With generous financial support from the Program Management Unit for Human Resources & Institutional Development, Research and Innovation (PMU-B), NSTDA, in collaboration with EURAXESS, proudly concluded a successful ASEAN BCG Researcher Development Program 2023 Phase 2. The program, with its second phase taking place from 10 -14 July 2023, at the Century Park Hotel Bangkok, Thailand, showcased NSTDA’s commitment to fostering scientific excellence across the ASEAN region.

Spanning two phases, the ASEAN BCG Researcher Development Program 2023 is a testament to NSTDA’s dedication to nurturing talent, strengthening researcher skills, and promoting sustainable development. The initial phase, conducted as a series of webinars from February to April 2023, attracted postdoctoral researchers from ASEAN and individuals involved in the Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG) Model and wanting to expand their scientific skills. These sessions shaped essential skills including critical thinking, science communication, and networking, setting the stage for the program’s second phase.

The workshop organized in Phase 2 provided a collaborative space for 30 outstanding ASEAN researchers, selected by the ASEAN BCG Network Committee from participants in the first phase. These promising talents were guided by experienced mentors and immersed themselves in project leadership, including sourcing funding, writing proposals, and improving scientific communication skills. The overarching goal was to equip them with the expertise to craft research funding proposals aligned with BCG Model and sustainable development principles. By focusing on global challenges such as food security, energy sustainability, and environmental preservation, participants are poised to make lasting contributions to the region’s advancement.

The program included a visit to the facilities and laboratories at NSTDA. This opportunity facilitated significant interaction between ASEAN researchers and NSTDA experts, fostering the prospect of future collaborations and resource sharing, that leverage the strengths of both parties.