News & Activities

HARMONIZED NATIONAL R&D AGENDA 2022-2028 (Philippines)https://www.dost.gov.ph/phocadownload/Downloads/Resources/Quick_Links/HNRDA_2022-2028.pdfThe Harmonized National Research and Development Agenda (HNRDA) 2022–2028 presents the Philippines’ national research priorities and strategic directions for science, technology, and innovation. The document outlines key thematic areas covering economic development, human well-being, environmental sustainability, and emerging technologies. It defines priority sectors, cross-cutting research areas, and implementation mechanisms to align research efforts with national development goals. The agenda serves as a guiding framework for government agencies, academia, and industry in planning and coordinating research initiatives from 2022 to 2028.Harmonized National Research and Development Agenda (HNRDA) 2022–2028Condensed Table of ContentsOverview and Strategic ContextVision, Objectives, and Guiding PrinciplesNational R&D Priority AreasEconomic and Industrial DevelopmentHuman Health and Social Well-beingAgriculture, Food Security, and Natural ResourcesEnvironment, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk ReductionEnergy, Water, and Sustainable InfrastructureEmerging Technologies and Basic ResearchCross-Cutting Research ThemesImplementation, Coordination, and GovernanceMonitoring, Evaluation, and Review Framework

DAAD–SEARCA In-Country/In-Region Scholarship 2026–2027https://www.searca.org/daad-scholarship?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExYWVkS3Rvb2g1OWpHVGhJRXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7Srd2GZBSTRmSITs38eNMD_JoADI-gSBrlsKWMQ_QrAzFoD7orm5Tw1WovvA_aem_Te4GscRZJXn8MqHarPLsbADeadlines: 16 February 2026 – via DAAD portalThe Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) invites applications for the DAAD–SEARCA Scholarship Programme for Master’s and PhD studies for Academic Year 2026–2027 in agriculture, natural resources, environment, and food-related fields.Up to 25 scholarships are available for candidates who plan to pursue careers in teaching and/or research at higher education institutions in Southeast Asia.Key Eligibility:Nationals of SEAMEO member countriesUniversity staff / prospective teaching or research staff / public sector personnelAge: ≤ 40 (Master’s), ≤ 45 (PhD)IELTS 6.0 or higherLast degree completed within the past 6 yearsResearch focus on SUSTAIN Southeast AsiaAdmission or proof of application to partner universitiesPartner Universities:IPB University (Indonesia), Kasetsart University (Thailand), Universitas Gadjah Mada (Indonesia), University of the Philippines Los Baños, Universiti Putra MalaysiaDAAD's partnership with SEARCA started in school year 1975–1976 through a support to the Center's graduate scholarship program leading to Masters and PhD degrees in agriculture. The first 15 beneficiaries of the DAAD support were graduate students from Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. Ten scholarship recipients pursued their Master's degree, while five pursued their PhD.As of Academic Year 2025/2026 (December 2025), DAAD and SEARCA have awarded 434 Southeast Asian nationals from Cambodia (19), Indonesia (94), Lao PDR (10), Malaysia (15), Myanmar (32), Philippines (109), Thailand (82), Timor Leste (26), and Vietnam (47). Among the 434 scholarships, 210 pursued their MS, 219 pursued PhD, and 5 enrolled for Non-degree.EligibilityOpen to nationals of Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Malaysia, Philippines, Timor Leste, Thailand, and VietnamMust be (a) staff member of a public university, (b) or a candidate considered for teaching or research staff recruitment, (c) or from the public sectorMust not be more than 40 (Master's Degree) or 45 (PhD) years of age at the time of application.Have completed their last university degree not more than 6 years ago at the time of application.Proposed thesis research should focus on sustainable transformation of agricultural systems through innovation in Southeast Asia. Moreover, research topics must strategically contribute to any of the following outcomes:Increased farmers' incomeImproved food security and nutritionGreater climate resilience of agricultural systemsEmpowered farmers, farmer groups, and agricultural stakeholders and their institutionsScholarship BenefitsCovers tuition and other school fees; study and research allowance; printing allowance; stipend for food, lodging and incidental expenses; travel allowance (In-Region only); and insurance.Details & application: https://www.searca.org/daad-scholarshipInquiries: gsid@searca.org

