Jakarta, 24 July 2025: ERIA participated in the 9th ASEAN–Japan Science and Technology in Society (STS) Forum, co-organised by the STS Forum, Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). Held in Jakarta, the event brought together leading researchers, academics, and industry representatives to explore the evolving ASEAN–Japan science and technology partnership under the theme ’Bridging Science, Technology, and Society: Strengthening ASEAN–Japan Research Partnerships for Regional Growth and Global Impact.’

This year’s forum marked a notable milestone, evolving from a workshop-based format into a full-scale conference aimed at fostering broader dialogue and deeper engagement amongst sectors and countries.

High-Level Engagement and Keynotes

The forum featured keynote speeches from distinguished leaders, including:

• H.E. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN
• Mr Kazuo Chujo, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim, Mission of Japan to ASEAN
• Mr Masato Kanda, President, Asian Development Bank (ADB)
• Prof. Hiroshi Komiyama, President, STS Forum

Session Highlights

The programme featured three thematic sessions addressing urgent challenges and opportunities in science, technology, and innovation:

Session 1: Strengthening Research Funding, Infrastructure, and Innovation Ecosystems
Speakers discussed strategies for boosting research capacity, enhancing regional talent mobility, and promoting cross-border collaboration to drive regional innovation.

Session 2: Advancing Strategic Interdisciplinary Collaboration for Regional Development
This session explored how cross-cultural cooperation and knowledge exchange can strengthen societal resilience and support future-ready development.

Session 3: Urban Innovation and Start-up Ecosystems for ASEAN–Japan Cooperation
Moderated by Dr Venkatachalam Anbumozhi, ERIA’s Senior Research Fellow for Innovation, this session examined how governments, academia, and industry are working together to accelerate innovation-driven entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and smart-city initiatives.

Dr Anbumozhi opened the session by framing the regional context for urban innovation and start-up ecosystem growth. In his concluding remarks, he emphasised the importance of cross-sector collaboration, startup scaling, and the application of research-based innovation to advance sustainable development.

A Platform for Future Partnerships

The forum reaffirmed the critical role of research partnerships in shaping an inclusive, innovative, and sustainable future for the ASEAN region. It successfully brought together diverse stakeholders to share perspectives, align priorities, and identify collaborative pathways forward.

As the 2025 host, Indonesia concluded the forum with a ceremonial handover to the Philippines, which will host the 10th STS Forum ASEAN–Japan in 2026.