By School of Engineering and Technology
18 September 2023 – A total of 33 participants, including students from various academic programs, faculty, and staff members at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), participated in the Global Project Based Learning (gPBL) Program organized by the Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT) in Tokyo, Japan, from September 8 to 17, 2023. The participating students represented programs such as Construction, Engineering, and Infrastructure Management (CEIM), Transportation Engineering (TRE), Water Engineering and Management (WEM), Structural Engineering (STE), and Disaster Preparedness Mitigation and Management (DPMM). The gPBL initiative fostered a multicultural environment, uniting students from diverse backgrounds into teams to address challenges set forth by professors and industry experts in Japan.
The program’s central theme for the year was “Developing disaster prevention and mitigation technology to safeguard the geosphere from natural disasters and advancing social infrastructure technologies to fulfill Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).” Collaboratively, the groups drew from their experiences within their respective countries and institutions to formulate mitigation strategies and solutions that not only furthered SDGs but also lessened the impact of these disasters on human communities. This unique and fruitful opportunity allowed students from partner institutes to work together on contemporary issues and mutually enrich each other’s knowledge.
Furthermore, the students had the privilege of exploring cutting-edge research and innovative developments. They embarked on a field trip to the Tokyo Bay Area, encompassing Toyosu, Odaiba, and the new fish market. This area offered a captivating blend of tradition and innovation. From the bustling seafood business at Toyosu to the futuristic delights of Odaiba and the modernity of the new fish market, this site visit provided a glimpse into Tokyo’s multifaceted character. Exploring these regions was not merely a spatial journey but also a journey through time, showcasing Tokyo’s rich history and its ever-evolving present.
