US-ASEAN Science, Technology, and Innovation Cooperation Annual Conference ignites innovation in Southeast Asia
JAKARTA, 6 September 2023 – The US-ASEAN Science, Technology, and Innovation Cooperation (STIC) Annual Conference took centre stage as a pivotal component of the Symposium on Accelerating Science, Technology, and Circular Innovation in Southeast Asia. Held on 5-6 September in Jakarta, Indonesia, the event underscored US’ commitment to being a strong, dependable, and active partner to ASEAN by supporting initiatives that drive cooperation in science, innovation, technology, and sustainable economic growth.
The conference began with the Venture Pitch Competition where 35 participants from the STIC Virtual Incubator Program presented their innovative ideas to a panel of judges. Another competition, the STIC Research and Publishing Poster Showcase highlighted research concepts that showed a real-world application or produced data that could be used to influence policy formulation in the ASEAN member states. These proposals were selected from hundreds of concepts submitted by the STIC Talent Mobility Portal’s eager community of learners coming from all ASEAN countries. The top four research proposals from both competitions received US$12,500 each in seed funding.
Winners for the Venture Pitch Competition were Annamalai Thani of Malaysia for his HariGaji project on financial well-being, Feb Hillman of Indonesia for a carbon capture solution for cement industries, Vu Hai Nam of Viet Nam with air quality monitoring equipment and software tMonitor, and Rival Syah of Indonesia with Karja’s digital marketplace which aims to reduce unemployment.
Winners for the STIC Research and Publishing Poster Showcase were Nguyen Thi Tuyet Nhung of Viet Nam with pre-clinical research for Willughbeia cochinchinensis herbal medicine targeting liver cancer, Kavirajaa Pandian Sambasevam of Malaysia for a palm oil refining solution, Woh Pei Yee of Malaysia for her AI-based AMR prediction technology that identifies genetic markers of antibiotic resistance, and Feb Hillman of Indonesia who also won in the venture pitch competition for his carbon capture solution.
The second day featured a dynamic agenda that facilitated knowledge exchange, innovation, and networking. Deputy Chief of Mission for the US Mission to ASEAN Michael Kleine opened the session followed by parallel workshops and panel discussions on critical issues in the region such as resilient digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, startup funding strategies, and scientific innovation. The session also included keynote presentation on Advancing Science and Technology in Southeast Asia presented by Zurina Moktar, Head of Science and Technology Division at ASEAN Secretariat.
The two-day event provided a significant opportunity for the US and ASEAN Member States to collaborate, share knowledge, and promote innovation in science, technology, and circular innovation. As both sides recognize the crucial role of these fields in sustainable economic growth, this event exemplified the mutual commitment to build a prosperous future together.
For media inquiries and further information, please contact:
Lien Phuong Le (Ms.)
Communication Specialist
Arizona State University Representative Office in Viet Nam
Email: lienle@asu.edu
Phone / Whatsapp / Zalo: +84 906 51 47 47
