News & Activities

The ASEAN–Japan Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Coordination Platform aims to create our next generationhttps://aseanjapan-sti.orgVision & MissionBACKFGROUNDSolving Today’s Complex Societal Challenges—Such As Climate Change, Achieving Carbon Neutrality, Reducing Disaster Risk, And Preventing. The Loss Of Biodiversity—Requires More Than Isolated Efforts.VISION & MISSIONAs ASEAN Positions Itself To Become The World’s Fourth-Largest Economy By 2030, Its Ability To Harness Science, Technology, And Innovation Will Play A Central Role In Driving Sustainable, Inclusive, And Resilient Growth.To Realize This Vision And Mission, The Project Will Implement A Series Of Activities Designed To Build Capacity, Encourage Collaboration, And Support Practical Action In STI Coordination. These Include:ROLE-MODELS-AND-BEST-PRACTICEShttps://aseanjapan-sti.org/learning-resources/role-models-and-best-practices/strengthening-asean-japan-research-collaboration-microbial-biotechnologyStrengthening ASEAN–Japan Research Collaboration in Microbial BiotechnologyAsst. Prof. Dr. Kosuke Shiraishi2025 JASTIC FellowLaboratory of Microbial Biotechnology, Kyoto University, JapanAs part of the JASTIC Fellows network, I visited the Faculty of Agro-Industry, Chiang Mai University, hosted by Asst. Prof. Dr. Pavalee Chompoorat Tridtitanakiat, a JASTIC Fellow, to strengthen research collaboration between Japan and Thailand in microbial biotechnology and the sustainable bioeconomy.The visit began with a warm welcome from the Faculty of Agro-Industry, followed by discussions on future collaboration between the two institutions. These discussions provided a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas on our complementary research strengths and explore long-term cooperation in biotechnology, food science and sustainable agriculture.During the visit, I delivered a research seminar introducing my research on microbial biotechnology, particularly plant–methylotroph (methanol-utilizing microorganism) interactions and their potential applications in sustainable agriculture. Faculty members, researchers and students actively participated in the discussion, leading to productive exchanges on future collaborative research and opportunities for student and researcher mobility.Following the seminar, students from the Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnology and I toured Chiang Mai University's research facilities, including laboratories in food biotechnology, food engineering, sensory evaluation, and the pilot plant. The visit highlighted the complementary expertise of both institutions and identified several promising opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.Looking ahead, Dr. Pavalee and I agreed to continue developing joint research activities, strengthen academic exchanges between Kyoto University and Chiang Mai University, and create new opportunities for early-career researchers within the ASEAN–Japan research community. Our shared vision is to promote sustainable innovation by connecting microbial biotechnology, food science and the bioeconomy through long-term international partnerships.Beyond the UniversityResearch collaboration extends beyond the university. During the visit, Dr. Pavalee kindly guided us through the historic city of Chiang Mai, including one of its iconic temples. These informal conversations provided a valuable opportunity to deepen mutual understanding, strengthen personal connections, and reinforce the trust that underpins successful international collaboration.