Picture this: a student in rural Indonesia collaborates on a science presentation with peers in Singapore and Thailand, using their AI-powered tablets to translate their respective languages for one another in real-time while an intelligent display in their classrooms brings their shared workspace to life. Far from being science fiction, these scenarios are already possible today, thanks to technology.

Working with educators across Southeast Asia and Oceania, I have had the privilege to witness a generation of digital-native students who don’t just use technology; but intuitively reach for it as something deeply embedded into their every day. Compared to preceding generations, these students approach problems differently, learn differently, and simply put, are also expecting their educational experiences to match the increasingly connected world that they will one day inherit from us.

This is not a question of whether technology belongs in education, but instead, whether we can be bold enough to reimagine how education can further grow thanks to technology.

Classrooms Powered by AI

Samsung AI Assistant on the new AI-powered Interactive Display is built with intelligent, intuitive tools to organise lessons and collaborative learning

At Bett 2025 earlier this year, we unveiled something I’m genuinely excited about – our new AI-powered Interactive Display that integrates Samsung AI Assistant, equipping educators with more intelligent and intuitive tools to both organise and transform lessons.

Features like AI Summary help teachers create concise lesson recaps automatically, making planning much easier and simplifying post-class reviews for students. Meanwhile, Live Transcript converts conversations into text in real time for students to revisit and reinforce what they’ve learned in class. Armed with these tools, educators can transform lessons into dynamic and interactive experiences that maximise learning outcomes.

Students at Al Muslim Bekasi utilising the Samsung Notes app, with in-built Galaxy AI features

Furthermore, we recently rolled out the Samsung Digital Lighthouse School programme in Indonesia, starting with two schools: Al Muslim Bekasi and Salman Al Farisi Bandung. The programme aims to accelerate the digital transformation journeys of schools and enhance the learning experiences of over 2,500 students with AI-enabled Galaxy devices such as the Galaxy Tab S and A Series, with holistic protection by Samsung Knox.

At the end of the day, we want to have technology that inspires both educators and students to explore, discover and collaborate. Technology should not overshadow the human connection but instead, enhance it.

Equity and Ecosystems

A concern that many educators have with technology is equity and access. When done right, technology can bridge, instead of widen, the gaps.

When a student in Bandung accesses the same AI-powered learning tools as someone in Seoul; when language barriers are removed through real-time translation; and when personalised learning can be adapted to the different paces and styles of both teachers and students, that is democratisation in action. A decade ago, high-speed internet used to be accessible only to those who could afford it.; today, these technologies are well within reach of most students across our region. Technology for technology’s sake doesn’t solve anything; instead, it is about creating ecosystems that benefit everyone.

However, educators are also just as concerned about having the right solutions on hand to help them fully maximise that potential, not just for students, but also for teaching staff. We work with local Edutech partners for classroom device management, as well as change management support, to better enhance learning outcomes for students. These collaborations are built around the understanding that technologies, like tablets for classrooms, are only as transformative as the support system around them. After all, tools are only as good as the hands that wield them.

Working within the System, Not Against It

Beyond devices, software and services, it is extremely important to have a clear understanding of national education strategies, curriculum requirements, as well as the long-term vision for digital learning. We have been engaging and collaborating with education ministries across the region to ensure that initiatives are designed to support and integrate with these existing frameworks.  

Our Samsung Learning Hub, launched in January, exemplifies this approach. This digital resource hub for educators offers online training, teaching materials, certifications, and a community to further support teaching and learning outcomes. For digital learning initiatives to succeed, they must aim to complement and not replace traditional teaching methods.

The Imperative for Collaboration

The future of education cannot be a solo act, but must be built through collaboration among educators, students, parents, policymakers, and technology companies like Samsung. Here is my challenge to everyone reading this: whether you are an educator frustrated by the limitations of current teaching methods, a policymaker grappling with budget constraints, or even a fellow technology professional looking to make a real difference:

Let’s stop talking about the future of education and start building it. Let’s be bold enough to experiment, humbly explore new innovations to figure out what works, and persist in our efforts to continue iterating until we get it right, together.

Our students today will inherit a world shaped by AI, climate change, and other challenges that we have yet to discover. They deserve an education that prepares them not just to adapt to that world, but to lead it. For that to happen, we must also ensure that they are both enabled and empowered with the right tools and support to drive better and more effective learning outcomes in this digital-first world. Are we ready to lead it together?

