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The story behind Samsung for Education
Discover the vision driving Samsung for Education. In this exclusive conversation with Carl Nordenberg, VP & Regional Head of Mobile eXperience Business, Samsung Electronics SEA & Oceania, learn how Samsung is empowering educators, supporting schools, and building an open, connected ecosystem that redefines digital learning across the region.
Nov 28. 2025
Technology is transforming every aspect of our lives, and education is no exception. But meaningful transformation in schools goes beyond devices. It is about empowering teachers, engaging students, and building sustainable ecosystems for digital learning.
We sat down with Carl Nordenberg, VP & Regional Head of Mobile eXperience Business, Samsung Electronics Southeast Asia and Oceania, to learn more about the vision behind the Samsung for Education programme and how initiatives like the Samsung Learning Hub and Samsung Digital Lighthouse Schools (SDLS) are shaping the future of learning in the region.
Q: Carl, what inspired Samsung to launch this programme?
CN: At Samsung, we believe that technology should empower people. In education, this means creating an ecosystem where teachers feel supported, schools are digitally ready, and students are engaged to learn with confidence.
The programme began with a simple but powerful vision: to empower educators, inspire learners, and help schools progress from early adoption of digital tools to achieving true digital excellence.
Q: Why is there such a strong focus on teachers in this programme?
CN: Teachers are at the heart of education. When they feel confident and supported, students thrive. That is why Samsung for Education goes beyond devices. We invest in professional development, mentoring, and communities that help teachers build the skills and confidence to bring digital learning into every classroom.
By empowering educators, we ensure long-term sustainability and impact.
Q: Samsung is known for being an open platform. How does this philosophy shape the education programme?
CN: Openness is in Samsung’s DNA. We believe schools should not be locked into a single way of doing things. Instead, they should have the freedom to work with the best tools and partners.
That’s why our education programme is built as an ecosystem. We collaborate with industrial experts, curriculum providers, and technology partners who bring deep expertise in areas like STEM, AI, and teacher training.
By bringing together this ecosystem under one open platform, we can offer schools a holistic and flexible approach that adapts to their unique needs.
Q: Can you tell us more about the Samsung Learning Hub1?
CN: The Samsung Learning Hub is our key platform for professional development. It offers teachers structured training modules, from foundational basics to advanced strategies, along with certificates that recognise their progress.
It is also highly practical. Teachers can learn in a way that fits their own schedule, whether after class, during prep time, or at home during school holidays. This makes professional development more accessible and less disruptive to their day.
Alongside this, teachers have access to quick-guide videos, curated content from partners such as Carolina Science, Meritus AI, and many others. They can also join community forums where they exchange ideas and seek peer support.
The openness of the platform means we can continuously integrate new expertise and content, ensuring it stays fresh, relevant, and aligned with the evolving needs of schools.
Q. How does the Samsung Digital Lighthouse School2 (SDLS) initiative bring this vision to life?
CN: We see the Samsung Digital Lighthouse School initiative as a journey of transformation. Every school begins at a different stage, sometimes with a single digital classroom, sometimes with a makers lab or an innovation hub. Wherever they start, we provide the framework, training and mentoring to guide them forward.
Today, schools such as Yayasan Al-Muslim and Salman Al Farisi in Indonesia have become Samsung Digital Lighthouse Schools. It has been inspiring to see how their teachers and students are already benefiting from technology in the classroom. Teachers are more confident using digital tools in their lessons, and students are more engaged and collaborative in their learning.
Through structured bootcamps, mentoring and continuous support, these schools have evolved into showcases of what is possible. They stand as role models, showing other schools that digital transformation is not only achievable but also sustainable. With the support of our ecosystem of partners, we ensure that progress continues well beyond the first step.
Q. Beyond the Samsung Digital Lighthouse School, what impact are you seeing on teachers who go through the Samsung for Education program?
CN: One of the most rewarding parts of this journey is hearing directly from teachers. Across the region, those who have joined our professional development training and completed digital courses on the Samsung Learning Hub often share how these experiences have transformed their classrooms.
We are proud to see teachers using tablets and technology to improve student engagement and create richer, more interactive lessons. Many tell us that the training has given them the confidence to try new teaching methods such as annotating lessons with the S Pen, designing multimedia activities, and creating more personalised learning experiences.
These changes are visible in classrooms every day, where students are more engaged, collaborative and inspired to learn.
“For me, learning through Samsung Learning Hub is very engaging. Besides the flexible schedule, the materials strongly support my personal and pedagogical development. SLH also includes gamified courses like Assembler and Scratch, which are very interesting.
Through SLH, my pedagogical skills have become more refined and focused, helping me guide students in developing their 4C skills and making the learning process easier.”
Yuli Astuti - Teacher, SD Al Muslim
“As the first Samsung Digital Lighthouse School in Southeast Asia and Oceania, our goal is to integrate technology into education by empowering teachers to enhance classroom learning and drive digital transformation. Through Samsung Learning Hub, our educators gain access to training and resources that inspire collaboration, creativity, and confidence in the classroom. Samsung has helped reshape how our teachers teach and how our students learn.”
Deffi Viergino - Head of Education Technology, Al Muslim Foundation & Salman Al Farisi Foundation
Q. Looking ahead, what do you hope Samsung for Education will achieve?
CN: Our vision and commitment is to help schools in our region prepare for the future. We want every learner to feel empowered, every teacher to feel supported, and every school to become a beacon of digital innovation.
And we know we can’t do it alone. By working with partners across industries, governments, and communities, we can build an ecosystem that ensures real impact, one that is sustainable, scalable, and inclusive.
The Samsung for Education programme is not just about tools. It is about creating lasting impact in the way schools teach, learn and grow.
1The Samsung Learning Hub is available in selected markets.
2Samsung Digital Lighthouse School initiative is available by invitation only.
