More than 200 gifted youth from across the ASEAN 3 region are in Siem Reap to take part in this year’s ASEAN Plus Three Junior Science Odyssey. - Phnom Penh Post/ANN
PHNOM PENH (Phnom Penh Post/ANN): Almost 250 of the region’s budding young Einsteins have gathered in Siem Reap province to Collaborate on a journey of scientific discovery.
The secondary and high school students from across South-East Asia – as well as Japan, South Korea and China – are taking part in the 10th ASEAN Plus Three Junior Science Odyssey (APT JSO-10).
A total of 225 young boffins between the ages of 13 and 15 are participating in the annual event, which aims to foster an exchange of scientific knowledge and experience between gifted youth.
According to a July 22 ASEAN Secretariat press release, the platform nurtures the next generation of engineers and scientists, preparing them for future challenges.
Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation permanent secretary Nhim Khemara, who chaired the event’s organising committee, addressed the July 22 opening ceremony.
“The APT JSO-10 brings together bright young minds from the ASEAN+3 countries to Siem Reap to engage in scientific exploration and innovation. It provides an opportunity for our future leaders to showcase their talents, exchange ideas, and collaborate on addressing climate change,” he said.
Running from July 22 to 26, the event was co-organised by the science ministry and the ASEAN+3 Center for the Gifted in Science (ACGS).
This year's theme, Racing Against Climate Change, highlights the urgent need for innovative solutions to address one of the most critical issues of our time.
“The ASEAN Secretariat supports the ongoing and forthcoming activities of the APT JSO, aligned with the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, which aims to foster a competitive, innovative and dynamic community with robust productivity growth,” said the release.
Kanchana Wanichkorn, director of the Sectoral Development Directorate at the ASEAN Secretariat, explained the purpose of the event.
“This year’s event is a significant milestone for the ASEAN member states and the ASEAN+3 countries. It provides a stage for our gifted youth to collaborate on science and technology, encouraging the sharing of knowledge and experiences to prepare them for future roles as competent engineers and scientists,” she said.
“Embracing curiosity, collaboration, and a commitment to advancing science and technology, we join forces with the ACGS to empower students, educators and communities to become change-makers for our world's pressing needs,” she added.
Professor Soo-Young Lee, ACGS program director of the ACGS, noted that “Since its inception in 2010, the ACGS has been dedicated to offering diverse programmes for gifted science students and teachers in the ASEAN region.
This year, we aim to provide an unforgettable experience. The enthusiasm shown by each country in the student camp and teacher workshop is truly heartening. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the ASEAN countries for sending their national delegates to this event."
Khemara added that as participants embark on the five-day journey of scientific exploration, self-development and friendship, they should be reminded of the words of legendary management consultant and social thinker Peter Drucker.
“Innovation is not just about creating something new but also about better utilising the knowledge and resources we already have,” he said. - Phnom Penh Post/ANN
