Paramat Sribuaiam is a master’s degree student in the Construction Engineering and Infrastructure Management (CEIM) program at the School of Engineering and Technology (SET), Asian Institute of Technology (AIT). From October 2024 to February 2025, he took part in an exchange program at the School of Engineering, University of Tokyo in Japan.
His focus during the exchange was on Sustainable Procurement within the field of Construction Management, which aligns closely with his academic interests and professional goals. In this blog, Paramat shares his experiences and reflections from his exchange.
When I first arrived at Narita International Airport, I was warmly welcomed by my assigned tutor, Mr. Yutaka Hashimoto, a volunteer student at the University of Tokyo who supports new international students. He guided me through several essential steps, including collecting my room key from the landlord’s office in central Tokyo, obtaining a transportation card for daily commuting, and registering at the local ward office. His support made my transition smooth and stress-free, and I felt truly welcomed by the university.
In my first week, Dr. Takahiro Suzuki, an Assistant Professor at the Construction Management and Infrastructure Systems Laboratory, introduced me to the faculty members. I had the privilege of meeting Professor Masahide Horita, the head of the lab and my academic supervisor. He played a key role in facilitating my data collection by connecting me with various Japanese contractor organizations and offering valuable guidance to shape my research plan on Sustainable Procurement. I also met lab colleagues from Japan and around the world, with whom I shared engaging conversations about our research, cultural experiences, and life in Japan.
During my exchange, my research focused on the barriers and drivers of Sustainable Procurement (SP) in Japan’s private construction industry, including the extent of current practices and perceptions surrounding them. I conducted a literature review and pilot survey with my lab colleagues. I also presented my initial findings at weekly lab seminars, where I received constructive feedback from professors and suggestions from peers on data collection methods in Japan. An important takeaway was recognizing the challenges of collecting quantitative data in non-English-speaking countries. Knowing the local language can greatly ease the process, while the lack of it can become a major hurdle.
In addition to my research, I enrolled in courses such as Project Finance, Global Environmental and Energy Policy, and Economics of Innovation Policy and Management. These courses deepened my understanding of how construction management intersects with environmental policy, especially in advancing sustainable practices. A key takeaway for me was how sustainability starts with proactive initiatives and stakeholder awareness. Policy-driven procurement frameworks play a vital role in shaping SP in the built environment. The courses were enriched by professional adjunct faculty who brought real-world insights and case studies, making learning both practical and engaging. Working with classmates from various backgrounds on group assignments also helped me strengthen my communication and teamwork skills. For instance, in a Project Finance course, we participated in a workshop organized by a global banking firm where we discussed challenges in low-carbon procurement, holistic risk mitigation, and the future of sustainable supply chains.
Outside of class, I took time to explore Tokyo’s vibrant city life. I explored iconic neighborhoods such as Ueno, Shinjuku, Harajuku, Shibuya, and Chiyoda, and even attended local football matches, which gave me a fun glimpse into Japan’s sports culture. These experiences allowed me to better appreciate Japanese life and values beyond the academic setting.
Japan’s efficient public transportation system made it easy to embark on several one-day hikes around Tokyo. One unforgettable trip was to see the Great Buddha of Nihonji in Chiba Prefecture. I took a train to Kanagawa, crossed Tokyo Bay by ferry, and hiked up Mount Nokogiri to reach the Buddha. The view from the cliff—stretching across Tokyo Bay to Mount Fuji—was absolutely breathtaking.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Royal Thai Government, Dr. Rafiul Ahad and Mrs. Frances Kasala Ahad Scholarship, AIT, the University of Tokyo, Professor Masahide Horita, AIT’s School of Engineering and Technology, the Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs, and the International Affairs of the Office of International and Public Affairs for making this exchange opportunity possible.
This exchange has been truly transformative—broadening my academic knowledge, cultural understanding, and personal growth. It has given me new insights into sustainable development and procurement policy in Japan and broadened my perspective on how developed countries approach sustainability. I look forward to applying the knowledge and experiences I gained during this exchange to advance more sustainable practices in construction back home and globally.
