The U.S. Department of State hosted the second annual Symposium on Accelerating Science, Technology, and Circular Innovation in Southeast Asia: Smart Cities Innovation, Biotechnology, and Circularity in Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) on July 17-19. The U.S.-ASEAN Smart Cities Partnership (USASCP), Arizona State University (ASU)-implemented U.S-ASEAN Science, Technology, Innovation and Cooperation Program (STIC), and Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) jointly developed this event, which underscored the importance of education and training, circular economy and innovation, and climate resilience to the region. The event convened public, academic, and private sector actors across multiple disciplines.
Throughout the Symposium, discussions highlighted programs across multiple sectors, including Water Smart Engagements (WiSE), which pairs water utilities from U.S. and Southeast Asian cities to improve water security in ASEAN cities through sustainable water management solutions. The Symposium showcased WiSE partnerships in the Mekong sub-region, demonstrating the outcomes of the city partnerships and success in the program's final year. These partnerships exemplify U.S. cooperation on water and natural resources management under the Mekong-U.S. Partnership (MUSP). USASCP also announced its intent to launch the Smart Cities Business Innovation Fund 2.0, capitalized at $3 million, to catalyze net zero urban innovation and sustainable business practices.
ASU hosted the U.S.-ASEAN STIC business venture pitch competition and research project presentations, which culminated in the disbursement of $100,000 in awards supporting proposals that advance technology innovations across ASEAN member states. Several research proposals spotlighted biotechnology, reflecting its crucial role in advancing scientific knowledge and addressing contemporary challenges in the ASEAN region.
The Circular Entrepreneurship program, a flagship initiative of RIT, expanded its training partnerships across the entire ASEAN region and presented its material flow analysis research as well as its ongoing work to better understand the role of the informal sector in the ASEAN e-waste life cycle. This integrated event with public and private sector partners demonstrated the U.S. commitment to advancing science, innovation, and resiliency across ASEAN.
