The Government of Australia, one of the SEAMEO Associate Member Countries has been actively contributed to the development of education, science and culture of the Southeast Asian countries thru the partnership with the Ministries of Education of Southeast Asian countries and the SEAMEO Regional Centres since 1973.

The SEAMEO-Australia Education Links Award (SAELA) is one of the SEAMEO Regional Awards which has yearly organised since 2013 through the support and contribution of the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment, located in Canberra, Australia.

The Award aims to provide opportunities to the individuals or educational institutions to submit a proposal idea on education-related activities or education policy, according to the annual theme that will strengthen collaboration and partnership between Southeast Asian countries and Australia.