The 2026 17th International Conference on E-Education, E-Business, E-Management, and E-Learning (IC4e 2026)Fukuoka, Japanhttps://www.ic4e.net/index.htmlWelcome to the 17th IC4e 20262026 17th International Conference on E-Education, E-Business, E-Management and E-Learning (IC4e) will be held at Kyushu University Fukuoka, Japan during April 1-4, 2026.Conference Theme: "Innovating E-Systems for a Smarter Future"E-education, e-business, e-management, and e-learning are vital pillars of the digital society's development. With the deep integration of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and big data technologies, these fields are undergoing rapid transformation. E-education breaks traditional educational boundaries of time and space, e-business accelerates the digitalization of global trade, e-management enhances the efficiency of public services and business operations, and e-learning optimizes knowledge dissemination and learning experiences. These domains have become central drivers of technological innovation and sustainable socio-economic development.The 17th International Conference on E-Education, E-Business, E-Management and E-Learning (IC4e 2026) will be held in Fukuoka, Japan during April 1-4, 2026, sponsored by IEEE, and co-sponsored by Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-ok, Thailand with patrons from Purdue University Northwest, USA, De La Salle University-Manila, Philippines, China West Normal University, China, Bulacan State University, Philippines, and Prince Sultan University, Saudi Arabia.Call for Papers The 2026 17th International Conference on E-Education, E-Business, E-Management, and E-Learning (IC4e 2026), with the theme "Innovating E-Systems for a Smarter Future," serves as the premier forum for presenting new advances and research results in the fields of theoretical, experimental, and applied E-Education, E-Business, E-Management, and E-Learning. This conference will bring together leading researchers, engineers, and scientists worldwide to share their latest research, insights, and developments in these domains. Topics of interest for submission include, but are not limited to:e-Education:Innovative e-learning technologies and platformsSystems, Design and TechnologiesPractices and cases in e-educationSystems and technologies in e-educationApplications and integration of e-educatione-learning evaluation and contentCampus information systemse-learning technologies, standards and systemsMobile learningComputer aided assessmentsKnowledge managementVirtual learning environmentsMultimedia in e-learningMarketing and promoting e-learningSocial benefits of e-learningOrganization learningTechnology adoption and diffusion of e-learninge-Business:Mobile and pervasive commerceElectronic Markets and Multiagent SystemsDigital goods and productsB2B, B2C, and C2C modelsAgent-mediated e-Commercee-Marketplaces, e-Hubs, and portalsPervasive technologies for eCommerceDynamic pricing modelsP2P-computing for e-Commercee-Payment systemse-Commerce content managementConsumer protection in eCommerceUser behavior modelingInnovative business modelsEnterprise application integrationBusiness process re-engineeringVirtual enterprises and virtual marketsVirtual organizations and coalitionsMobile businesse-Learning:Systems, Design and Technologiese-Learning platformsCourse designEmerging and best practicesPartnerships in e-LearningEvaluation of e-Learninge-Learning strategiesSocial benefits of e-Learninge-Learning effectiveness and outcomesWeb-based learningSecurity and confidentialitySelf-learning integrated methodologyAmbient intelligenceAssertive and assistive educational technologyComputer-aided assessmentLearning content management systemsAV-communication and other mediaDigital classroomsBlended learningCollaborative on-line learninge-Management:Leadership in the digital eraKnowledge management systemse-Audite-Control and Risk Managemente-Planninge-Organisinge-Supervisione-Politicse-Communicatione-RecruitmentSystems, Design and TechnologiesKnowledge ManagementTechnology Adoption and Diffusion of eManagemente-Management Strategiese-Management Effectiveness and OutcomesSocial Benefits of e-ManagementCurrent Trends in e-ManagementThreats in e-Management

A Resilient Workforce, Adapting to Climate Change in Southeast Asia Mega Irena (Head, Labour and Civil Service Division | ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Department)Felicia Clarissa (Officer, Labour and Civil Service Division | ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Department)The impact of climate change has escalated globally, with an estimated 2.8 trillion US dollars in global loss and damage from 2000 to 2019, according to a 2023 study cited by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). Southeast Asia, one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change impacts, has seen a surge in extreme weather events in recent years. This year, four powerful storm systems, including Super Typhoon Man-Yi, battered the Philippines in just ten days. Strong typhoons also recently hit Thailand, Viet Nam, and Myanmar, causing floods and landslides and displacing thousands. In previous years, scorching and dry weather in parts of the region disrupted the livelihoods of affected communities. These climate change-related disasters cause significant death and destruction, impacting workers' incomes, productivity, and livelihoods. The region is foreseen to suffer the most losses in GDP due to the exacerbating effects of climate change on agriculture (UNESCAP, 2023).Read more at https://theaseanmagazine.asean.org/edition/towards-a-mobile-and-connected-asean/