Suzhou, China, 24 October, 2024 — The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) has strengthened its partnership with the Digital Belt and Road (DBAR) Program through strategic engagements at the 8th DBAR Conference in Suzhou, China. Held from October 23–24, 2024, under the theme “Digital Routes towards Global Sustainability,” the DBAR Conference brought together scientists, engineers, and policymakers from around the world to advance sustainable development through digital innovations. AIT’s participation underscored its commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through data-driven solutions and regional collaboration in ASEAN.
Parallel Session on Big Earth Data and SDGs in ASEAN
In collaboration with the International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals (CBAS), AIT co-organized a parallel session titled Data and SDG Achievement Using Big Earth Data in ASEAN. Co-chaired by Dr. Wenchao Xue, Associate Professor and Program Chair for Environmental Engineering Management (EEM) and Director of the Belt and Road Research Center (BRRC) at AIT, the session provided a platform to discuss practical applications of Big Earth Data in sustainable development across ASEAN. Dr. Ekbordin Winiikul, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering (WREE), delivered an invited talk on Hourly Fine Particulate Matter Concentration over Thailand Using Aerosol Optical Depth.
MoU for Future Collaborations
AIT and DBAR further formalized their commitment to regional sustainable development with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This partnership aims to leverage Big Earth Data to advance SDG achievements in China and ASEAN countries, emphasizing collaborative research, data sharing, and the development of digital tools to address the unique environmental and socio-economic challenges of ASEAN, supporting science-based policymaking.
Establishment of the DBAR Task Force on China-ASEAN Regional Innovation for Big Earth Data
A notable outcome of the conference was the establishment of the DBAR Task Force on China-ASEAN Regional Innovation for Big Earth Data. Co-founded by Dr. Wenchao Xue from AIT, Dr. Xiaoping Lu, and Dr. Guoqiang Jia from CBAS, this task force will foster innovation in data science and technology within the ASEAN context. The initiative aims to support collaborative research, capacity building, and infrastructure development across ASEAN member states, applying Big Earth Data to address regional challenges and accelerate progress toward the SDGs.
Led by BRRC, AIT’s active engagement at the DBAR Conference 2024 reflects its dedication to using digital technology for sustainable development, especially through Big Earth Data to support evidence-based decision-making in ASEAN. Through its partnership with DBAR, AIT continues to play a central role in regional cooperation, driving digital innovation for a more sustainable and resilient future.
