The Sakura Science Exchange Program, supported by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), successfully concluded its six-day (Jan 29-Feb 4, 2025) intensive program at Musashino University, Tokyo. The program brought together talented students from Prince of Songkla University (PSU), Thailand, and Musashino University's Faculty of Data Science (MUDS), creating an inspiring environment for cross-cultural scientific exchange and innovation.

On Jan 29, the program began with a warm welcome from Prof. Dr. KIYOKI Yasushi, the dean of the Faculty of Data Science, and Ms. TERAKADO Asuka, a member of the International Relations Center. Prof. KIYOKI then introduced the SPA-based semantic computing system for global and environmental analysis and visualization and research projects at the Asia AI Research Institute, which immediately sparked the curiosity and imagination of students. Asst. Prof. Nattapong Tongtep and the PSU students also briefed us about the previous collaboration and introduced Phuket, Thailand. We concluded the session with an introduction to Tokyo's daily life and necessary information for their happy and safe living before the campus tour.

The intermediate workshops led by Prof. SASAKI Shiori on Jan 30 conveyed an understanding of sustainable society and green technology concepts. The participants worked collaboratively with MU-DS students. They enjoyed applying IoT, data science, and AI technologies on the innovative 5D World Map system through the soil, air, and water data they collected around Ariake. The same interests and their shared passion for technology and sustainability broke the language barriers of the Thai and Japanese students.

In the late afternoon, they visited the Data Sensorium laboratory, the highlight of the day. Prof. IWATA Hiroo and Prof. ENZAKI Yuki introduced the concept of technologies and domain integration so that users can enjoy art wherever they are. The participants engaged in hands-on experiences with time-series data analysis and innovative cyber-physical systems.

The program balanced challenging academics with experiential learning through carefully planned visits to significant scientific institutions. On Jan 31, we started our day at the Tokyo Water Science Museum, where they participated in interactive exhibits on the importance of water and water management technologies. The day continued with a lecture session on "Time-series Data Analysis" and "Music Database Creation and 'Kansei' Metadata" by Prof. Dr. URAKI Asako and "Cyber-Physical Systems" by Prof. HAYASHI Yasuhiro, which inspired the participants in their further studies.

In the afternoon, their learning and enthusiasm started again during the MUDS Future Creation Project Exhibition. In the exhibition, all first-year faculty students presented their creation projects to the delegates from tech companies. Our participants had the great opportunity to discuss and witness real-world applications and implementations with MUDS students and other delegates. The activity inspired their creativity and provided network creation.

On Feb 1 morning, we had two lectures and a discussion. "AI and Ethics" by Prof. Thatsanee Charoenporn conveyed the understanding of the impact of AI and its responsibility. "Purely Conscious AI" by Prof. Dr. Virach Sornlertlamvanich provided insight into the perspective of AI consciousness and philosophy integration.

A highlight was the visit to Miraikan (National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation) in the afternoon, where the participants engaged with cutting-edge scientific exhibitions. They had excellent experience in innovative robotics exploration, space exploration, and environmental conservation. The immersive 3D film, "The Man from the 9 Dimensions", took us to the mysteries of space, time, and fundamental physics. Most of them expressed how this experience expanded their vision of future technological possibilities.

On Feb 2, the participants experienced traditional Japanese culture during their visit to Asakusa. They were excited to see visitors and some Japanese wearing colorful kimonos and yukata strolling along the streets. They learned proper temple etiquette, including how to cleanse their hands at the purification fountain and offer prayers at Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple. While exploring the bustling Nakamise shopping street, they sampled local delicacies such as ningyo-yaki (small cakes filled with sweet red bean paste) and traditional rice crackers. The students also had the opportunity to see local artisans at work and street performers practicing traditional arts. These experiences helped them understand the harmony of old and new Japanese characteristics.

We concluded the program with the participants' presentation on Feb 3. Each participant presented the "Challenged and Gain from Domestic Experience and Learning" while they shared their learning and experience from the program. They proposed many innovations inspired and expanded by the MUDS Future Creation Project Exhibition. They also presented the solution of a team study on the topic of "Building a Sustainable Society and Green Community for Marine Environment Conservation and Marine Plastic Waste Reduction." The presentation illustrated their motivation, inspiration, and great intention for a green society.

We officially closed the program with the certificate ceremony and closing remarks from Mr. KUMAGAI Takashi, the faculty and program advisor. And we continued to the "See-You-Again-Soon" party at a shabu restaurant in Ariake Garden.

With the great memorial, they left Tokyo on Feb 4 morning and arrived in Phuket smoothly on the same day.

Program Achievement

The program was a great success in bringing students from different regions together to learn, share ideas, understand each other's cultures, and be friends. The participants showed great excitement and interest in all activities so that the program can inspire young people to become future science leaders. They appreciated that the program offered excellent learning opportunities, incredible cultural experiences, and friendships that changed how they see the world.

The Sakura Science Exchange Program showed that when young people from different countries work and learn together, they can grow into creative thinkers who want to make positive changes in the world.