The Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution released a report finding that political signaling and donor pressure drive edtech scaling in Asia [1].

This trend suggests that the adoption of educational technology in South and Southeast Asia may lack the evidence-based foundations necessary for long-term academic success. If governments prioritize visibility over sustainability, students may be subjected to tools that do not improve learning outcomes.

The report, titled “From access to impact: Government decisionmaking and scaling of edtech in South and Southeast Asia,” said that government choices are influenced more by short-term feasibility than by long-term sustainability [1]. The research indicates that these decisions often bypass rigorous evidence in favor of political optics or external pressure from donors [1].

These findings contrast with some regional narratives emphasizing strategic partnerships as catalysts for growth. For example, a partnership between Vietnam and Singapore has been highlighted as a lever to scale sustainable innovation beyond domestic markets [3]. Additionally, private sector activity continues to expand, such as the joint venture Letitu announced in Malaysia on Dec. 15, 2025 [2].

Regional efforts to chart a path toward sustainability are also manifesting in events like Ecosperity Week, which is scheduled for 2026 [4]. However, the Brookings Institution report said there is a gap between these high-level partnerships and the actual decision-making processes within government ministries [1].

While private ventures and international collaborations aim to bridge the gap in educational access, the systemic reliance on political signaling may hinder the ability of these tools to create a lasting impact on the region's education systems [1].

“Government decisions about edtech are driven more by political signaling, donor pressure, and short‑term feasibility than by evidence.”

The disconnect between government procurement and evidence-based efficacy creates a risk of 'pilot-itis,' where numerous technology projects are launched for political gain but never scaled effectively or sustained. While bilateral partnerships and private ventures provide the infrastructure for growth, the Brookings findings suggest that without a shift toward data-driven decision-making, the region may invest heavily in technology that fails to produce measurable improvements in student learning.