Since 2001, training has been the principal activity while research has been playing a supporting role. To ensure that its training programme are relevant to learning needs and interest of members, the annual programme of activities is drawn up in close consultation with the member central banks, monetary authorities and our collaborators.

The SEACEN annual programme of learning consists of 28 learning programmes in the form of seminars, courses and workshops, focusing on areas of core central banking functions, namely macroeconomic management and monetary policy; bank supervision and financial stability; payment and settlement systems; leadership and central bank governance and other topical areas such human capital management and central bank operations. The SEACEN Centre adopts an ongoing system of reviewing the design and delivery of its learning programme. To improve effectiveness, the learning delivery not only includes lectures but also case studies, role-plays, group discussions/workshops and action planning.

The Centre also organises high-level meetings which provide forums for the exchange of views and the sharing of experiences on current issues of common interest and concern. A few of the high-level meetings are also held to decide on policies of strategic importance to The SEACEN Centre as well as the SEACEN programme of activities.

In line with the Centre’s strategic direction, emphasis of research activities has been placed on issues of regional importance to central banks and relevant to learning programme. The research output has been used as learning content and, where appropriate, modified as case studies to enhance the effectiveness of learning programme. Promoting networking and collaboration among the SEACEN members and other renowned international financial institutions on issues of common concern is another key research activity. To this end, some of the SEACEN research projects are conducted in collaboration with researchers from member central banks/monetary authorities. The SEACEN Centre’s research workshops held for these collaborative projects provide ample opportunities for researchers from the region to share country experiences and interact with experts who provide multi-dimensional viewpoints.