TAIST-Tokyo Tech Student Exchange Program in Japan 2018

Published: March 8, 2019

From September 25 to November 26, 2018, Tokyo Tech hosted six students through the Thailand Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (TAIST)-Tokyo Tech Student Exchange Program in 2018.

TAIST-Tokyo Tech was established in 2007 as a collaboration of Tokyo Tech, the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), and leading Thai universities. Aimed at developing highly skilled researchers, engineers, and R&D personnel in Thailand, TAIST-Tokyo Tech provides a joint graduate program through which participating students receive the master's degree of their home institution and a certificate from TAIST.

Tokyo Tech faculty members are heavily involved in the TAIST program, serving as lecturers and — in cooperation with faculty members of Thai TAIST partner universities and researchers from NSTDA — as academic co-supervisors of TAIST students.

Visit to lab of Institute of Innovative Research Professor Yasuharu Koike (center)
Visit to lab of Institute of
Innovative Research Professor Yasuharu Koike (center)

The TAIST-Tokyo Tech Student Exchange Program was launched in 2015 to encourage greater interaction between students from TAIST and Tokyo Tech. The program provides Tokyo Tech students with opportunities to attend TAIST lectures and participate in research internships at NSTDA, and offers opportunities for TAIST students to conduct research in the laboratories of their co-supervisors at Tokyo Tech.

The program at Tokyo Tech typically includes campus tours, including to TAIST-related Tokyo Tech faculty labs, visits to Japanese companies, and weekend activities. In 2018, it also offered an opportunity for the TAIST students to participate in activities with TAIST alumni currently enrolled in doctoral programs at Tokyo Tech.

Comments from participants

My laboratory at Tokyo Tech has very effective procedures to help students advance in their research. We discussed our progress in seminars, lunch meetings, and weekly individual meetings with our supervisor. By participating in the program and receiving guidance from my supervisor, I was able to learn the true meaning of research.
The students I met at the lab were very helpful. They not only supported me in my research, but also introduced me to sightseeing spots and good food in Japan.
The final presentation was my first time presenting in front of a large audience, including representatives from companies, professors, and laboratory friends, but the experience boosted my confidence in providing presentations in the future.

Participating TAIST students' research topics

Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue in the Presence of TiO₂ Clay and PE-TiO₂ Pellets
Experimental and Process Simulation Study on Chemical Looping Dry Reforming of Methane
Residue Number System Hardware Matrix Multiplier
Optimum Design for Energy Absorbing Structure under Frontal Impact
Morphology of Carbon and Glass Fiber by Using Image Processing Method and Characterization Tools
Back Tracking Convolutional Neural Networks for Object Localization

On the first weekend of the TAIST students' program in Japan, a TAIST alumnus currently enrolled at Tokyo Tech and three Tokyo Tech students who will participate in the outbound iteration of the exchange led the TAIST students on a sightseeing tour in the Tokyo Bay area. Despite having just met, the participants quickly opened up to one another and enjoyed their time together.

The program also included a visit to Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation's Kimitsu Factory, where the TAIST students had an opportunity to observe the steel manufacturing process. The group was accompanied by TAIST-Tokyo Tech Steering Committee Chair and Tokyo Tech Professor Katsunori Hanamura. "I was able to observe the iron manufacturing process closely, learned relevant knowledge, and expanded my horizons." "I was impressed by the diligence of the Japanese workers and their clear focus on getting the best results," TAIST students commented.

Enjoying a weekend with Tokyo Tech students

Visit to Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation

As their stay at Tokyo Tech concluded, the TAIST students made final presentations on their research to a 60-person audience comprised of their academic supervisors, fellow lab members, and faculty members involved with TAIST, as well as donors to TAIST.

Tokyo Tech faculty members commented on the program:

The enthusiasm and positive attitudes of the TAIST students clearly motivated the Tokyo Tech students.
By spending over two months in Tokyo Tech labs, TAIST students obtained hands-on experience using the research methods employed at the Institute. It was meaningful for them, and we look forward to continuing this program in the future.

TAIST supporters also said, "[Based on the presentations] I well understood the outstanding abilities of TAIST students."

Utilizing the knowledge and experience they gained at Tokyo Tech, TAIST participants in the exchange have returned to Thailand to complete their master's theses. After graduation, some will advance to doctoral programs at universities in Thailand or abroad, while others will pursue careers with Thai and foreign companies.

Final presentations

TAIST participants with Tokyo Tech faculty,
TAIST supporters, and staff members

Contact

TAIST Administration Office

Email taist@jim.titech.ac.jp

Tel +81-3-5734-7607