NRCT Joins Funding Agency Presidents’ Meeting (FAPM) and Holds Talks with the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) on the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN–Japan Relations at STS forum 2023
2 October 2023
On 2 October 2023, Dr. Wiparat De-Ong, Executive Director of the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), participated in the Funding Agency Presidents' Meeting (FAPM), a special session convening heads of research funding agencies from around the world during STS forum 2023. This year marked the 13th FAPM, held under the theme “The Role of Funding Agencies in the Development and Mobility of Talent.” The meeting was opened by Kazuhito Hashimoto, President of the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), and Heide Ahrens, Secretary General of the German Research Foundation (DFG).
During the meeting, Dr. Wiparat De-Ong exchanged views on the evolving role of funding agencies in supporting emerging technology fields. She emphasized the importance of fostering a shift in human capital development—from being primarily technology adopters to becoming technology front runners. This transformation can be achieved through targeted research funding aligned with national priorities, close collaboration with end-users and the private sector to facilitate technology transfer and expertise sharing, and the strengthening of international research networks to promote cross-cultural learning and global knowledge exchange.
Dr. Wiparat further highlighted Thailand’s efforts to promote “Brain Circulation”—the strategic mobility of highly skilled personnel to maximize national benefit. This is being advanced through mechanisms that establish nationally significant research clusters and networks, known as Hub of Talents and Hub of Knowledge. These platforms aim to develop human resources in fields facing critical shortages, cultivate high-level experts, and serve as trusted repositories of reliable knowledge. They also function as centers for knowledge dissemination at both national and international levels, strengthening Thailand’s capacity to compete and collaborate in the global research landscape.
The Funding Agency Presidents’ Meeting (FAPM) was initiated in 2010 by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and the German Research Foundation (DFG). The platform brings together representatives from funding agencies worldwide to openly discuss shared interests and concerns, thereby facilitating stronger networks and collaboration among funding bodies. This year, senior executives from 57 major national and international research funding organizations across 33 countries participated in the meeting. On the same day, executives from Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI)—including Dr. Wiparat De-Ong, Executive Director of the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT); Dr. Chutima Eamchotchawalit, Governor of the Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR); Associate Professor Dr. Pongpan Kaewtatip, Deputy Director of the Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI); Professor Dr. Sompong Klaynongsruang, Director of the Program Management Unit for Human Resources & Institutional Development, Research and Innovation (PMU-B); and Associate Professor Dr. Toemsak Srikhirin, Executive Director of the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC)—held discussions with JST, led by Kazuhito Hashimoto, President of JST. During the discussion, NRCT formally reaffirmed its membership and principal sponsorship of the Science and Technology in Society Forum (STS forum), as well as the success of collaborative research projects supported jointly with JST under the e-Asia Joint Research Program. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of ASEAN–Japan relations, JST also highlighted the policy direction of Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister of Japan, which prioritizes strengthening science and technology capacity. A new funding program aligned with Japan’s strategic agenda will place strong emphasis on talent mobility, particularly researcher exchanges with countries across Asia, supported by significantly increased budget allocations. Furthermore, JST expressed strong interest in expanding bilateral cooperation with NRCT and Thai agencies, especially under the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Initiative, and in continuing collaboration through the Sakura Science Exchange Program.
