Bangkok, 14 March 2025 — SEAMEO BIOTROP delegates took part in the 2nd SEAMEO Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Capacity Building Workshop, held from 13 to 14 March 2025 at the Holiday Inn Bangkok Sukhumvit, Thailand. Representing BIOTROP were Trijanti A. Widinni Asnan, SP., M.Si and Zulkarnaen Noor Syarif from the Finance and Administration Department and Science Innovation Technology Department, respectively. This event was organized by the SEAMEO Secretariat and brought together MEL focal points and officers from various SEAMEO units across the region.

The two-day workshop aimed to strengthen the capacity of participants in applying the SEAMEO Results Framework and improve their skills in data collection strategies for effective monitoring and evaluation. It focused on building a shared understanding of the Results Framework, exploring approaches for collecting accurate and relevant data, and developing comprehensive data collection plans to support SEAMEO’s reporting and decision-making processes in Fiscal Year 2024/2025.

Throughout the sessions, participants engaged in discussions and workshops facilitated by experts from MDF Asia. Mr. Bart and Ms. Zoe provided valuable insights into data collection methods, tools, and data validation processes. The participants were also introduced to the MEL Data Collection Template and Plan, which are expected to streamline and standardize data reporting across SEAMEO Centres.

An important part of the workshop was the sharing of lessons learned from the Pilot Implementation Phase carried out by SEAMEO SPAFA, SEAMEO TROPMED Philippines, SEAMEO RIHED, and SEAMEO SEN. Some of the key takeaways included the need for a standardized participant registration form, the development of a digital information database system, the designation of focal points for data collection, and the importance of conducting regular data reviews. The workshop also emphasized the need for orientation and capacity-building sessions for staff involved in the MEL process, the use of research repositories for evidence-based reporting, and the agreement on consistent terminology and techniques for data collection.

During the workshop, participants worked collaboratively to develop data collection plans tailored to their respective centres. They identified key questions, challenges, and organizational constraints related to the monitoring template. On the final day, each centre formulated an action plan outlining the necessary resources and adjustments to their organizational structures to ensure successful MEL implementation. These plans will be presented to each Centre Director for further consideration and alignment with centre priorities.

By participating in this important workshop, SEAMEO BIOTROP reaffirms its commitment to strengthening its monitoring and evaluation practices. The knowledge and strategies gained will support BIOTROP in making data-driven decisions continuously improving its programmes, and contributing to SEAMEO’s regional development goals in tropical biology. (hcn, twa)