Enhancing Education and Popularization of Astronomy in the Philippines
Cynthia P. Celebre, Chief, Research and Development and Training Division, Philippine
Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration
Astronomy in the Philippines started in 1897 and lasted for 300 years. It was a private
institution then. In 1901 it became a government agency. A new observatory was
constructed inside the campus of the University of Philippines. 1977 a planetarium was built
and 1993 revitalized activities in Astronomy. There are 10 professional level employees and
7 sub-professional level personnel. Astronomical observatory 45cm telescope with
spectrograph was built as well as 25.4 18, 15cm telescopes. We accommodate over 100
million customers for visit each year. Observation of sunspots lunar occultation, transits of
mercury and other astronomical phenomena are observed. We promote astronomy through
lectures, programs, seminars and collaborate with other agencies or institutions on Astronomy.
We recently had the celebration of the centennial of astronomy. We have Astros Olympiad
for middle- and high school students. Observance of astronomical phenomena is possible
due to these telescopes. The Media is the best partner in promoting astronomy. This is a
popular subject in high-school level. University offered RTU degrees in 2005~2006. Rizal
Technological University offers programs in astronomy.
In PAGASA, international courses and cooperation as well as degree in M. Sc is offered.
The MOU between KASI and PAGASA established ties of friendship and cooperation in
astronomy and space science. It also encourages and support highly qualified young
Filipino researchers and education resources. In addition, promote academic collaboration
and public outreach programs. It also supports technical assistance in astronomy and space
science. The Filipinos can hope for a better and brighter future for astronomy and space
science in the Philippines.
With the help of the Korean government we can further innovation and research in this area.
HRD in Metrology for National Competitiveness
Aurora Kimura, Chief, National Metrology Laboratory of the Philippines, Industrial
Technology Development Institute
Human Resource Development in metrology. Metrology is science in measurements.
Each country has a metrology institute in its country. In order to appreciate the importance
of measurements we have to look at the existing infrastructures. The department of science
and technology is under the government. In the Philippines, like other countries, most often
called departments and we try to boost competitiveness of local business. Institute provides
budget for national metrology equipment facilities. We have 9 laboratories and each is
managed by section heads. Functions by law includes, provide internationally traceable
measurement standards in the country in electricity, etc. we provide chase-ability. Other
functions include metrology, standardization, testing quality management systems,
maintenance of service quality.
Without QI, neither development nor competitiveness is possible. QI is part of the whole
infrastructures of the country and the same level of importance as roads and highways, etc. so
then one of the priority agenda of the government is Philippine development plan. With
globalization, precise measurements are becoming increasingly important. Parts are made
in different parts of the world and brought together to fit together so measurement accuracy is
very important to satisfy the customer satisfaction.
X-rays, measures of radiation, food safety requires vital importance of measures for public
health alcohol meters, petroleum measures things like these are an example of measurement.
I just to emphasize the importance of measurements and we use them everyday knowingly or
unknowingly. We have a program which aims to promote technical study, equipment
donation, technical advice and consultation of the NML. Technical study at KRISS tries to
enhance study in measurement and there are 6 measurement fields such as mass, thermometry,
photometry, force, density, and flow further there are pressure, length and humidity. Under
equipment donation there are 7 laboratories and 10 equipment. For technical advice at the
NML, we have 9 KRISS experts and 7 fields.
The impact of ODA activities has been very significant for us. It strengthened metrological
competence. It provided traceability, new calibration services, sustained services and
training activities for industry, callabs, and instrument users. It also motivated staff and
brought new corporate image. Among others it brought tremendous customer satisfaction.
Current Status of Engineering Education in Myanmar
Aung Kyaw Myat, Director General, Department of Advanced Science and Technology,
Ministry of Science and Technology
The Republic of the Myanmar is making progress in its democratic path. On this process
we are faced with challenges as well as opportunities. Leaving behind a system of
authoritarian government, we have been able to put democratic government and a strong
viable parliament following a practice of check and balance. Since engineering education is
a very professional universities and institutions under the ministry of science and technology
became very important to incubate centers which nurture engineers, scientists, technicians,
and skilled apprentices. Today, we are in need of highly qualified engineers and
professionals and ministry is making emphasis on development of human resources in
science and technology, which is important in building a developed nation. MOST has a HRD
program that is very elaborate and also it has research development area.
The projects implemented include: degree programs of Masters and Ph.D. from 1996 to 2006
a 5th batch of special engineers was produce through training courses. The teach staff must
hold at least Masters Degree and recruitment occurs after passing their respective course and
there is a qualification examinations. Their first appointment will be in the city or remote
areas, which they can gain 2~3 year experience. They also have to fulfill all the
requirements for government servants, attending refresher courses. There courses are
conducted by the Ministry. Reforms have been implemented making efforts with accelerated
momentum to achieve advancement in Science and engineering of the country. It is
important to enhance the decentralization of University administration and promote the status
of autonomy. Also strengthening industry-institution linkages, obtaining full cooperation is
important.
