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ASEAN STI Forum 2016 “Shaping the future of ASEAN innovation”

21-23 September 2016 at Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok
The National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Office, Ministry of Science and Technology, is hosting ASEAN STI Forum 2016 during 21-23 September 2016 at Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok.  The forum is aimed to be a platform for future shapers from ASEAN member states and dialogue partners to discuss critical issues and challenges facing the ASEAN region and to foster collaboration for innovation.  The theme of ASEAN STI Forum 2016 is “shaping the future of ASEAN innovation.” The forum is expected to be attended by 400 delegates.

The summary and outcome of ASEAN STI Forum 2016 are to be presented to the ASEAN Committee on Science and Technology (COST) and its subcommittees as well as other related working groups responsible for the implementation of the ASEAN Plan of Action on Science, Technology and Innovation (APASTI) 2016-2015 and reported to the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science and Technology (AMMST) to be hosted by Cambodia in October 2016.        

Sessions in the forum include ASEAN New Growth Engine; Financing Innovation, Startups, Entrepreneurs and Innovation Hot Spots; STEM Paradox and Ecosystem Development in ASEAN; Talent Mobility and Policy Platform in ASEAN; Science Diplomacy and STI Cooperation in ASEAN; and Action Agenda and Message to the Leaders.

Dr. Pichet Durongkaveroj, Minister of Science and Technology, stated that each and every country in ASEAN places importance on using science, technology and innovation in driving economic growth and social development.  ASEAN has recently agreed on the 10-year action plan on science, technology and innovation, APASTI 2016-2025, to complement AEC integration and on the establishment of a regional fund for innovation development, competitiveness improvement, and R&D support to address common regional challenges, such as water management, food security, energy security, disaster management, and biodiversity conservation and management.   The APASTI also places importance on enhancing ASEAN to become a learning and innovative society and developing STI human resources with an emphasis on innovation entrepreneurship, youth-focused innovation, and community-based grassroots innovation.

Dr. Kitipong Promwong, Secretary-General of the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Office, said that the Ministry of Science and Technology through the National STI Policy Office is entrusted by ASEAN to chair the Body of Advisors to COST from 2016 to 2020.  The hosting of this meeting emphasizes Thailand’s leading role in mobilizing resources and knowledge from all sectors in ASEAN member states and their dialogue partners as well as international organizations to help ASEAN design and set the direction for innovation development.


Within the period of five years, Thailand gives priority to human resource development and talent mobility within ASEAN, STEM manpower development, Food Innopolis development, and startup development in collaboration with ASEAN and dialogue partners.
Prof. Sung Hyon Myaeng, Vice-President of Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, said that the institute is supporting Thailand’s initiative in ASEAN Talent Mobility to exchange scientists and engineers, especially in the field that Thailand and ASEAN lacked expertise.

Ms. Lorraine Hariton, Senior Vice-President of New York Academy of Sciences, said that STEM manpower is essential for ASEAN to become a learning and innovative society.  The academy and its network consist of world-class experts, scientists, and researchers with experience in technology entrepreneurship and youth innovation promotion.  The academy is discussing cooperation with ASEAN countries to set up Global STEM Alliance.

Official Website: www.asanstiforum.net