostering sustainable economic growth.
Dr. Nurhidayah Dato Hj Badaruddin
Tresurer
Dr. Nur is a prominent advocate for women’s empowerment in Malaysia. With a rich academic background and diverse career, she champions education, special needs advocacy, and sports, notably leading national ice hockey teams.
Board Members & Advisors
Y.M. Tengku Anis Eliza binti Tengku Arif Bendahara Ibrahim.
Board Member
Y.M. Tengku Anis Eliza is a distinguished figure in Malaysian diplomacy and cultural advocacy, actively promoting sustainable development and educational initiatives within the region.
Mr. Lester Chin Kent Lake
Board Member
Mr. Lester Chin is a prominent business leader in Malaysia, known for his expertise in corporate governance and strategic management, contributing significantly to various industries and community initiatives.
Emeritus Prof Y.Bhg Tan Sri Dr. Syed Jallaluddin Syed Salim
Advisory Bord Member
Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Syed Jalaludin is a distinguished academic and leader in Malaysia, renowned for his contributions to education, research, and public service. His expertise spans various fields, significantly impacting higher education and policy development in the country.
YBhg. Datuk Cheah Soon Kit
Board Member
Datuk Cheah Soon Kit is a former Malaysian badminton player who gained fame and won the Thomas Cup in 1992. Renowned for his exceptional skills and contributions to the sport, playing a vital role in promoting badminton in Malaysia and inspiring future generations of youth & athletes.
Prof. Xiaozhou Xu
Advisory Board Member
Professor Xiaozhou Xu is the Chair of the UNESCO EE-Net National Chapter in China and Director of the UNESCO Chair in Entrepreneurial Education at Zhejiang University, focusing on advancing entrepreneurial education and sustainable development initiatives.
Dr Zhao Yuchi
Advisory Board Member
Dr. Zhao Yuchi is the Executive Director of the UNESCO International Research and Training Centre for Rural Education (UNESCO INRULED, dedicated to advancing educational initiatives and sustainable development through innovative partnerships, policy advocacy, and global collaboration in the field of education.
Prof. Emeritus Vinayagam Chinapah
Advisory Board Member
Prof. Emeritus Vinayagam Chinapah is a distinguished academic and expert in education policy, focusing on entrepreneurship education and sustainable development initiatives in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
UNESCO EE-Net National Chapters in Southeast Asia
Our Partners
