RECSAM 50th Anniversary Coffee Table Book

vi Message I am pleased to congratulate SEAMEO RECSAM on its 50 th anniversary celebration. Being one of the longest serving Centres in existence, it certainly has a long history of success in its area of specialties to share about with other Centres. It is indeed an honor and a privilege for me to address you on this very momentous occasion. RECSAM was inaugurated in 1967 with the prime objective of helping to improve the quality of the teaching of science and mathematics in the SEAMEO member countries. In its broader perspective, RECSAM has become the Centre that has laid the foundation for meeting the technically and scienti fi cally trained manpower requirements of the region for national development through fi ve decades of its existence. Its programmes have now diversi fi ed not only to include training, and research and development but also international conferences and science congress. There are also records that show the Centre has provided consultancyprogrammes tootherorganisationsand government in the areas of training programmes and curriculum developments as well as corporate social responsibility initiatives. This is a remarkable accomplishment of SEAMEO RECSAM and way forward to its future development in science and mathematics education as its forte. It has always been the vision of the founding fathers of SEAMEO that we work together to promote the cooperation in education and culture. The sharing of vast knowledge, experiences and pedagogies especially in by the Director of SEAMEO Secretariat science and mathematics education which RECSAM promotes in our community will provide a more sustainable future for the young generation. Even though we are faced with technological advances, global economy and environmental changes, I fi rmly believe that RECSAM will be able to keep up with these challenges. No doubt, its contribution will form an important factor in paving better quality of life for the people and communities of the region. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the present and past directors and all staff of SEAMEO RECSAM for their dedication and commitment in shaping what RECSAM is today. Looking back with pride the history of the Centre and forward with con fi dence that RECSAM’s future will hold to its vision and mission. Finally, on this important day marking its golden jubilee celebration, I would like to wish RECSAM best wishes for success journey and all the best in its endeavors. Dr. Gatot Hari Priowirjanto Director SEAMEO Secretariat Bangkok, Thailand