Cambodia has been hosting the 10th ASEAN Plus Three Junior Science Odyssey (APT JSO-10) in Siem Reap cultural province from July 22 to 26, with the participation of 225 secondary and high school students from the 10 ASEAN member states, along with participants from China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea.
Co-organised by the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI) and the ASEAN+3 Centre for the Gifted in Science (ACGS), the APT JSO-10, themed “Racing Against Climate Change,” highlights the urgent need for innovative solutions to one of the most critical issues of our time, according to a news release of MISTI.
“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,” H.E. Dr. Nhim Khemara, Chair of the Organising Committee of the APT JSO-10 and Permanent Secretary of State at MISTI, said at the opening ceremony held on July 22.
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.
“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,” said Dr. Kanchana Wanichkorn, Director of Sectoral Development Directorate at the ASEAN Secretariat.
“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 underlined.
Professor Soo-Young Lee, Programme 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 five-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 utilising the knowledge and resources we already have.’
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.
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.
