TAIST-Tokyo Tech Student Exchange Program in Japan 2017

Published: January 9, 2018

The Thailand Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (TAIST)-Tokyo Tech Student Exchange Program in Japan 2017 marked the third year for TAIST students' participation in research programs at Tokyo Tech. This year, six TAIST students joined, spending over two months at the Institute from the end of September.

Visiting lab of Professor Katsunori Hanamura (right)

This exchange program mainly aims to enable TAIST students to engage in their own research in collaboration with Tokyo Tech students. The program also includes lab tours by professors involved in the TAIST program, campus and factory tours, and weekend activities. This year, the students visited the Chiba plant of Toyo Glass Co., Ltd. to get a close-up of the glass manufacturing process. Many students were surprised to learn that the process is almost entirely automated, with only a few people managing the plant.

With the friendly staff at Chiba plant of Toyo Glass Co., Ltd.

Enjoying the weekend with Tokyo Tech students

On the final day of the program, the students made presentations on their research to an audience comprised of their academic supervisors, Tokyo Tech lab members, and professors involved in the TAIST program. The many questions from the audience and active discussions with attendees allowed the students to heighten awareness of problems to be solved in the future, and provided an additional incentive for them to continue with their research in their home country. At a farewell gathering following the session, students and faculty members involved in the program reflected on their two months together, encouraging each other to continue with their work.

Comments from participants

I struggled as I obtained very unexpected results during my experiments. However, after repeatedly holding discussions with my professor over several weeks, we were able to come to a conclusion regarding the phenomenon in question, and the results were very interesting. I gained a strong sense of responsibility through this experience.
I had a chance to enroll in a Japanese class during the program. I never thought to learn a third language, but this class was very enjoyable. I plan to continue learning Japanese in Thailand.
This experience was invaluable to me as it helped me improve my time management skills, planning and strategy, and various other skills. I believe I can use this experience to aid me in my future career and daily life.

After graduation, TAIST students will go to the next stage of their lives - some will start a new job, while others will enroll in a doctoral course. It is expected that TAIST students will play an important role in the world, making use of the experiences gained during this program.

TAIST students with their certificate of completion

* TAIST

TAIST-Tokyo Tech, the first Thailand Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, was established in collaboration with Tokyo Tech, NSTDA, and leading Thai universities in 2007 at the request of the Thai government. It aims to form a hub for research and development in Asia and produce talented, technically innovative individuals who can solve problems caused by rapid industrialization and contribute to sustainable development.

Contact

TAIST Administration Office

Email taist@jim.titech.ac.jp
Tel +81-3-5734-2237

*: This article has been updated to correct a typographical error on January 10.