Abstract
This report presents the findings of a landscape analysis of EdTech interventions designed for the Southeast Asian context. The analysis aims to understand the extent to which EdTech providers and funders in Southeast Asia address the needs of marginalised learners through their priorities in design, investment, and scaling decisions. It focuses on initiatives targeting marginalised groups and those with potential to scale. The research for the study included interviews with funders engaged in the Southeast Asian EdTech space to examine their perspective on EdTech’s impact on marginalised learners, the approaches they adopt to support inclusive solutions, and the drivers behind their investment decisions. This builds on EdTech Hub’s research for the ASEAN-UK SAGE programme, particularly on how EdTech could be used to support improvements in foundational literacy and numeracy, out-of-school children and youth, and learners with disabilities, as well as overcoming gender barriers to employment through the use of EdTech solutions.
Summary
EdTech in Southeast Asia’s vast and rapidly evolving educational landscape presents significant opportunities to reshape educational access, quality, and equity. This report presents a landscape analysis of EdTech interventions in the region, with a particular focus on marginalised learners. It explores the extent to which EdTech providers and funders in Southeast Asia consider and respond to the needs of marginalised learners through their design, investment, and scaling decisions.
Using a mixed-methods approach comprising a document review and semi-structured key informant interviews with 20 EdTech providers and 6 EdTech funders working across 8 countries, this report seeks to answer 4 research questions:
- To what extent are existing EdTech solutions within the Southeast Asia region catering to the needs of marginalised learners?
- To what extent do EdTech providers consider the needs of marginalised learners in their decision-making and design processes?
- What are the challenges and opportunities towards reaching and scaling interventions for marginalised learners in Southeast Asia?
- What key considerations and metrics do funders use to evaluate the potential and success of their investments in supporting EdTech interventions?
Read to understand varying perspectives on educational impact and for substantial cross-cutting analysis.
Authors and contributors
- Jayasinghe, Neema (Author)
- Chrisani, Aprillia (Author)
- Honda, Delanie (Author)
- Gunawan, Clarissa Jazzlyne (Author)
Citation
Jayasinghe, N., Chrisani, A., Honda, D., & Gunawan, C. J. (2025). EdTech for Marginalised Learners in Southeast Asia: Perspectives from funders and providers on priorities, design, investment, and scaling considerations [Landscape Analysis]. EdTech Hub. https://doi.org/10.53832/edtechhub.1117
Link to this record
https://docs.edtechhub.org/lib/SB7G3I83
Key themes
- Out-of-school populations
- Girls and gender
- Southeast Asia
- Learners with special educational needs and disabilities
- Parents and caregivers
- Teachers
Type
- Landscape analysis
