World's International Forum in Tropical Paradise

 Hi everyone, it’s Leon again. This time I’d like to share about our story where Kawasaki Sensei and I  visited and presented our works in one of the biggest water forum – The World Water Forum! 

For those who are not familiar, please allow me to explain. 

The World Water Forum, held every three years by the World Water Council, is a key international event that tackles global water challenges through dialogue and collaboration among government, academia, industry, and civil society. This time, the 10th Forum took place in Bali, Indonesia from May 18-25, 2024, gathering the heads of state, the heads of international organizations, high level government officials, experts, academia, entrepreneurs and economists to share insights and practices on a wide range of water-related topics.

Upon arriving in Bali, I am awestruck by the island. Often called the "Island of the Gods," Bali truly lives up to its reputation as a paradise on earth. I believe the picture below clearly illustrates why. 

During the event, representing experts and academia, Kawasaki Sensei was invited to speak at the 23rd Meeting of the High-level Experts and Leaders Panel on Water and Disasters (HELP). He also served as the coordinator in the CC13 Thematic Sessions with topic: Mobilizing ‘wise’ investments to address water crises, water disasters and to improve climate resilience. The 23rd HELP Meeting featured experts from prestigious organizations such as Japan’s MLIT, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the World Bank, JICA, UNESCO, the Global Water Partnership (GWP), ICHARM, etc. During this meeting, Kawasaki Sensei delivered a 5-minute presentation that highlighted how flood control investment is a potent strategy for reducing poverty and inequality caused by floods. As investment is essential to address issues related to water crises, water disasters, and climate resilience, it should be undertaken carefully, especially by countries with limited budgets. This need for ‘wise’ investment was further discussed during the CC13 Sessions held on May 24, 2024.

Oh also! I am ALSO PRESENTING! Yes, ME! ;)

It was an incredible honor and an unforgettable experience to present in front of so many distinguished individuals on this prestigious platform. I am deeply grateful to Koike Sensei and Kawasaki Sensei for giving me this opportunity. In my presentation, much like Kawasaki Sensei, I was discussing the pressing issue of “flood and poverty,” drawing from my master's research on the Chao Phraya River in Thailand.

Throughout the forum, many issues were highlighted, but poverty and socio-economic inequality were not extensively addressed. The talk presented by us on these matters served as an important reminder that the water issues discussed during the event are often most acutely felt by vulnerable communities. Ironically, these groups usually cannot help themselves, making it the moral duty of policymakers, from government officials to educational institutions, to extend their assistance.

As always, thank you all for reading till the end.

See you all soon!

 

♦国立台湾大学-東京大学学術交流セミナーを開催しました♦

～社会のレジリエンス向上のためのグリーン・インフラと食のサプライチェーン～　　

　　　　　

先日、４月25日に東京大学本郷キャンパスにて、国立台湾大学-東京大学学術交流セミナーを開催しました。国立台湾大学国際カレッジ修士課程の防災害リスク軽減・レジリエンス学の准教授、そして台北Green Resilience LabのディレクターであるWan-Yu Shih先生に　”Green infrastructure strategies for cooling in dense cities: Opportunities, limitations, and inequality”についてプレゼンテーションしていただき、そのあと、IFI（東京大学未来ビジョン研究センター）からは佐野有紀特任助教と江  欣樺（チャン　シンホア）)特任研究員をスピーカーとしてお話いただきました。参加した学生は、アメリカ、イタリア、ミャンマー、モンゴル、中国、インドネシア、台湾、日本と、とてもインターナショナルな集まりとなり、討論はもちろん、そのあとのフリーディスカッションの交流会はとても賑やかな会となりました。

４月25日　国立台湾大学-東京大学学術交流セミナー

　　　　　

議論の風景

交流会風景　

Bangkok ‘s Pink Campus – Filling in a Class!

This time I would like to share my story filling in a lecture in the Bangkok’s well renowned pink campus: The Chulalongkorn University. First of all, Let me introduce you to the campus. As shown in uploaded photos below, the campus identity used the color of pink! I personally think it is really pleasant to the eyes. Strolling through the campus was filled with awe! The campus is massive and was filled with ample greeneries. 

Long story short, we were given a chance to fill in a lecture in the department of architecture about research methodology. I decide to share my work result using the most two well-known methodologies for knowledge acquisition: the quantitative and qualitative methodology. It was an exciting experience for me to be given an opportunity to share and discuss with the attentive Chula’s student who came from diverse background and perspective.

Located in the center of the city, Chula is just right beside the well renowned department store: The Siam Paragon. It is not difficult at all to find a good café or sweets for self-reward after studying :D. I made some time to hunt for the viral dessert in social media – The “After You Cafe” Milk Bun. I supposed the taste was self-explanatory on why it could be famous because it was so Good :)! For lunch, I had a Pad KraPao in the Siam Paragon. The plating and presentation are exquisite, but considering the price, I personally think that the taste was surprisingly so-so.

Therefore, a little of tips for Bangkok Travelers! Good food is mostly found not in the department store but next to a small street! Here is some picture we ate in a small shop located not inside luxurious mall, but next to a pedestrian. The plating might be usual, but the taste???….. was DIVINE!    

All in all, I really love Thailand! The food, the place, and everything it offers! 

By the way, it is now the beginning of the new semester in University of Tokyo! Let’s put our best foot forward these upcoming months too! See you all soon in the next chance. 

 

Have a blessful day!

