Prof. Dr. Surin Khomfoi, Vice President of NXPO, took part in the 2025 APEC Youth STEM Conference, held from 6–9 August 2025 at the Korea Science Academy of KAIST (KSA) in Busan, Korea. The conference aimed to strengthen the capacity of youth across the Asia-Pacific region to address climate change through STEM-based solutions.
Under the theme “Youth-led STEM Solution: Strengthening Climate Resilience for Prosperous and Connected APEC,” the event brought together youth delegates from APEC economies, including Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Indonesia, South Korea, Peru, the Philippines, and Thailand. It served as a platform for young people to showcase their talents, exchange knowledge, and foster collaboration with researchers, scientists, and experts on climate resilience.
Highlights included lectures from renowned experts such as Prof. Dr. Axel Timmermann, Director of the Institute for Basic Science (IBS); Dr. Finarya Legoh (Indonesia); Dr. Hyun-Ju Park (Korea); and Asst. Prof. Dr. Siranee Nuchitprasitchai from King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB). Other activities featured youth research presentations, networking and team-building sessions, and field visits to leading Korean research institutions.
In the STEM Research Competition, the Award for Future STEM Leader was presented to Team Grovengers—youth from Peru and Brunei—whose innovative project used the Internet of Things (IoT) to analyze and expand mangrove reforestation areas.
Professor Dr. Surin also joined a panel of experts to discuss strategies for closing the education gap, ensuring equitable access to STEM education for students and youth—especially those from underserved communities. He stressed that empowering all learners with STEM skills is vital to building a stronger, more sustainable future for the nation and the world.
