Evidence-Based Research for Better Policy and Practice

At Southeast Ascent Partners (SAP), we believe that sustainable development should be guided by rigorous research, contextual evidence, and practical solutions. Our research contributes to policy dialogue, programme design, and institutional strengthening across Southeast Asia, with particular expertise in education, governance, digital transformation, public policy, and international development.

Our researchers collaborate with universities, development partners, governments, and practitioners to generate evidence that informs decision-making and improves development outcomes.

Regional Research Excellence

Our research addresses complex development challenges across Southeast Asia by combining comparative policy analysis with practical recommendations for governments, development agencies, NGOs, and academic institutions.

Current geographical focus includes: ASEAN, Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), Global South

Why Our Research Matters

SAP's research is distinguished by three core principles:

Regional Perspective: We examine development challenges across multiple Southeast Asian countries to identify shared opportunities and context-specific solutions.

Policy Relevance: Our studies are designed to generate practical recommendations that support governments, development organizations, universities, and civil society.

Evidence-Based Solutions: We combine rigorous academic methods with implementation experience to ensure our research is both scientifically robust and operationally relevant.

Research & Knowledge

person holding red and white card
person holding red and white card

Practicalities and Dichotomies of Education Policy and Practice of Higher Education in the Golden Triangle Area (Southeast Asia): Implications for International Development

Featured Publications

Global Perspectives, Local Realities: A Sustainable Internationalization Framework for Higher Education in Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand

grayscale photo of students sitting on chairs with papers and pens
grayscale photo of students sitting on chairs with papers and pens

Author: Shine Wanna Aung, Policy and Impact Evaluation Specialist (SAP)

Published in: Research in Comparative & International Education (SAGE Publications, 2026)

Overview: This study proposes a new Sustainable Internationalization Framework for higher education by examining how global internationalization agendas interact with local political, institutional, and socio-economic realities across Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand. It introduces a context-sensitive framework that helps policymakers and higher education institutions develop more inclusive and sustainable internationalization strategies.

Key Contributions

  • Development of a Sustainable Internationalization Framework

  • Comparative analysis across three Southeast Asian countries

  • Integration of global and local perspectives

  • New conceptual contribution to internationalization literature

  • Practical recommendations for higher education institutions and policymakers

Research Themes: Internationalization, Higher Education, ASEAN, Comparative Education, Regional Partnerships, and Policy Development

Authors: Shine Wanna Aung (Policy and Impact Evaluation Specialist, SAP) Than Than Aye (Education Specialist, SAP)

Published in: Policy Futures in Education (SAGE Publications, 2024)

Overview: This comparative study examines higher education policy and practice across Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand, exploring how globalization, national policy, and institutional realities influence higher education development in the Golden Triangle region. The study identifies key barriers to quality improvement, internationalization, research capacity, and policy implementation while providing recommendations for strengthening regional cooperation and international development.

Key Contributions

  • Comparative analysis of higher education policies across three countries

  • Examination of globalization and regional integration

  • Policy recommendations for governments and universities

  • Implications for international development cooperation

  • Evidence supporting regional higher education collaboration

Research Themes: Higher Education, Education Policy, International Development, ASEAN, and Comparative Education

For General Inquiry: contact@southeastascentpartners.org

Phone: +959780448105

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