TAIST-Science Tokyo Student Exchange Program in Japan 2024
Science Tokyo welcomed eight students participating in Thailand Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (TAIST)-Science Tokyo, a graduate education program jointly organized in collaboration with Thailand's National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) and leading Thai universities, to its campuses and labs from September 9 to December 9, 2024,
TAIST-Science Tokyo was established in 2007 at the request of the Thai government with the aim of creating a hub for research and development and fostering advanced technical innovative talent in the fields of science and technology in Thailand. Science Tokyo faculty play a pivotal role in the collaboration, not only as lecturers but also as academic co-supervisors, working closely with their Thai counterparts and NSTDA researchers to mentor TAIST students.
Launched in 2015, the TAIST-Science Tokyo Student Exchange Program is designed to foster stronger collaboration and interaction between students from participating institutions. This dynamic exchange includes an outbound program, where Science Tokyo students conduct research internships and take courses in Thailand, as well as an inbound program that provides opportunities for TAIST students to take advantage of Science Tokyo’s world-class facilities by conducting master's thesis research in its laboratories.
The 2024 inbound program enabled TAIST students to immerse themselves in the vibrant academic and research environment at Science Tokyo for three months. Students conducted research within host laboratories, joined seminars and events, and explored the campus, including the labs of various Science Tokyo faculty members. The program also offered enriching extracurricular experiences, such as a visit to a prominent Japanese company. Some students enrolled in courses at Science Tokyo to further their academic development.
During the lab visits, participants engaged actively with Science Tokyo faculty members, asking insightful questions and gaining firsthand knowledge about each lab's research activities. These visits deepened their appreciation of the innovative work being conducted within the program’s partner laboratories.
Off campus, the TAIST students visited Rakuten Group, Inc., attending lectures on AI-related topics, touring the company’s facilities, and finding inspiration through discussions that broadened their professional horizons.
The program culminated in final research presentations, where students showcased their research findings to an audience of academic co-supervisors, fellow lab members, and faculty, as well as guests from companies supporting TAIST and a visitor from a Thai partner university. After their presentations, the students responded to questions about their work.
Executive Vice President for Global Affairs Jun-ichi Takada, who is also the chair of the Steering Committee for TAIST, awarded a certificate of program completion to each student. At the reception that followed, Masaki Kobayashi from Somar Corp. and Associate Professor Pakorn Opaprakasit from Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology (SIIT), Thammasat University, gave speeches to further encourage the program participants.
Having made the most of their brief but impactful stay in Japan, the students have returned to Thailand to complete their master's theses. After graduation, some will advance to doctoral programs at universities in Thailand or abroad, including Science Tokyo, while others will pursue careers with Thai and foreign companies. Equipped with the knowledge and experience gained at Science Tokyo, these talented students are expected to make significant contributions to the global scientific community and beyond.
Comments from program participants
- The supportive environment, collaboration with professors and peers, and exposure to Japanese academic culture were truly enriching. Beyond academics, I appreciated the opportunity to explore Japan’s culture and lifestyle, which made the program both academically rewarding and personally memorable.
- The activities in the program, such as orientation, campus tours, lab visits, and the field trip to a company, were very good. All the staff were friendly and supportive, making the overall experience positive and seamless. The final presentations were well-organized, providing an opportunity to share and discuss our research. Overall, everything was well-managed, and it was a great experience.
- During the program, I learned many things which are very useful for my research. I also made new friends, especially with my tutor and labmates. After the program, I feel like I want to continue my studies at Science Tokyo.
Contact
TAIST Administration Office
Email taist@adm.isct.ac.jp