July 22, 2024, Siem Reap – A total of 225 secondary and high school students from the 10 ASEAN member states, along with participants from China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea have gathered in Siem Reap, Cambodia for the 10th ASEAN Plus Three Junior Science Odyssey (APT JSO-10).
The APT JSO is an annual educational event, aimed to foster the exchange of scientific knowledge and experiences among gifted youth aged 13 to 15 from the ASEAN+3 countries. This platform nurtures the next generation of engineers and scientists, preparing them for future challenges.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, H.E. Dr. Nhim Khemara, Chair of the Organizing Committee of the APT JSO-10 and Permanent-Secretary at MISTI, said, "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."
Running from July 22nd to 26th, 2024, the APT JSO-10 is co-organized by the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI) 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 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.
Dr. Kanchana Wanichkorn, Director of Sectoral Development Directorate at the ASEAN Secretariat, said, “This year’s event is a significant milestone for our ASEAN member states and the ASEAN+3 countries. It provides a stage for our gifted youth to collaborate in science and technology, encouraging the sharing of knowledge and experiences to prepare them for future roles as competent engineers and scientists.”
"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, Program Director of the ACGS, said, "Since its inception in 2010, the ACGS has been dedicated to offering diverse programs 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."
H.E. Dr. Nhim Khemara added that as participants embark on this 5-day journey of scientific exploration, self-development, and friendship, they are reminded of Peter Drucker's words: ‘Innovation is not just about creating something new but also about better utilizing the knowledge and resources we already have.’
ASEAN Plus Three consists of 13 countries, including the 10 ASEAN member states: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, as well as China, Japan and South Korea. The ASEAN Plus Three framework focuses on various areas, including economic and cultural cooperation.
