ASPIRE FORUM 2023 & Student Workshop

ASPIRE FORUM 2023 & Student Workshop

Asian Science and Technology Pioneering Institutes of Research and Education (ASPIRE) Forum 2023 was hosted by Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). The theme for this year is Technology and Stewardship for Sustainable Global Future. The Student Workshop took place in the virtual realm between June 28 and June 30, 2023, whereas the ASPIRE forum unfolded on the grounds of KAIST from July 2 to July 4, 2023.

 

The ASPIRE Forum 2023 brings an exceptional feature to the forefront - the ASPIRE Student Workshop. This intensive workshop encompasses a blend of enlightening lectures and interactive group work, fostering an environment that encourages collaborative discussions among students hailing from diverse universities. As part of this workshop, participants collaborate to prepare group presentations to be showcased during the ASPIRE Forum, providing a platform for students to showcase their collective insights and findings.

Five of our postgraduate students had the privilege of participating in the program alongside their peers from the ASPIRE League. They are Goh Si Qi (PhD, SCSE), Anurag Sharma (PhD, MAE), Dong Chaoyu (PhD, SCSE), Yang Lixuan (MSc Managerial Economics, NCPA), and Louis Tion Kai Xiong (MSc International Relations, RSIS).

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Below are some testimonials that the students have shared:

 

Dong Chaoyu, PhD, SCSE:

“From July 2nd to 4th, 2023, the ASPIRE FORUM 2023 took place at Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST), Korea. The event welcomed teachers and students from Nanyang Technological University (NTU), KAIST, Tsinghua University, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and Tokyo Institute of Technology.

This marked my first visit to Korea, and the experience of attending this forum left a lasting impression. The symposiums and student workshops, held under the theme of "Technology and Stewardship for a Sustainable Global Future" were exceptionally well-coordinated.

In the final presentation, our group, four graduate students from NTU, KAIST, Tsinghua University, Tokyo Institute of Technology, was awarded the second prize for the proposed new sustainable care model using science and technology.

Visiting the KAIST campus, building new friendships with peers from various universities, and savoring Korean cuisine were truly delightful. I extend my gratitude to NTU Graduate College for affording us this valuable opportunity.”

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Louis Tion Kai Xiong (MSc International Relations, RSIS):

“Thankful to receive the opportunity to partake in ASPIRE Forum 2023 as a student participant! Taking this time so summarize three precious takeaways that I have garnered from this forum. 

First, forging of new friendships. Through the short stint in Korea, I was able to meet people who have come from different parts of the world. Each participant brought along their unique lived experiences and expertise from their field of study to the table, which help to spur interesting conversations and exchange of views. 

Second, working with an international, cross-disciplinary team. Personally, I find the experience from ASPIRE forum to be extremely valuable, as it provides an opportunity to collaborate with like-minded students from other universities. Through these interactions with my fellow student participants, we were able to generate interesting ideas as we fine-tuned the problem statement and content for the final presentation.

Finally, stepping out of one’s comfort zone. With the forum being held in South Korea, it provided me an opportunity to perform my own pre-trip planning and take actions to execute it. Overall, I find that this is an interesting experience, which trained me to be more independent and take responsibility for my actions. 

Grateful to have attended ASPIRE Forum 2023, and I hope this initiative will continue in the years ahead.”