A Community to Encourage─2026 SSCT Event in Bangkok Focused on Personal Growth and Innovation through Collaboration

The fifth alumni event of Sakura Science Club in Thailand (SSCT), held at Skyview Bangkok on February 21. It attracted 91 participants ranging from students, faculty, researchers, and professionals in industry. SSCT has always focused on its theme “Reconnecting and Inspiring.”

In her welcome remark, President of SSCT, Dr. Orawan Sriboonruang stated that Sakura Science Club is not only a network of alumni but also a community that encourages cooperation, dialogue, and goodwill. The SSCT draws its inspiration from the spirit of the Sakura Science Program (SSP), which has created meaningful opportunities for Thai-Japanese Youth and scientists to learn from one another. Through gatherings, collaborative activities, and continued engagement, SSCT aim to strengthen these bonds and create opportunities for future generations. Dr. Bhumipat Thanasansomboon was the master of ceremony. During the Opening Ceremony, a congratulatory video message from Mr. AKASAKA Hiroki, Director, Japan Information Service, Embassy of Japan was aired at the venue.

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Sharing Session

One of the most well-received part of the event was the Sharing Session from SSCT alumni. It was conducted in a panel discussion format moderated by Coordinator Dr. Saharuetai Jeamsripong, allowing deeper conversations and interaction with the audience.

First, the three alumni-panelists introduced themselves and their ties with the Sakura Science Program (SSP):

Ms. Nanthiphon Sitthichotlertpakdee (SSP2023) – As a student at Princess Chulabhorn Science High School and incoming April 2026 undergraduate student at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, she decided to major in Business Administration to explore how innovation can be applied in the real-world.

Mr. Nathachai Rathamarit (SSP2024) – As an Undergraduate student/research trainee in Biomedical Engineering at BIODat LAB of Mahidol University, he aims to restore sensory signals for the sensory-impaired, creating AI models that can work across different nationalities, and to establish human-in-th-loop medical AI systems.

Mr. Chachanondh Limthong (SSP2023 Supervisor) – Journalist and Editor at Tatler Asia; Vice President of Thai alumni association AJAFA-21 (ASEAN-Japan Friendship Association for the 21st Century). After his return to Thailand from SSP, he newly launched the Japan-ASEAN Young Leaders Program (J-Program) which aims to further strengthen connections between motivated youths.

Throughout the session, the panelists suggested that international collaboration combining strengths of Thailand and Japan will result into unwavering partnership. Ms. Nanthiphon observed that Thai students can take a step back to re-think outside the box, while Japanese students pay attention to detail to attain perfection. Mr. Nathachai pointed out that Japan tends to go deep into fundamental research, while Thai researchers try to shift more towards practical application. Thailand and Japan can complement each other to maintain competitiveness in the world, suggested Mr. Chachanondh.

When asked what are vital skills in this age of AI? Ms. Nanthiphon pointed out “communication skills.” Even if you have great ideas, if you cannot get it across to others, it cannot materialize, she said. Mr. Chachanondh advised to focus on what you have─not on what you don’t have─and to make that stand out and shine compared to others. “You don’t have to master everything─you can always learn anything,” he added. Mr. Nathachai emphasized the ability to “to connect the dots” to build your unique strength to become the best one who specializes in that specific topic.

At the end of the session, Mr. Chachanondh specifically praised SSP for planting the seeds and “paying forward” to nurture next-generation-youths. When the Thai youths he supervised, returned to Thailand from SSP, the youths immediately conducted a robot workshop for local elementary school children, giving back what they leant in Japan. That kind of gesture truly reflects the spirit of Sakura Science, he concluded.

NEXUS Y-tec Session

The latter part of the event featured collaboration through JST’s NEXUS Y-tec program. After JST officials presented how the program is run, two Japanese professor and one Thai researcher described how this new two-way invitation/dispatch program is contributing to nurture young researchers and to maintain sustainability through research.

Professor YOSHINARI Nobuto (Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Osaka)

As the principal implementor of the Y-tec project to develop innovative green batteries with Thailand (Mahidol University; Chiang Mai University), and Malaysia (Universiti Sains Malaysia), he aims to develop low-cost, environmentally friendly battery technologies that can work efficiently under harsh weather. He is also strengthening scientific collaboration by sharing advanced lab equipment remotely. These ties have already resulted in joint publications, and university-level agreements.

Dr. Umarin Jomnonkhaow (Postdoctoral Researcher, Khon Kaen University)

She explained a new way to turn organic waste into valuable chemicals through microbial fermentation. By mixing left-over materials after growing shiitake mushrooms with wakame seaweed and letting microorganisms break them down in a controlled process without oxygen, the waste can be converted into a useful acid which can be used as biofuels, bioplastics, in food preservation, agriculture, and chemical manufacturing. Her study found that adding the seaweed helped increase the production of the useful acid.

Professor IMAI Tsuyoshi (Division of Construction and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Sciences and Technology for Innovation, Yamaguchi University)

As the principal implementor of this Y-tec project, his team is producing clean fuel through microbial biotechnology and anaerobic fermentation of sugar cane leaves in north-eastern Thailand, Isan. This process will yield a clean renewable energy named Biohythane─a mixture of hydrogen and methane. The research will also help reduce PM2.5 in Isan. He is partnering with Khon Kaen University, Price of Songkla University and Mahidol University.

In the Networking Session, Coordinator Mr. Sarawut Khamset, proposed many ice-breaking games and quizzes for the participants to enjoy. JST and the secretariat wish to congratulate the SSCT team and to thank everyone who had supported the event upfront and behind-the-scene. The event concluded on the promise to meet up again in 2027.

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