Fueling the 4th Industrial Revolution in Southeast Asia
Global Outreach and Extended Education team drives innovation in education access for ASEAN’s STEM revolution
Darlin Nay (left), a finalist in the Research & Publishing Grant poster competition, discusses her project at the Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation, or STIC, program in Vientiane, Laos, with Sounthisack Phommachanh (center left), head of the Material Division at the National University of Laos; Somsack Inthasone (center right), a lecturer of computer science at the National University of Laos; and Somsanouk Pathoumvanh (right), head of Lao-Japan Technical Training Center and a lecturer at the National University of Laos. Photo courtesy of Laura Zelic
The Office of Global Outreach and Extended Education, or GOEE, part of the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University, played a pivotal role in the organization of the annual Science, Technology, and Innovation Cooperation (STIC) Program conference in Vientiane, Laos. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Office of Multilateral Affairs, or EAP/MLA, and implemented by ASU, this four-year program aims to strengthen science, technology and innovation collaboration between the U.S. and ASEAN member states.
The annual STIC conference took place during the Symposium on Accelerating Science, Technology, and Circular Innovation in Southeast Asia, with support from the U.S.-ASEAN Smart Cities Partnership, the Rochester Institute of Technology, and the U.S. Department of State.
From July 17 to 19, experts and leaders from academia, industry and government across ASEAN member states and the U.S. convened to explore the intersection of science, technology and economic growth in Southeast Asia. Laura Zelic, the STIC program manager, noted the symposium reflected ASU’s commitment to advancing education in the ASEAN region.
During the three-day event, people from around the globe convened to promote the fusion of science, technology and economic growth in Southeast Asia. Laura Zelic, a GOEE program manager, says the symposium reflected ASU’s commitment to advancing engineering education.
Participants engaged in business venture pitch competitions and research presentations, culminating in $100,000 worth of awards distributed to groundbreaking business ventures and research proposals aimed at accelerating technology innovation across ASEAN nations.
“Our partners’ contributions allowed ASU to create a broader platform for cross-sector dialogue, combining academic, industry and public sector perspectives,” Zelic says. “We are promoting circular economy innovation and enhancing climate resilience.”
Promoting platforms for innovation
The overarching theme of this year’s symposium was “Smart Cities, Biotechnology and Circularity.” Each day highlighted critical areas like advancing education, cultivating the circular economy, spurring innovation and enhancing climate resilience.
Throughout the three-day event, experts showcased their research, urging action from civilians, researchers and public servants to safeguard the environment for future generations.
The ASU STIC Competition showcased the journey of 35 exceptional participants who earned their place after completing specialized learning tracks on the STIC Talent Mobility Portal, which focused on key priority areas in the region. Selected applicants navigated a rigorous selection process and educational programs, equipping them with essential skills in STEM, innovation and sustainability. Their dedication culminated in the opportunity to present their innovative ideas at the conference and compete in the annual pitch competition for a chance to win seed grant funding to continue their product developments.
During the event, participants demonstrated their expertise and passion to a distinguished panel of judges, including subject matter experts, university faculty and investors, underscoring the impact of their learning experience on advancing technological and economic development across ASEAN. STIC hand-selected 35 outstanding candidates from the program to showcase their innovative ideas at the conference and compete in the $100,000 pitch competition. Participants showcased their passions to a panel of judges comprised of subject matter experts, university faculty and angel investors
Siraphat Taesuwan, the recipient of the Research & Publishing Grant, takes a selfie with her team from Thailand to celebrate their win. Photo courtesy of Laura Zelic
Jeff Goss, executive director of GOEE, stated, “The STIC Talent Mobility Portal continues to play a vital role in supporting sustainable economic growth, aligning seamlessly with the symposium’s goals of fostering innovation, collaboration, and regional development.”
Meghan Gibson, director of global operations for GOEE, says the STIC pitch and poster competitions were a brilliant demonstration of the untapped talent of future generations.
“Participants poured their passion into their pitches, highlighting topics ranging from early detection of cancer, solar AI, waste processing and the monitoring and detection of plant diseases,” Gibson says.
Attendees expressed a strong appreciation for the event’s interdisciplinary and collaborative approach, emphasizing networking and teamwork as key benefits, and recognizing the region’s growing momentum in research and startup support. Overall, the symposium provided valuable knowledge, demonstrating the role of education in promoting sustainability and the potential of AI integration.
Shaping future of STEM solutions
The GOEE team is proud of the symposium’s far-reaching impact on education accessibility and innovation across Southeast Asia, strengthening collaboration between ASEAN and the United States.
“Many issues impacting one country can impact them all, a concept the participants understand and witness firsthand,” Gibson says. “Providing opportunities like STIC reaffirms the commitment of the United States to support the continuous development of ASEAN countries through collaborative efforts.”
Looking ahead, STIC will support this year’s seed grant winners by helping them develop skills to manage funds and report on their research. In addition, the project administration plans to expand the Talent Mobility Portal to offer more upskilling opportunities and cover additional key areas.
Planning for future events is already underway, starting with the third policy study tour in Washington, D.C., scheduled for spring 2025, and the next annual conference, which will take place in Malaysia in fall 2025.
“We look forward to furthering our impact, strengthening collaborations, exploring new partnerships and securing funding for ongoing and future technology and innovation initiatives,” Gibson says.
