Amidst a sea of shimmering stars and the boundless expanse of space, a young Thai scholar who had been chosen for a prestigious space science event in Japan found his dreams come crashing down. Despite his elation at being selected, the lackluster funding response from the Thai government led to him losing this life-changing opportunity.
The National Science and Technology Development Agency’s (NSTDA) SPACE Education programme spotlighted this unfortunate event, highlighting a tragic consequence of underfunding. The Japanese programme, dubbed JAXA Asian Try Zero G, is renowned for hosting elaborate space science events. For several years, it has been a hub for young scholars from ASEAN countries, offering a unique platform for them to engage in competitive space experiments.
Japan’s grand strategy adopts an interesting blend of hard power and soft power elements. While the country’s cutting-edge technology and robust economy define its hard power prowess, its soft power appeal is encapsulated in a rich tapestry of culture ranging from cartoons, films, and music to science and education. It has been an irresistible approach, attracting foreign talent to its technological marvels and promoting advanced studies through generous scholarships.
In essence, Japan’s science and technology diplomacy taps into the young minds of ASEAN in a bid to stimulate greater interest and performance in space experiments. This is embodied in the JAXA Asian Try Zero G. Participants experience real-time space experiments as Japanese astronauts conduct them in their country’s section of the International Space Station (ISS). The magic of these events is streamed live, allowing global audiences a peek into the surreal world of space.
Nevertheless, a grim update emerged from the Facebook page of a prominent science enthusiast known as Mr. Title, the voice behind the popular page SpaceTH.co. The Thai student who had been selected to represent the nation at the end of January next year found himself unable to attend due to insufficient funding. The shortfall in the airfare budget had dashed the young student’s dreams.
As this news unraveled, Dr Jessada Denduangboripant, a faculty member of the Department of Biology at the esteemed Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, decided to share the post and highlight the issue’s severity. The NSTDA-organized project fosters an environment of competition where groups of young people design and present unique ideas for space experiments.
On approval, these ideas attain the chance of being tested at Japan’s JAXA space station. Still, sudden cuts in the airfare budget have landed the students in a difficult situation, forcing them to find their own airfare sponsors. This wasn’t a one-off case. The same issue unfolded with the previous KIBO project, where despite Thai students winning an award, they had to scramble for their own airfare sponsors.
These young minds, brimming with potential, represent not only themselves but also their nation. They are the flag bearers of science, enhancing the country’s reputation on an international stage and kindling interest in scientific innovation. The requisite funding is not astronomical; it should be within the government’s means. Consequently, a fervent plea has been made to the senior officials of the Ministry of Science, calling upon them to redress this issue earnestly.
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