My name is Mariem Basily, and I am a technology enthusiast from Egypt with a strong passion for Mobile Development, education, and innovation. Participating in the Sakura Science Program (SSP) was one of the most meaningful experiences of my academic journey — it expanded my perspective on technology, learning, and international collaboration in ways I never expected.

I am currently in my final year at I-Tech Applied Technology School in Egypt, a specialized educational system focused on technology, practical learning, and industry-oriented skills development.

Being immersed in Japan's academic environment was truly eye-opening. The spirit of innovation, discipline, teamwork, and respect I witnessed — both inside research institutions and in everyday life — deeply inspired me and motivated me to grow not only as a developer, but as a person and future educator.

After SSP, I became even more committed to technology education and community involvement. I have continued building my skills in Mobile Application Development, particularly using Flutter, while actively participating in programming and innovation-related activities. One of the experiences I am most proud of is serving as a Flutter Instructor in collaboration with Google Developer Group (GDG) initiatives, where I had the privilege of teaching Mobile Development to students and supervising their final projects from concept to completion.

Beyond the technical side, I also focused on equipping students with essential soft skills — helping them deliver professional presentations using AI-powered tools and PowerPoint, collaborate effectively within teams, and communicate their ideas with clarity and confidence. Watching students grow from beginners into individuals who can present their work professionally and work seamlessly in a team has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my journey.

Currently, I am especially interested in combining Mobile Development with Artificial Intelligence and educational technology to build applications that create a real positive impact on people's lives. Looking ahead, I hope to organize workshops and online educational sessions, collaborate with students and researchers internationally, and contribute meaningfully to the global tech community.

SSP gave me far more than technical knowledge — it gave me confidence, a global mindset, and a deep belief that young people, regardless of their background, can become active contributors to innovation and international cooperation.

I am sincerely grateful to JST and the entire SSC community for creating such a warm and inspiring network. Being part of this family continues to fuel my ambition, and I truly hope to contribute more in the future — and to one day return to Japan.

Reference:
https://ssp.jst.go.jp/en/report/2025/t_vol015.html