The Japan-ASEAN Science, Technology and Innovation Platform (JASTIP) was launched in September 2015 with the support of the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST).
The objectives of the program are:
To promote interdisciplinary studies on 'Environment and Energy', 'Biological Resources and Biodiversity', as well as 'Disaster Prevention and Risk Reduction'.
To increase the visibility of Japan-ASEAN collaborative research to non-academic stakeholders.
To establish a platform for Japan-ASEAN research collaboration on science, technology, and innovation.
To this end, four working packages (WPs) have been established. WP1 serves as the headquarters of the program, coordinating interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary studies and connecting JASTIP with various stakeholders, including related research institutes, government sectors, and private sectors. WP2 focuses on “Environment and Energy” research and has established the satellite laboratory at the National Science and Technology Development Agency, Thailand (NSTDA). WP3 focuses on “Bio-Resources and Biodiversity” research and has set up the satellite laboratory at the former Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), now the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). WP4 focuses on “Disaster Prevention and Risk Reduction” and has established the satellite laboratory at the Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), University of Technology Malaysia (UTM). In addition, a program named JASTIP-Net was implemented to promote networking among researchers, government sectors and private sectors interested in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research and innovation to achieve the SDGs.
JASTIP-Net is an open call program for all ASEAN member states, Timor-Leste, and Japan, and is managed in collaboration with the Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation, ASEAN (ASEAN-COSTI).
The first phase ended in August 2020, and was extended after a review to the second phase, which lasted from September 2020 to March 2025.
Working Package (WP)
WP1 centered on strengthening human capacity for effective coordination in science, technology, and innovation (STI) to create an inclusive Japanese-ASEAN cooperative system.
The main activities of this satellite site are as follows:
Promotion of comprehensive collaboration between the satellite sites
Support for acquisition of extrabudgetary funding
Promotion of societal implementation of research results
Promotion of project “visibility”
Promotion of issue-proposal-type research project
The environment and energy satellite site has been established at the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) in Pathum Thani, Thailand.
The main activities of this satellite site are as follows:
Improvement of the “effective use of low-grade coal or biomass based on solvent reforming method” developed in the SATREPS program, and dissemination to ASEAN countries
Joint research related to biomass energy technology other than the “solvent reforming method,” or the development of materials necessary for photocatalysts, solar cell materials, and other forms of renewable energy
Joint research contributing to the spread and promotion of renewable energy systems
Japanese-ASEAN joint research into an extension of programs for renewable energy development or energy policy, etc., implemented by NSTDA
Joint research utilizing existing ASEAN networks held by NSTDA
The biological resources and biological diversity satellite site has been established at the Indonesian in National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) to build a research system that contributes to the conversion of biological diversity into a resource within the ASEAN region.
The main activities are as follows:
Preparation of the foundations for biological resource research based on ownership of the biological diversity resources within ASEAN countries
Joint development of methods for breeding useful tropical plants based on an understanding of the nature of tropical biomass, and for the conversion of the plants to fuel or functional materials
Development of highly durable wooden structures and methods to control the deterioration of wood materials
Strengthening of the biological diversity information database for tropical regions
The disaster prevention satellite site has been established at the Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The main activities performed at this site are as follows:
Joint research in Malaysia and Vietnam related to heavy rain, flooding, and landslide disasters
Joint research in Thailand related to ground foundation disasters due to heavy rain, flooding, landslide disasters, and earthquakes
Joint research in Indonesia related to earthquakes, volcanoes, and landslides
Joint research in the Philippines related to earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and typhoons
Advanced technology development of early warning systems to reduce the risk of large-scale natural disasters, a common issue for all the involved countries
Practical implementation of the developed early warning systems
Development of curriculum for human resource cultivation programs at MJIIT (including a disaster prevention curriculum at the graduate level)
Building a research network with leading universities in ASEAN countries for disaster prevention research, including Chulalongkorn University, Asian Institute of Technology, Gadjah Mada University, University of the Philippines, and Vietnam Water Resources University
Launching the “ASEAN Disaster Prevention Joint Research and Human Resource Cultivation Program”
Establishing the ASEAN Disaster Prevention Research Cooperation Framework Concept
Achievements & Reports
Bangkok, 16 December 2024: The JASTIP Wrap-up Symposium gathering researchers, policymakers, and institutional partners from across ASEAN and Japan. The event began with opening remarks from Prof. Yasuyuki Kono (Kyoto University), Dr. Kanchana Wanichkorn (ASEAN Secretariat), and Prof. Kazuhiko Noguchi (JST), highlighting JASTIP’s decade-long contribution to regional science and technology collaboration. This was followed by detailed presentations on the achievements of JASTIP’s four work packages (WP1–WP4), emphasizing outcomes in joint research, capacity building, and innovation platforms. The panel discussion explored the impact of JASTIP on fostering science, technology, and innovation (STI) cooperation in ASEAN, and the evolving role of researchers in informing STI policymaking. Experts from Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia shared insights from their respective domains. The symposium concluded with closing remarks by Dr. Taro Sonobe, reaffirming the importance of sustained transnational collaboration in addressing shared societal challenges.
Full Report can be accessed here.
Bangkok, 16 December 2024: The JASTIP WP1 Wrap-up Workshop was held at the CSEAS Bangkok Liaison Office, bringing together experts and stakeholders to explore the academic foundation and strategic relevance of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Coordination. The session opened with remarks by Prof. Eiji Nawata (WP1 Leader) and Dr. Taro Sonobe, who outlined the workshop’s aim to strengthen ASEAN–Japan collaboration through human capacity development for future STI leaders. Expert commentaries were delivered by Mr. Shigeru Aoyagi (Pale Bleu Dot Foundation), Mr. Suwanchai Lohawatanakul (Thailand Productivity Institute), and Dr. Hul Seingheng (ASEAN COSTI/MISTI Cambodia), offering insights from education, SME innovation, and STI policy sectors. The following discussion, moderated by Dr. Sonobe, focused on refining the academic concept of STI Coordination, identifying training pathways across sectors, and formulating policy recommendations for human resource development. The workshop concluded with a closing message from Prof. Yasuyuki Kono, reaffirming the importance of STI Coordination as a bridge between academia, industry, and policy for regional advancement.
Full Report can be accessed here.
The Report of JASTIP WP1 can be accessed here.
The outcomes of JASTIP WP2 can be accessed through the official project website.
The Report of JASTIP WP3 can be accessed website.
The Report of JASTIP WP4 can be accessed here.