PH hosts int’l science engagement for ASEAN+3 countries’ gifted youth

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The Philippines, through the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Science High School (DOST-PSHS) System, proudly hosts this year’s ASEAN Plus Three Junior Science Odyssey (APT JSO), which opens from July 5 and runs until July 11, 2026 at the Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, Philippines.

The APT JSO is an annual international program for gifted students aged 13–15 from ASEAN Member States, China, Japan, and South Korea. The program develops scientific thinking through hands-on learning, cross-cultural collaboration, and real-world problem-solving experiences in science, technology, and sustainability.

For its 11th edition, this year’s regional gathering carries the critical theme "Climate Action and Responsible e-nnovation for Sustainability (ASEAN+3 CAReS)”, highlighting the role of young people, educators, and scientific communities in addressing climate change and building resilient, sustainable societies.

Partnership for shared solutions

With the DOST-PSHS System at the helm, this year’s event aims to strengthen regional cooperation in science and provide a platform for young innovators to address shared challenges.

Welcoming the international delegates, Dr. Ronnalee N. Orteza, executive director of the PSHS System, emphasized that because challenges such as climate change and food security transcend national borders, "the solutions must also be shared."

"The future will not be shaped simply by the smartest people; it will be shaped by those who choose to work together," Dir. Orteza said.

Dr. Soo-Young Lee, program director of the ASEAN+3 Center for the Gifted in Science (ACGS), echoed this focus on partnership, highlighting the event's purpose beyond academics.

"APT JSO is... a journey of discovery, a journey of collaboration, and a journey of friendship," Dr. Lee remarked. Encouraging the participants to embrace the experience, she added, "Be curious, share your ideas, learn from one another, and enjoy every moment of this journey."

Dony Cahyono, science and technology officer at the ASEAN Secretariat, also said that the ASEAN+3 Junior Science Odyssey serves as a highly effective platform for students to engage in cross-cultural knowledge sharing and learn directly from leading experts, gathering innovative ideas that they can eventually integrate into their own local communities.

"I think this is a kind of very good platform for students to learn, to exchange their knowledge as well as bringing home the knowledge so they can inspire other people on how to solve such disaster issues in the future," he said, highlighting the long-term impact of this knowledge exchange.

By participating in the event, delegates gain practical insights into climate change and natural disasters, specifically learning from the unique disaster-response experiences of the host country, the Philippines.

(From left to right) Pictured are Philippine Science High School (PSHS) System Executive Director Ronnalee Orteza, ASEAN+3 Center for the Gifted in Science (ACGS) Program Director Soo-Young Lee, DOST Undersecretary for Scientific and Technical Services Maridon Sahagun, and ASEAN Secretariat Representative Dony Cahyono. Together, their presence highlights the strong collaboration between host and partner organizations to empower young scientific minds toward climate action and responsible innovation for a sustainable future. (Photo courtesy of DOST-PSHS System)

Values-driven innovation

With young people making up approximately 30 percent of the ASEAN population, regional leaders underscored the strategic importance of empowering the next generation to lead green transitions and technological advancements. H.E. Satvinder Singh, deputy secretary-general of ASEAN for the ASEAN Economic Community, urged students to be curious, collaborative, and deeply responsible in their future endeavors.

"The future will not belong merely to those who consume technology," H.E. Singh declared. "It will basically belong to those people who will be able to create, who will be able to shape it, who will be able to use all of this innovation in a very responsible way to address society's greatest challenges."

For her part, DOST Undersecretary for Scientific and Technical Services Maridon O. Sahagun connected the event's theme to the pressing realities of natural disasters, noting that resilience requires both technological investment and deep ethical consideration.

"Technology alone is never enough; innovation without responsibility can widen inequalities," Usec. Sahagun stated. Issuing a powerful call to action for the young scientists, she added, "The future of ASEAN will not be determined by the technologies we as a region invent. It will be determined by the values that guide these inventions."

She introduced the Philippine-inspired guiding principles for the week: Katuklas (co-discoverers advancing knowledge and innovative solutions), Kaugnay (collaborators strengthening connections across cultures and borders), and Kaisa (co-advocates championing climate action and responsible innovation).

These principles reflect the program's commitment to discovery, collaboration, and collective action for a science-driven and resilient future.

By hosting APT JSO-11, the Philippines showcases its commitment to nurturing scientific talent and promoting regional cooperation in STEM education.

Week-long odyssey

During the 11th ASEAN+3 Junior Science Odyssey, student delegates will immerse themselves in a variety of academic and hands-on scientific activities.

They will attend expert lectures and participate in laboratory assessments on critical environmental topics including geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, climate resilience, disaster science, and blue carbon ecosystems.

The students will also conduct practical field studies, which include exploring nearby forest ecosystems and learning from the disaster-response lessons of Mount Pinatubo.

Furthermore, they will apply their scientific knowledge to real-world scenarios by analyzing satellite data and estimating carbon footprints under the guidance of distinguished scientists and experts.

Beyond traditional academics, the Odyssey strongly emphasizes cross-cultural collaboration and project development. Delegates will engage in group dynamics, team-building exercises, and focus group discussions to foster regional friendships and intercultural understanding.

They will network with leading experts during the "Meet the Scientists: Advocacy and Works" panel discussions and celebrate regional diversity through a Cultural Exchange and Food Festival as well as an APT JSO Film Festival.

The week-long event will culminate in collaborative project development and final pitching sessions, where international teams of young scientists will present their innovative, science-based solutions for climate action and sustainability.

About 11th ASEAN+3 Junior Science Odyssey

The 11th ASEAN+3 Junior Science Odyssey is co-hosted by the ASEAN Secretariat, the ASEAN+3 Center for the Gifted in Science (ACGS), and the Philippines' Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Science High School System (DOST-PSHS System).

To provide a comprehensive and immersive scientific experience for the delegates, the event is organized in collaboration with prominent national agencies and institutes, including the PSHS Foundation Inc., DOST-PAGASA, DOST-PHIVOLCS, DOST-STII, the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), and the University of the Philippines Institute of Biology (UP-IB).

Various academic and regional partners, such as Central Luzon State University, UP Los Baños, Adamson University, Clark Development Corporation, and the DOST-National Academy of Science and Technology further provide support and collaboration.

The Philippine Science High School is one of the attached agencies of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aimed at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions and Opportunities for All. For more information, visit www.pshs.edu.ph or www.dost.gov.ph. (By Rosemarie S. Pelaez, DOST-STII)