INNOTECH Leads T.I.P. on Benchmarking Mission in Japan

SEAMEO INNOTECH designed and facilitated the recently concluded Benchmarking Mission in Japan for 30 education leaders from the Technological Institute of the Philippines (T.I.P.), a premier institution for engineering, computing, and allied disciplines. This benchmarking trip aimed to equip T.I.P.’s leadership and faculty with insights into the latest trends and practices in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Innovation, Research, and Technopreneurship. 

The mission included visits to the University of Tokyo’s Institute for AI and Beyond, Cross Lab for Biofuels Energy Policy and AI at Tokyo Tech, the Asia and Pacific Research Center (APRC) at the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), and the University of Tsukuba’s Center for Research on International Cooperation in Educational Development (CRICED), Cybernics Research Center, Artificial Intelligence Science Center, and Center for Artificial Intelligence Research (C-AIR). The delegates also paid a courtesy visit to the Philippine Embassy in Japan.  

Visits to Universities and Research Labs 

The mission began with a tour of the University of Tokyo‘s esteemed Hongo Campus. Afterwards, the delegates visited the Institute for AI and Beyond, where Director Masami Hagiya discussed the “Beyond AI Joint Project,” a collaborative effort promoting the application of AI to address various social and industrial issues.   

Director Masami Hagiya discussed the “Beyond AI Joint Project,” a collaborative effort promoting the application of AI to address various social and industrial issues.

From UTokyo, the delegates traveled to the Tokyo Institute of Technology. Dr. Jeffrey Cross himself welcomed the delegates to his Cross Laboratory and showcased the initiatives of the lab’s researchers. In his lecture, he proudly highlighted Tokyo Tech’s 143 years of technical innovation, guided by the Japanese principle of “monozukuri” or the “making of things”. The visit was further enriched by Filipina professor and researcher Dr. May Kristine Carlon’s sharing of her past and current research studies such as the Personalized Online Adaptive Learning System and the Metacognitive Tutor. Tokyo Tech students Sitchai Rattanakarm and Yuka Matsuno also shared their EdTech research. After the discussions, the delegates were treated to a tour of the Tokyo Institute of Technology Library and Museum.  

Fostering International Linkages 

The second day focused on fostering international linkages and potential partnerships. The delegates visited the Asia Pacific Research Center (APRC) of the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST). They were warmly welcomed by Deputy Director General Mr. Shinichi Kuroki. Experts, researchers, and officials from APRC/JST facilitated fruitful learning sessions. Ms. Seiko Nagao, Chief of the Department of International Affairs introduced JST’s international collaborative programs and emphasized that “collaborations between Japanese and ASEAN’s top researchers and students will create new scientific knowledge and social value”.  

INNOTECH together with delegates from T.I.P. in their visit to the Japan Science and Technology Agency.

Ms. Yuka Nishimura, Chief and Mr. Matthew Drum, Specialist, gave an overview of the Science Japan portal site. Mr. Sho Ozaki, Fellow from the Center for Research and Development Strategy gave a lecture on research and development systems and trends in AI. Lastly, Dr. Suguru Ishiguro, Manager of the Sakura Science Program Headquarters discussed their young talents exchange programs. The visit to APRC/JST was made possible through the efforts of Mr. Yuuichi Nakagami of the Planning and Management Office.  

Following the APRC/JST visit, the delegates sought to strengthen their internalization efforts by paying a courtesy call on Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General Charmaine A. Serna-Chua. They also met with Economic Section Minister and Consul Christian L. De Jesus and First Secretary and Consul Fatima G. Quintin at the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo. The Embassy highlighted its commitment to fostering global partnerships and facilitating valuable linkages between Filipino and Japanese educational institutions.  

All About AI at the University of Tsukuba 

On the last day of the benchmarking mission, the delegates were compelled to “Imagine the Future” at the University of Tsukuba. Dr. Nakao Nomura, Regional Director for Southeast Asia and Taiwan, introduced the university, and Dr. Masami Isoda, Director of CRICED, introduced the AI and Computational Thinking Training Guidebook. The delegates also had a courtesy call on Dr. Jun Ikeda, Vice President for Global Affairs of the University of Tsukuba. 

INNOTECH together with delegates from T.I.P. in their visit to the University of Tsukuba.

The delegates delved deeper into AI research by visiting the Center for Cybernics Research. Dr. Kenji Suzuki, the Center’s Vice Director and Dean of the Institute of Systems and Information Engineering, presented the various real-life applications of research and emphasized the importance of human intentions and ensuring interdisciplinary collaboration in driving innovations.  

INNOTECH together with delegates from T.I.P. in their visit to the the Cybernetics Research Center.

At the Center for Artificial Intelligence (C-AIR), Dr. Tetsuya Sakurai, Director, and Dr. Anna Bogdanova, Assistant Professor led the discussions on emerging trends and technologies. One of these is Society 5.0, a Japanese concept that represents societal transformation for an inclusive, innovative, and technologically advanced world.  

From Takeaways to Taking Action 

INNOTECH’s intensive benchmarking program equipped T.I.P.’s deans, program chairs and assistant chairs, faculty, and other educational leaders with invaluable insights into international standards and best practices in AI, research, and innovation. The mission also provided the opportunity to explore potential collaborations and partnerships with Japanese institutions. 

To leverage these learnings, INNOTECH concluded the benchmarking session with a Sensemaking and Action Planning Workshop. The workshop used Open Space Technology to guide TIP on transforming their learnings into actionable steps for innovation. The participants focused on developing concrete action plans, outlining specific strategies, setting clear timelines, and taking ownership of their proposed initiatives. The T.I.P. education leaders achieved a renewed sense of inspiration and commitment to continuously innovate their programs, policies, and practices, collaborate across different programs, and strengthen research and internationalization efforts.  

Through collaborative action planning facilitated by INNOTECH, T.I.P. can ensure a lasting impact from this successful benchmarking trip, solidifying its position as a leader in technological education in the Philippines.