Strengthening ASEAN–Japan STI Coordination: Highlights from the 2nd Short-Term Internship Programme at Kyoto University

The 2nd Short-Term Internship Program for Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Coordination between ASEAN and Japan hosted by the Kyoto University Office of Research Acceleration (KURA) was recently conducted in Kyoto, Japan, from 3-7 August 2026.

This program aims to promote collaboration and coordination between ASEAN and Japan to enhance ASEAN–Japan STI coordination by exchanging best practices in research management with Kyoto University, connecting fellows with Japanese professors and company partners to address grand challenges, and showcasing cutting-edge research through lab and company visits.

Additionally, it empowers participants to translate research into real-world applications and hone their leadership, coordination, and negotiation skills through interactive roleplay activity and strategic group discussions. Throughout the five-day program, the fellows demonstrated great enthusiasm and active collaboration.

The Human Capacity Building for Science, Technology, and Innovation Coordination between ASEAN and Japan towards Grand Challenges is supported by the Government of Japan through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF).