Friday, 11 July 2025 on 11:43am
Bogor, 11 July 2025 – SEAMEO BIOTROP hosted a strategic in-person meeting titled Discussion on the Establishment of the SEAMEO BIOTROP Advisory Board, held at the Centre’s Studio Room in Bogor. The event was convened as a follow-up to the recommendation from the 62nd Governing Board Meeting, calling for the formation of a consultative advisory body to enhance institutional continuity, governance, and strategic direction.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Arif Satria, Chairperson of the SEAMEO BIOTROP Governing Board and Rector of IPB University, emphasized the importance of the initiative. He noted that SEAMEO BIOTROP is entering a new chapter that requires not only strong leadership but also strategic support from trusted individuals. The establishment of the Advisory Board is a crucial move, and he encouraged past leaders to support the initiative by serving as representatives of the former Board of Directors or Governing Board Members. Prof. Arif highlighted the value of legacy, wisdom, and networks that past leaders can contribute to shaping the Centre's future, especially in promoting innovation and sustainability in tropical biology across Southeast Asia.
Acting Director of SEAMEO BIOTROP, Dr. Elis Rosdiawati, stated that the Advisory Board is envisioned to provide strategic advice and guidance to the Board of Directors in line with SEAMEO BIOTROP's Enabling Instrument. She explained that the Board will include former Centre Directors, former Governing Board members, key ministry representatives, and experts in tropical biology. The Advisory Board is defined as a strategic consultative body tasked with enhancing visibility and institutional impact, supporting collaborative networks, and contributing to policy development in education, science, and culture. Its members will serve one-year renewable terms, appointed formally by the Centre Director. The Board will operate upon invitation to maintain flexibility and ensure alignment with the Centre’s evolving priorities without overlapping with the role of the Governing Board.
The meeting was attended by several distinguished figures who have played key roles in the history of SEAMEO BIOTROP, including former Directors and Governing Board members such as Prof. Bambang Purwantara, Prof. Arief Sabdo Yuwono, Dr. Arif Satria, Dr. Evelyn Bigcas, Dr. Jess Fernandez, Dr. San Win, and Mr. Acacio Guterres. Also present was SEAMEO BIOTROP’s current management team, including the Deputy Director for Program and departmental managers, who contributed actively to the discussion.
During the meeting, participants provided constructive feedback to strengthen the proposed framework. Several suggestions were raised, including expanding the number of Advisory Board members to ensure broader representation, considering a longer tenure to allow for continuity, involving experts from related disciplines and international institutions, and clearly defining the Advisory Board’s consultative role to avoid duplication with the Governing Board’s mandate.
Dr. Jess Fernandez and Dr. Evelyn Bigcas emphasized the need for a clear decision-making framework and the importance of establishing boundaries to ensure the Advisory Board supports the Centre strategically and efficiently. In closing, Dr. Elis expressed appreciation to all participants for their valuable insights and reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to inclusive and forward-looking governance.
The Advisory Board is expected to be formalized in the near future and will play a critical role in supporting SEAMEO BIOTROP’s continued leadership in tropical biology research, education, and regional collaboration.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Arif Satria, Chairperson of the SEAMEO BIOTROP Governing Board and Rector of IPB University, emphasized the importance of the initiative. He noted that SEAMEO BIOTROP is entering a new chapter that requires not only strong leadership but also strategic support from trusted individuals. The establishment of the Advisory Board is a crucial move, and he encouraged past leaders to support the initiative by serving as representatives of the former Board of Directors or Governing Board Members. Prof. Arif highlighted the value of legacy, wisdom, and networks that past leaders can contribute to shaping the Centre's future, especially in promoting innovation and sustainability in tropical biology across Southeast Asia.
Acting Director of SEAMEO BIOTROP, Dr. Elis Rosdiawati, stated that the Advisory Board is envisioned to provide strategic advice and guidance to the Board of Directors in line with SEAMEO BIOTROP's Enabling Instrument. She explained that the Board will include former Centre Directors, former Governing Board members, key ministry representatives, and experts in tropical biology. The Advisory Board is defined as a strategic consultative body tasked with enhancing visibility and institutional impact, supporting collaborative networks, and contributing to policy development in education, science, and culture. Its members will serve one-year renewable terms, appointed formally by the Centre Director. The Board will operate upon invitation to maintain flexibility and ensure alignment with the Centre’s evolving priorities without overlapping with the role of the Governing Board.
The meeting was attended by several distinguished figures who have played key roles in the history of SEAMEO BIOTROP, including former Directors and Governing Board members such as Prof. Bambang Purwantara, Prof. Arief Sabdo Yuwono, Dr. Arif Satria, Dr. Evelyn Bigcas, Dr. Jess Fernandez, Dr. San Win, and Mr. Acacio Guterres. Also present was SEAMEO BIOTROP’s current management team, including the Deputy Director for Program and departmental managers, who contributed actively to the discussion.
During the meeting, participants provided constructive feedback to strengthen the proposed framework. Several suggestions were raised, including expanding the number of Advisory Board members to ensure broader representation, considering a longer tenure to allow for continuity, involving experts from related disciplines and international institutions, and clearly defining the Advisory Board’s consultative role to avoid duplication with the Governing Board’s mandate.
Dr. Jess Fernandez and Dr. Evelyn Bigcas emphasized the need for a clear decision-making framework and the importance of establishing boundaries to ensure the Advisory Board supports the Centre strategically and efficiently. In closing, Dr. Elis expressed appreciation to all participants for their valuable insights and reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to inclusive and forward-looking governance.
The Advisory Board is expected to be formalized in the near future and will play a critical role in supporting SEAMEO BIOTROP’s continued leadership in tropical biology research, education, and regional collaboration.
