On 21 February 2019, the JSPS Bangkok Office, National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), and JSPS Alumni Association of Thailand (JAAT) co-organized an international seminar entitled “Sustainable Development Goals in Thailand and Japan -Smart City and Urban Development-.”

This seminar is an annual event hosted by three above-mentioned organizations in order to encourage many people to learn the latest scientific topic in Thailand and Japan. This year’s main theme was the “Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” which is a global initiative to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. Among 17 goals of SDGs, this seminar especially focused on the goal 11 “Sustainable cities and communities.” This is because Thailand is in the middle of rapid city development and some local cities, such as Khon Kaen and Phuket, are now trying to develop as smart cities by using latest technology.

Group Photo

In the opening ceremony, the following three speakers delivered opening speeches representing host organizations respectively.

1. Prof. Emeritus Dr. Soottiporn Chittmitrapap (Chairman, Research Council of Thailand Executive Board (Former Secretary General of NRCT))
2. Mr. Hideyuki Yamaguchi (Head, Overseas Fellowship Division, JSPS)
3. Dr. Danai Tiwawech (President, JSPS Alumni Association of Thailand)

Prof. Emeritus Dr. Soottiporn Chittmitrapap

Mr. Yamaguchi (JSPS HQs)

Dr. Danai (FT2018-JAAT President)

After the opening ceremony, Dr. Masato Noda (Assoc. Professor, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Ibaraki University) made a keynote presentation entitled “Japan and SDGs for international and local development.” He showed current SDGs challenges in Japan and his perspectives for beyond SDGs in the future.

Keynote Speaker, Dr. Noda (Ibaraki University)

Afterwards, a panel discussion was held by the three specialist who are engaged in urban development issues in Thailand.
1. Dr. Katan yoo Klubsuwan (President, Smart Cities Thailand Association)
2. Dr. Pornsan Vichianpradit (Lecturer, Faculty of Architecture, Chulalongkorn University)
3. Mr. Kungwan Laovirojjanakul (Co-Founder, Khon Kaen City Development (KKTT) Co. LTD.)

In each panelist’s speech, they introduced their past/ongoing activities and the current situation towards the realization of smart city.in Thailand.

For this seminar, about 70 participants attended and many questions were raised after the presentation. We believe that this event could provide enjoyable and fruitful opportunity to learn new knowledge on SDGs and urban development in Thailand.

Panel Discussion

Dr. Katan yoo Klubsuwan

Mr. Kungwan Laovirojjanakul

Dr. Pornsan Vichianpradit