On 24 February, Kyoto University held the 10th Southeast Asia Network Forum in Bangkok, Thailand, in collaboration with the Kyoto Union Club (KUC, Thai-based KyotoU alumni association), King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, and Thai-Nichi Institute of Technology.
The event — the forth to take place in Thailand since the KyotoU ASEAN Center opened in June 2014 — explored the topic of "Bioenergy Conversion Technologies and Their Application: Moving Towards Sustainability", with over 180 in attendance.
The Forum provides a platform for KyotoU researchers to share their latest findings with communities across Southeast Asia, focusing on topics of interest to local residents. Organized in partnership with former international KyotoU students based in the host country, it is also aimed to strengthen the University's overseas alumni networks.
The 10th Forum opened with greetings from Mr Shiro Terashima, first secretary of the Embassy of Japan in Thailand, and Dr Kayo Inaba, Kyoto University's executive vice-president for gender equality, international affairs, and public relations. These were followed by keynote speeches, delivered by Dr Kajornsak Faungnawakij (National Nanotechnology Center, National Science and Technology Development Agency) and Dr Thevarak Rochanapruk (United Power of Asia Public Company Limited).
In the afternoon, Professor Keiichi Ishihara of the KyotoU Graduate School of Energy Science gave an introduction of Japan-ASEAN Science, Technology, and Innovation Platform (JASTIP), before taking part in a panel discussion on the "21st Energy Outlook — Moving Towards Sustainable Society". Panelists included Dr Jose V Camacho, Jr (University of the Philippines, Los Banos), Dr Boonrod Sajjakulnukit (King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi), and Mr Yoshinori Furukawa (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization).
There was also a discussion by four KyotoU alumni, including Dr Camacho, chairman of the Kyoto University Alumni Association in the Philippines. The session addressed the next Southeast Asia Network Forum, to be held this year in the Philippines, and possible improvements to the University's alumni network.
The Forum was followed by a joint exchange meeting between the Thai and Philippine alumni associations. The 25 attendees reflected on the highly successful 10th Forum and discussed their lives in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
EVP Inaba greeting the crowd
Panel discussion on the "21st Energy Outlook — Moving Towards Sustainable Society"
EVP Inaba with members of the Kyoto University Alumni Association in the Philippines
Joint meeting between KUC and the Kyoto University Alumni Association in the Philippines