Experience the Future of Education with Samsung at Bett Asia

At Samsung, we believe in building the future of education together. We welcomed attendees to experience our vision in action at Bett Asia in Kuala Lumpur that happened from 1-2 October 2025, and discover how technology can enhance, not replace, the human connection in the classroom. Attendees had the opportunity to speak with our experts, see live demonstrations, and learn how Samsung is helping create dynamic, interactive, and equitable learning environments for the next generation.

Let’s start building tomorrow’s classroom, today.

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. announced a new IDC InfoBrief, sponsored by Samsung, “Modernisation of Learning through Digital Tech Investments^[1]”. The study was conducted to discover catalysts for digital change in education, the impact of technology investments, and recommendations for schools to maximise education outcomes.

The education sector in Southeast Asia & Oceania (SEAO) is embracing a digital-first approach, with schools actively investing in technology to augment both learning and teaching experiences, alongside adopting hybrid learning models. This reflects a profound shift in how teaching and learning is being conducted in schools across the region, as well as continued transformation towards a more modern and effective educational experience for all students.

Key findings from the study include:

• Hybrid and blended learning as a key indicator of digital maturity. The study projected that 35% of learning will involve either online or virtual components in 2025. A hybrid learning model clearly offers not just flexibility, but an element of resilience needed in today’s educational landscape that blends both digital and traditional pedagogy. By combining digital and traditional in-person learning, students can avail themselves of more flexible and accessible education programmes, while still retaining an element of human connection among learners and educators.

• The benefits of digitalisation are tangible. Schools that embrace digital technologies have reported increased student engagement, improved preparation with digital skills for the modern workforce, as well as better accessibility for students. Digitalisation in education must offer more than just convenience. Digitalisation opens doors for learners and educators to both collaborate globally and engage in ongoing professional development, leading to substantial benefits for everyone involved.

• Technology investments are influenced by the digital learning journey. 59% of schools plan to invest in new technology for the digital classroom by 2025. At the same time, concerns about digital equity persist, as 42% of schools worry that new technology may widen the gap between those with and those without access. Technology investments in schools must be aligned with the school’s vision for digital learning, to support pedagogical shifts, to empower teachers with the necessary skills to take advantage of technology, and more importantly, to ensure equitable access for the underserved.

“In today’s digital-first world, having the right technology goes beyond having mere tools for education, but also as catalysts for transformation. At Samsung, we believe that technology should empower students to learn in ways that inspire and engage them, while equipping educators with the future-forward tools they need to create more dynamic and inclusive learning environments, thus unlocking the potential of every learner”, commented Leslie Goh, Regional Head of Display, Southeast Asia & Oceania, Samsung Electronics.

Maximising the digital-first education advantage

In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, to truly maximise the advantage from digital-first strategies to enhance learning experiences, educational institutions must consider several factors:

• Balance is essential: There must be a careful balance between implementing traditional teaching methods and the use of digital tools; technology should complement and enhance learning and teaching experiences, as opposed to simply of replacing face-to-face interactions and hands-on experiences in the classroom.

• Identify barriers to adoption: The potential barriers to digitalisation, such as lack of technology infrastructure, limited access to teacher training, or student access to devices, must be identified ahead of time, along with strategies to proactively overcome these obstacles and to ensure equitable access.

• There is no one-size-fits-all: Educators and other stakeholders involved in digitalisation must be clear on identifying the specific challenges, priorities, and desired returns on investment (ROI) when evaluating and implementing digital technologies for schools. Available technologies must be mapped out and evaluated based on their potential to address the specific challenges and priorities of each school. Factors including ease of use, scalability, and compatibility with existing systems must be considered as well. The digital learning journey is a dynamic and ongoing process; as such, technology investments need to be flexible and adaptable to meet the evolving needs of both students and educators.

• Collaboration drives effectiveness within an ecosystem: Close collaboration among the various stakeholders in the education technology ecosystem is essential; this can include schools, educators, technology providers, as well as policymakers. Ensuring that all parties are aligned in terms of shared goals, and that digital equity is managed equally across all parties involved, will lead to a more cohesive and effective digital learning environment, and ultimately, successful digital transformation for education.

Learn more about how Samsung’s innovations that inspire and engage students here:
https://www.samsung.com/sg/business/industries/education/

For more information about this IDC InfoBrief, sponsored by Samsung, “Modernisation of Learning through Digital Tech Investments”, please contact seado.sales@samsung.com.

^[1] IDC InfoBrief, sponsored by Samsung, Modernisation of Learning through Digital Tech Investments, #AP242475IB, November 2024­­­