After running the Science Leadership Programme for early to mid-career researchers and scientists in ASEAN for 4 years, expansion to the APEC level has been established. From 21-26 August 2022, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI), together with the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Chiangmai Rajabhat University, ASEAN Young Scientists Network, Thai Young Scientists Academy and the Global Young Academy joined hands to co-host the Inclusive Science Leadership Programme for Early to Mid-Career Researchers in APEC in Chiangmai, Thailand.
The project is sponsored by MHESI, Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI), Stonehenge International Ltd, and Chan Wanich Group.
This year, 24 top young scientists from 14 APEC economies were selected, including from Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Chinese Taipei, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
In addition to training in collaborative leadership skills, participants are encouraged to work with their peers over the coming year on projects. Four pre-determined projects from the local social enterprises were selected to promote the concept of the Bio-Circular-Green economy. The participants chose to work on any project that matched their interests. These include 1) teak-leaves plates, 2) local herbal tea, 3) herbal compress balls, and 4) rice noodles production. After returning home, a call for a BCG proposal will be circulated to the SLP fellows. They could continue working on those pre-determined projects or develop new ideas to work in their respective economy.