The requirements for admission in Center of Excellence include students who passed
matriculation examination with minimum score 45- marks are in march 2012 eligible to apply
for the enrollments for 500 students of Center of Excellence. 250 students will be accepted
by YTU and 250 students will be accepted by MTU. Those students who passed their
matriculation from lower Myanmar exam centers will be assigned to Center of Excellence in
Yangon while those who passed their matriculation from upper Myanmar exam centers will
be assigned to Center of Excellence in Mandalay.
The Ministry of Science and Technology will try its best to implement the new plan and
program for upgrading the status of engineering and computer educational system. Not only
HRD program, the ministry is responsible to conduct other research projects which are timely
needed for the uplifting of the nation’s economy. Therefore, it is important for the ministry
to communicate with all research departments in order to successfully launch programs both
internally as well as externally.
Fostering Science and Technology Human Resource in Vietnam to Support the
Achievement of the Goal of Basically a Modern-oriented Industrialized Nation by 2020
Phan Ngoc Mai Phuong, Vice President, Development Strategy Institute, Ministry of
Planning and Investment
Vietnam’s economy is becoming industrialized gradually however; we still have low
technology level. The Development Goal by 2020 includes a modern-oriented
industrialized nation by 2020. This means ensure macro economic stability; shape a modern
and efficient structure of industry, agriculture and service. Industry and services sectors pull
about 85% of GDP. The role of S&T in the Development Goal by 2020 is a key driving
force for rapid and sustainable development as well as modern-oriented industrialization.
Hence, this means rapid development in human resources, high quality HR, in particular.
We have to focus on fundamental and comprehensive renovation of the national education,
and close combination of HR and scientific and technological development and application.
Overall and specific goal & objectives stated in the Socio-economic development strategy
2011-2020, basically become a modern-oriented industrialized nation by 2020. Major goals
include: higher GDP growth rate, macro economic stability, higher hi-tech product values,
manufactured products, share of agricultural labor in total labor force, urbanization, and
higher share of trained workforce in total workforce 70% with those with evectional training
accounting for 55% of the total workforce.
S&T HR in Vietnam is lacking hence there are future needs and they include; continuously
increase the number of S&T personnel, increasing and relatively good quality of S&T
personnel, increase younger average age of S&T personnel proportion of people under 45
years of age, and a majority of S&T personnel are found in sub-sectors where Vietnam has a
comparative advantage.
The weakness are as follows: too small in quantity, limited research and inventive capability,
shortage of leading experts in key sectors such as mechanical engineering electronics,
telecommunication, IT bio-technology, material technology and atomic power, especially
chief engineers in charge and also, failure to keep up with actual market demand, and limited
international cooperation and networking.
The future needs include: sufficient quantity and much higher quality, in particular,
availability of a much stronger and large enough pool of leading experts in key sectors as
well as sub-sectors of the economy. We need much higher productivity, and ability to meet
market demand to cooperate and compete with foreign experts, and wider and more effective
international cooperation and net working.
Possible solution to foster S&T HR in Vietnam is regard education and S&T as the top
national strategy with specific and realistic policies. Reform and raise the awareness of the
importance of S&T HRD for the sustainable development and modern-oriented
industrialization of the country. Also, substantially improve education and training of S&T
up to international standard, establish the national S&T HRD assessment system as well as
monitoring and evaluation system, better or more proper remuneration for S&T HRD and
finally, reform state management in S&T HRD.
Q&A
1. In specific, explain policies that can achieve these goals.
For universities, we try to provide more numeration and we try to promote patriotism. The
government is trying to set up a new system to bring Vietnamese living overseas with skills to
come back to Vietnam. Also, create many S&T programs in Vietnam.
2. On the chart of comparison of GDP, only difference between Vietnam and other
countries is time. In 5~6 years Vietnam will catch up with those countries that are
ahead. Just a suggestion, next time, do not compare Vietnam with big countries like
the U.S. Japan, etc.
3. Are all universities controlled my ministries in Vietnam through budget?
We have state and private universities. Private universities are supported by private
sector in terms of finance. The government is trying to mobilize universities in
education. But, the ministry ensures the level and quality of education is up to a
certain level.
4. I just want to add the presenter’s notes. There are 2 types of professionals, one
Vietnamese scientists living abroad and Vietnamese students studying abroad and
they do not want to come back to Vietnam. We are trying to attract these intelligent
HR back to Vietnam by creating an environment in Vietnam also infrastructures so
that they will come back to their country and boost Vietnam’s S&T. nowadays, we are
trying to implement policies to attract Vietnamese scientists to come back to the
country. Who control universities in Vietnam? It is very complicated. We have a
Ministry that controls all the university in Vietnam, in particular for S&T activities,
such as the Ministry of Finance as well as the Ministry of Planning and Investment.