On August 17-18, 2023, Aquatic Science and Innovative Management Division, Faculty of Natural Resources, Prince of Songkla University (PSU), Hat Yai Campus, Thailand organized The conference on “Aquatic Sciences for Securing Sustainable Food Systems & Resources.” At the same time, Prof. Dr. Toshiaki Itami, a keynote speaker held the Sakura Science Program (SSP) Alumni Reunion participated by the SSP Alumni from PSU, Fukuyama University (FU), University of Miyazaki (UoM), Okayama University of Science (OUS), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) and Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTs).
Opening ceremony and speech delivered by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chaiyawan Wattanachant, the Dean, Faculty of Natural Resources, Prince of Songkla University
Prof. Dr. Toshiaki Itami from the Fukuyama University has had a very long relationship with the Faculty of Natural Resources, particularly in the field of Aquatic Science for more than 30 years through research collaborations and different student development programs. The academic collaborations have grown stronger over time. The conference held at Aquatic Science and Innovative Management Division, PSU has benefitted students, alumni, researchers and all participants in terms of strengthening their abilities to deliver the research findings to a broader scientific society, introducing them to the international environments and building up their confidence in both academic and language competencies.
Prof. Dr. Itami’s keynote speech
The Conference was attended not only by Aquatic Science, Faculty of Natural Resources, PSU, FU, UoM, OUS, VIT, RUTs, but also the University Ludhiana-Punjab, Department of Fishery (Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Thailand) and public companies. The efforts will definitely be given by the joint organizers to maintain these beneficial activities which would lead to the growth of Aquatic Science societies.
Importantly, two Aquatic Science Alumni Association members, Dr. Atra Chaimongkol and Dr. Jumreonsri Thavornsuwan (senior researchers/high level administrators, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Thailand Thailand), two lecturers, Dr. Eknarin Rodcharoen and Asst. Prof. Dr. Naraid Suanyuk and two Ph.D. students (Ms. Wijittra Tungse and Ms. Saowaluck Malawa) from Aquatic Science and Innovative Management Division presented the scientific knowledge that are important for sustaining aquaculture and aquatic resources in Thailand.
Dr. Atra Chaimongkol presented in the topic of “Global aquaculture for sustainable food security”
Dr. Jumreonsri Thavornsuwan presented in the topic of "Thai shrimp culture – Standard and measures for shrimp health and sustainable production"
Dr. Eknarin Rodcharoen presented in the topic of “Marine pollutants upsetting primary and secondary producers: A case study in Songkhla lagoon”
Asst. Prof. Dr. Naraid Suanyuk presented in the topic of "Streptococcus agalactiae infection in cultured fish in Thailand: Pathology and disease management approaches"
The SSP alumni are active in a wide range of fields in various parts of the world. They were also discovering new business possibilities based on their experience in Japan, such as planning and managing a new orchard after graduation from university. In the meeting, two SSP alumni presented to the scientific session of the conference and won the top prize for their outstanding research. As a partner institution, we were impressed by the growth of the participating young students.
Group photo of Sakura Science Program Alumni reunion 2023
At the end of our meeting, faculty members from PSU, RUTS, and Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT, India), who will participate in the SSP to be implemented in February 2024 (adopted in FY2023), had discussed details of preparations for the SSP implementation.
Although this activity is just 2 days, we are able to exchange meaningful information academically and pave the way for future inter-university exchanges (5 universities in 3 countries) through the SSP. In the future, we decided to further expand this direction and develop it into an exchange program for students.
Reconfirmation of the method of selecting students for the SSP to be implemented in 2023
Finally, we would like to thanks to Aquatic Science Alumni Association, DSM Nutritional Products and many others for their kind support. These activities could not have happened without the support from them. Thanks also to our international and national colleagues who made this meeting happened.
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