Bangkok, Thailand – On Thursday, June 6, 2024, the SATREPS Area-BCM (DREAM) Project celebrated the successful conclusion of the 7th Joint Coordinating Committee meeting (7th JCC Meeting). Conducted as a hybrid event, the meeting brought together over 70 participants, including professors, researchers, government agencies, and collaborative entities, both onsite and online from Thailand and Japan. The event, moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Natt Leelawat from the Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, marked a significant milestone with the announcement of the Area-BCM company’s launch, signifying the next phase of the project’s continuation.

The meeting commenced with opening remarks by Prof. Dr. Rungsun Rerknimitr, Assistant to the President for Innovation Affairs at Chulalongkorn University, followed by Mr. Suzuki Kazuya, Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Key presentations included:

• Overview by Prof. Kenji Watanabe,  the Principal Investigator
• Development of Flood Inundation Model for the Industrial Parks by Asst. Prof. Dr. Anurak Sriariyawat and Dr. Miyamoto Mamoru from ICHARM
• Community Research by Assoc. Prof. Ruttiya Bhula-Or, Ph.D.
• Business Impact Analysis by Assoc. Prof. Tartat Mokkhamakkul, Ph.D.
• Area-Business Continuity Management by Assoc. Prof. Natt Leelawat, D.Eng.

After the presentations by the item groups, the announcement of the Area-BCM company launch was made by Assoc. Prof. Natt Leelawat, D.Eng., highlighting the project’s transition to a sustainable business model.

Following a robust Q&A session, the Signing Ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding was held, featuring representatives from Chulalongkorn University, Nagoya Institute of Technology, and JICA.

The afternoon session “The Symposium of Area – BCM”,  moderated by Project Assoc. Prof. Akira Kodaka from Keio University, featured the Area-BCM Symposium, focusing on the potential development of Area-BCM in Thailand. Opening remarks by Ms. Kitagawa Yuki, a JICA representative, were followed by a presentation on “JICA’s Cooperation for Flood Disaster Risk Management in Thailand” by Ms. Hirota Yuko. Ms. Hirota provided a comprehensive overview of JICA’s 70 years of contributions in Thailand, emphasizing the importance of flood disaster risk management.

Prof. Watanabe Kenji, the Principal Investigator, presented the development and successful outcomes of the Area-BCM project in Thailand. This was followed by the company’s establishment presentation by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Natt Leelawat and Mr. Kumpol Saengtabtim. BCM Partners Thailand, formed under Chulalongkorn University’s Engineering Enterprise, aims to continue the work initiated by the Area-BCM project. The company will offer services in research and development, business continuity management training, consulting, and related services.

Dr. Kunruthai Meechang from École nationale supérieure des mines de Saint-Étienne, France, shared her experiences as a researcher in the SATREPS Area-BCM project, expressing gratitude to all who supported the initiative.

Closing remarks were delivered by Prof. Dr. Supot Teachavorasinskun, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Chulalongkorn University. Prof. Dr. Supot expressed sincere gratitude to all contributors and highlighted the project’s impact on various stakeholders. He also expressed his hopes for the continued success of the Area-BCM company.

Participants had the opportunity to experience live demonstrations of tools by NIED and Item3 Members onsite.

Last but not least, we extend our deepest gratitude to all the project staff who made the JCC event a reality. Your unwavering support and hard work have been instrumental in our project’s success. We strongly encourage you to continue your exceptional efforts, and we firmly believe in your bright and successful future. 🙂 

Story: Phongnarin Sukcham
Photo: Kullachart Prathumchai