IAFSW Annual Meeting 2024: Driving the Development of STEM Workforce for the Future
On November 25, 2024, the International Association for the Future STEM Workforce (IAFSW) held its Annual Meeting 2024 at the Platinum 1 Conference Room (Lobby Level), Intercontinental Bangkok. The meeting was attended by honorary advisors, the executive board, and distinguished experts from various sectors to exchange ideas and set the strategic direction for the association’s operations in the coming year.
Key Attendees
– Assoc Prof Dr. Thatchai Sumitra, Chairman of the Honorary Advisory Board, IAFSW
– Prof Emeritus Dr. Somwung Pittiyanuwat, Honorary Advisory Board Member, IAFSW
– Associate Professor Dr. Charlie Navanugraha, Honorary Advisory Board Member and Advisor to the Foster Future Forests Project, IAFSW
– Dr. Siripan Choomnoom, Honorary Advisory Board Member, IAFSW
– Mrs. Suwanee Khamman, President, IAFSW
– Mrs. Duangsamorn Klongsara, Vice President, IAFSW
– Ms. Duangporn Hengboonaphan, Vice President, IAFSW
– Ms. Jintana Pornraksamanee, Vice President, IAFSW
– Mr. Supoj Arayaprayoon, Treasurer/Executive Member, IAFSW
– Dr. Rie Atagi, International Advisory Board Member, IAFSW
– Mr. Ouppagarn Jeeraphanthu, Senior Specialist, IAFSW
– Associate Professor Teerawat Prakobpol, Senior Specialist, IAFSW
Additional Participants in the Pilot Project “Developing Schools in Chachoengsao and Eastern Regions”:
– Assoc. Prof. Dr. Daungporn Pupaka, President, Rajabhat Rajanagarindra University
– Asst. Prof. Dr. Pipattra Simarojana, Vice President for Academic and Professional Standards Development, Rajabhat Rajanagarindra University
– Teacher Thanathep Siripallop, Deputy Dean, Director, Demonstration School, Rajabhat Rajanagarindra University
Highlights from the Meeting
The meeting began with opening remarks from Mrs. Suwanee Kammun, President of IAFSW, emphasizing the importance of developing the STEM workforce and reflecting on the association’s achievements over the past year. The session also introduced the new executive committee and revised the association’s objectives and mission to align with current trends and demands.
Achievements in 2023-2024
Achievements in Enhancing STEM Skills in General Education
– Collaborative Initiative for Enhancing Mathematical Proficiency in Thai Children through STEAM: Conducted in partnership with university networks and Concent Edu, a Korean EdTech partner.
– Thailand Educational Development and Evaluation Tests (TEDET): Jointly organized with the TEDET Foundation to foster excellence in mathematics and science education.
– Exploring Thailand’s Insect Diversity: Photo Competition 2024: A photography contest highlighting the diversity of insects in Thailand’s forests and environments.
– IAFSW-MiSAC 2024 Report Competition: Focused on the theme of “Neglected Tropical Diseases and Climate Change,” encouraging students to explore critical global issues.
Achievements in Developing STEM and Sustainable Environment Skills (STEM Green Workforce) for TVET and Higher Education
– STEM Green Workforce Competency Development Project: Conducted in collaboration with the Office of Vocational Education Commission (OVEC) to enhance sustainability-oriented STEM skills for vocational education students.
– Partnership between IAFSW and Rajamangala University of Technology Isan (RMUTI): Aimed at developing globally competent STEM and sustainable workforce readiness through collaborative initiatives and specialized training programs.
Achievements in Community Development (Green Community)
– Foster Future Forests Project: Supported by Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production Ltd. and Star Petroleum Refining Public Company Limited (SPRC), this initiative focuses on the restoration of the mangrove ecosystem at Phra Chedi Klang Nam in Rayong Province. The project aims to increase green areas for CO2 absorption and promote conservation through community engagement. It is envisioned as a model for expansion to other regions in the future to ensure sustainability.
Policy Advocacy Efforts
– MOUs and Partnerships: Collaborations with national and international organizations such as the National Science Museum (NSM), the Office of the Vocational Education Commission (OVEC), the Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University and the Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, 12 networked Rajabhat Universities, the SEAMEO Regional Center on Sufficiency Economy Philosophy for Sustainability (SEAMEO SEPS), the Institute for the Promotion of Teaching Science and Technology (IPST), the Korea Foundation for the Advancement of Science and Creativity (KOFAC), the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), T-IME Education C&P, the Asia Edtech Summit (AES) Korea, AES Thailand, and the Korea Edutech Industry Association (KETIA).
– Education & Technology Seminars: Joint events with KOTRA and Korean EdTech networks, focusing on AI and STE(A)M for Thai schools.
– Biodiversity Initiatives: Co-Hosting the International Day for Biodiversity 2024 to raise awareness on insect diversity and its environmental importance.
Future Goals for 2025
IAFSW aims to expand its existing projects while initiating new programs. Key focuses include:
– Enhancing STEM education in General Education (GE).
– Advancing STEM Green Workforce initiatives for TVET and Higher Education (HE).
– Empowering Green Communities to support sustainable development.
The association remains committed to ongoing Policy Advocacy, bridging education, industries, and communities to ensure a future-ready STEM workforce capable of meeting global demands and adapting to technological advancements.
