Singapore, 15–16 July 2026 – The Southeast Asia Regional Program on Combating Marine Plastics (SEA-MaP) convened the Regional Training Program (RTP) Validation, Pilot Implementation, and Training of Trainers (ToT) Workshop in Singapore to validate, pilot test, and refine the RTP on Plastic Waste Management.  

The RTP is being developed under the SEA-MaP Regional Project to support the implementation of Action 10, “Coordinate Regional Training Programs on Plastics and Waste Management” of the ASEAN Regional Action Plan (RAP) for Combating Marine Debris. The proposed program comprises Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), complementary learning resources, implementation guidance, and Training of Trainers (ToT) materials designed to support diverse stakeholder groups across ASEAN.  

The workshop reviewed the overall RTP framework, including its learning pathways, course package, implementation arrangements, and proposed ToT approach. Participants expressed broad support for the proposed RTP and recognized its potential to strengthen regional capacity development on plastic waste management across ASEAN. The modules will be hosted on the Regional Platform for Knowledge and Partnerships (KPP), which is currently under development.  

Discussions underscored the importance of ensuring that the program remains adaptable to different national contexts through country-specific examples, alignment with national policies and roadmaps, learner-centered facilitation approaches, and continued regional collaboration. 

The Regional Training Program forms part of SEA-MaP’s efforts to support ASEAN in strengthening regional knowledge, skills, and collaboration in plastic waste management, contributing to ASEAN’s collective actions to combat marine plastic pollution and advance the implementation of the ASEAN Regional Action Plan for Combating Marine Debris.  

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