On August 23rd and 24th, 2017, JSPS Bangkok Office organized “JSPS-NRCT-JAAT Symposium” as a part of the Thailand Research Expo 2017, sponsored by National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT).

The Expo is an annual academic event organized by NRCT, where many organizations set up their own booth, and where scientific seminars are also held by both domestic and overseas research organizations. JSPS Bangkok Office has co-hosted seminars with NRCT and invited Japanese researchers since its inception in 2009. This year, we held a bigger event as “JAPAN DAYS” which commemorate the 130th anniversary of Japan-Thailand Diplomatic Relations, in cooperation with JAAT (JSPS Alumni Association of Thailand).
The theme of symposium was “Shaping the Future of Academic and Scientific Collaboration between Thailand and Japan”. Programs were; panel discussions and introduction about funding organization for further development of the academic exchange between Japan and Thailand.

Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong, Deputy Prime Minister opens Thailand Research Expo 2017 and JAPAN DAYS to celebrate the 130th anniversary of Thailand – Japan Diplomatic Relations before the symposium.

In the opening ceremony of JAPAN DAYS, Dr. Sirirurg Songsivilai, Secretary–General, NRCT, Mr. Shiro Terashima, First Secretary, Embassy of Japan in Thailand and Mr. Hisashi Kato, Advisor, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), delivered welcome remarks.

Prof. Dr. Tetsukazu Yahara, Graduate School of Sciences, Kyushu University delivered keynote speech on the theme of “Where are we from and where are we going? Perspectives for a sustainable society”.

Then, the panel discussion was conducted under the theme of “Past, Present and Future of Academic and Scientific Collaboration between Thailand and Japan” by two Japanese speakers, Prof. Dr. Shin-ichi Ago, Ritsumeikan University and Prof. Dr. Mamoru Yamada, Yamaguchi University and two Thai speakers, Prof. Dr. Charnvit Kasetsiri, Thammasat University and Dr. Narongchai Akrasanee, Khon Kaen University Council.

Dr. Danai Tiwawech, President of JAAT, delivered closing remarks of the first day and introduced the members of Executive Committee of JAAT.

In the evening of 23rd August, “Dinner talk” was held by NRCT to provide opportunity to promote international academic exchange between Japan and Thailand. It started welcome remarks by Dr. Sirirurg Songsivilai, Secretary–General, NRCT, followed by keynote speech by Prof. Soottiporn Chittmittrapap, Advisor to Minister of Education, Prof. Suthipun Jitpimolmard, Director, The Thailand Research Fund and Mr. Hideo Fukushima, Deputy Chief of Mission, Minister, Embassy of Japan in Thailand.

The second panel discussion was conducted in the morning of 24th August. Panelists of which were; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ashir Ahmed, Kyushu University, Prof. Dr. Tatsuya Hata, Kindai University, Dr. Paritud Bhandhubanyong, Panyapiwat Institute of Management (PIM) and Prof. Dr. Prapat Thepchatree, Thammasat University. This theme was of “Trend of research collaboration between Japanese and Thai Universities.”

Regarding Introduction about Funding and Hub Organization for Research Collaboration, Health Systems Research Institute (HSRI) and National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) from Thailand and AUN/SEED-Net, Japan-ASEAN Science, Technology and Innovation Platform (JASTIP), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and JSPS from Japan, introduced their programs and activities.

Last of all, Prof. Yamashita Kuniaki, Director of JSPS Bangkok Office, gave thanks to all the people concerned about this event.
He concluded the event by mentioning that all lectures, speeches and introductions are; inspiring, impressive, important, informative, innovative and intimate and these 6 ‘’I’’ remind him, when you pronounce in Japanese ‘’love’’.

The program of the symposium is available here.