Leon, 8 Apr 2024

The University of Tokyo

Hydrosphere Science Seminar

 東京大学の社会基盤学専攻の水圏環境グループ開催の毎月の公開セミナーHydrosphere Science Seminarに登壇します。

参加をご希望される方は以下のGoogleフォームにて登録して下さい。

（Please register on Google Form）

 https://forms.gle/9PxACPFpSYY8sGeL8

#13: Akiyuki Kawasaki 

 (Professor, Institute for Future Initiative, U-Tokyo)

Poverty reduction through climate adaptation in Monsoon Asia

Date　2024.4.8 (Mon) 15:00-16:40

セミナーの詳細はこちらです

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1i1c_rKPxPnfOzocAsiNBfwuI51nPrf1ebKca3s1gAQ0/edit?pli=1

Third Time Visit- Further Side of Ayutthaya

Hi everyone, It’s Leon. Thank you always for reading my story. I am excited to update you guys so soon since my previous story dated back in January. This time, we revisited my study area in Ayutthaya for the third time!

From my previous first and second visit, we were able to generate some interesting findings! Yet, there is still plenty of room for exploration. Similar to my first visit, we would like to collect a quantitative data of households, but in the further side of Ayutthaya City Central now. We would like to explore if the newly taken samples who worked mainly as fisherman or farmer would generate different results when compared to the samples taken in the first round who heavily influenced by industrial areas (worked in industry, office, or around factory).

Uniquely, this time, we conducted the interview without the help of a third-party surveyors. Hopefully, the voluntery help from Chulalongkorn Student and JICA Staff came very handy in this study! We commuted about 1hour-ish from our hotel to reach the study location each day. Closer to the areas, stores and city’s view started to fade from the car’s window, as it changed into paddy field and suburb. Below I attached some picture taken around the areas. 

Each day, we collected the samples as many as possible from 10 a.m. to about 4 p.m. Then, we would return to the hotel for short rest before having dinner.

As you can guess next, another happy time of the trip, the opportunity to enjoy Thai’s divine delicacy! The whole day’s tiredness under the heat of Thailand, was recovered, with a single big gulp of BEER! (My favorite is Singha :D). Although this is my third trip, the food has never stop to amazed me! Please take a look of the food’s picture I took during this trip.

You might have seen some in my previous blog, but trust me, the taste was hmmmmhhhh!! The fish, the duck, even to the freshly served vegetable was all on point and well balanced. I was so glad we came here. Also, the freshly blend fruit juice near our stay which I bought almost every day, was so refreshing. Gotta stays healthy, don’t we? HAHA! ;)

Here is two of my most favourite's flavour: mango and coconut.

Anyway, please take a look at my next story too! [Spoiler alert] … it’s about my trip to Bangkok where I visit the well-renown University of Chulalongkorn for the first time. Not as a student, but to fill in a class by sharing my work!! 

So, see you guys in my next story.

Cheers,
Leon

Thailand's second trip - listening to the voice of vulnerable people

Hello everyone, This is Leon. First of all, happy new year! I wish you all a good year ahead! In this chance, I would like to share my story back in Thailand again, held around last year’s November, as we revisited my master thesis’s study case location for a follow up interview activity.

This interview was a bit different from what has been done from the previous survey (please refer to my blog dated in February 2023). This time, we did not collect any quantitative data and focused more on listening to the story of different economic stratum of people in the areas, both flooded and non-flooded, trying to gain better insight by listening directly to their voices. The discussion was long and thorough with an average time of about 1.5-2 hours in each house. I personally think that this survey could generate valuable results as we are able to validate many things through this activity. One thing is obvious - the most vulnerable people’s life is not made easy by the repeating flood. 

It was beyond my imagination how someone could stay inside a house with flood water reaching almost a-half of the house. Ironically, this imagination is realistically lived by people around the flooded areas. Difficult mobility and even absence from school and work, saving less money due to floods, health issues, and worries about the future are common traits found in the family, especially the poor. The Following image is an illustration of the flood’s height that occurred last year in 2022, compared to my body height of 181 cm.

As the sun set, and our work finished, we tried the Thai’s cuisine around our stay. The authenticity of Thai cuisine’s spice and fragrance has never bored me. I also attached several food pictures I ate during the trip in this blog. The taste was all savory! Please see the picture I took below ;). The color was exquisite, wasn't it?

As always, thank you for reading my story. Looking forward sharing more interesting story to you all.
Lets keep in touch.

Warmly,
Leon

Trip to Qatar: ICAE2023

Hi, this is Zhao Han.I've just returned from Doha, where I attended the 15th International Conference on Applied Energy, and it was quite an interesting experience!

Had the chance to present my research through oral presentations, which was a bit nerve-wracking but also a great learning opportunity. The conference itself was full of discussions about the latest trends in energy and related sustainable development strategies. Meeting other researchers provided me with valuable insights into the challenges facing the field. My presentation, while a bit stressful, felt good to contribute to the ongoing conversation. Furthermore, connecting with professionals from different parts of the world opened up opportunities for potential collaborations in the future.

After the conference, I took some time following the organizers as they explored Doha's cultural scene. Visited the local art museums, which offered a unique perspective on Qatar's history through art. Also, checked out EXPO, a global showcase of innovation, and got a glimpse of some cutting-edge technologies. Delving into the local culture was a laid-back and enjoyable experience. Tried some delicious Qatari food, wandered through the lively souqs, and had some interesting conversations with both locals and fellow researchers! Looking back, this trip was more than just a conference—it was a blend of learning, exploring, and making connections. Finally, a special and sincere thank you goes to Prof. Kawasaki. Without his support, I would not be able to present my research and gain such rich experiences at this large international conference!