SEARCA Scholars and Alumni Conference 2024.
The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) is collaborating with the Postgraduate Micro-Credentials in Food Security and Climate Change (PMCFSCC) Project and the Regional SEARCA Alumni Association (RSAA) to organize the conference titled "Innovation Meets Education: Building Pathways for Food Security and Resilience to Climate Change." This event will showcase the research achievements of 13 selected SEARCA scholars and alumni for the Academic Year 2024–2025. The conference is set to take place from 10–12 February 2025, at the Amari Hotel in Pattaya, Chonburi Province, Thailand and held back-to-back with the ERASMUS+-funded project PMC FSCC's International Conference on Micro-credentials and Research for Food Security and Climate Change.
The SEARCA Scholars and Alumni Conference aims to promote discussions and collaborations among scholars, alumni, and partners. With a strong focus on education as a catalyst for transformation, this year's conference will highlight research findings, best practices, and innovative policies designed to empower communities in addressing climate challenges and building resilient, sustainable food systems. The conference will feature three thematic sessions: Agriculture and Food Security, Climate Change and Ecosystem Management, and Innovative Technologies and Sustainable Practices.
SEARCA has invited notable speakers, including Dr. Delfin J. Ganapin, Jr., an Outstanding SEARCA Scholarship Alumnus and Former Global Manager of the UN Global Environment Facility Small Grants Program, who will deliver the keynote address. He will be joined by Dr. Asdi Agustar, President of the RSAA and Professor at Universitas Andalas, Indonesia, who will give the opening remarks, and Dr. Weerapon Thongma, Vice President of the RSAA and President of Maejo University, Thailand, who will deliver the closing remarks.
SEARCA has previously organized conferences for its scholars, including the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) of Canada - SEARCA joint scholarship conference in 2013. The Center, through its Education and Collective Learning Department (ECLD), revived the event in 2023 as an annual gathering for stakeholders of its graduate study program.
In addition to the conference, SEARCA will host SEARCAMustahan, a special check-in event for scholars and alumni, along with a teambuilding activity designed to foster camaraderie and strengthen the SEARCA community. These activities reflect the Center's commitment to promoting a supportive and collaborative environment for its scholars and alumni.