Young Filipino Scholars Gain Global STEM Exposure at ASEAN Astronomy Camp in Thailand

Young Filipino Scholars Gain Global STEM Exposure at ASEAN Astronomy Camp in Thailand | As the Philippines continues to deepen regional cooperation during the 48th ASEAN Summit, young Filipino scholars are also helping strengthen the country’s presence in science and innovation through international STEM collaboration.

Three students from the Philippine Science High School – Ilocos Region Campus represented the Philippines at the ASEAN Astronomy Camp (AAC) 2026 held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from March 9 to 13. The delegates — Jacob Miguel Flor, K. Leon, and Venice Maye Castañaga — joined fellow youth participants from across Southeast Asia in an intensive program focused on astronomy, scientific learning, and cultural exchange.

Organized annually by the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand, the ASEAN Astronomy Camp gathers students aged 15 to 19 to encourage deeper interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) while fostering regional cooperation among ASEAN youth.

Beyond classroom sessions and astronomy workshops, the camp exposed participants to how scientific collaboration among ASEAN nations can support innovation, education, and long-term regional development.

“For me, the most meaningful lesson was the collaboration among different countries,” Castañaga shared.

“Through collaboration, we learn new ideas and solutions that we can also apply in the Philippines. The experience inspired us to become future leaders, innovators, and scientists who can contribute to the country’s development.”

She added that greater access to international STEM initiatives could help improve scientific literacy and expand opportunities for Filipino youth interested in research and innovation.

During the program, the Filipino delegates also toured some of Thailand’s leading scientific facilities, including the Thai National Observatory, radio telescope stations, and advanced engineering and astronomy laboratories.

For Flor, who has long pursued astronomy and astrophotography, joining the ASEAN Astronomy Camp marked the fulfillment of a personal goal after previously attempting to qualify for the program.

“Seeing how Thailand invests in science and research inspired me even more to pursue a STEM-related career,” he said.

“It motivated me to continue learning how science and technology can help improve our country.”

The students said the international experience also strengthened their communication, teamwork, and cross-cultural collaboration skills — capabilities increasingly important in a more interconnected ASEAN region.

Special Science Teacher V Sharon Palomares, who accompanied the students during the camp, said the experience has already contributed to improving STEM education initiatives at PSHS-IRC. After participating in AAC 2025, Palomares developed a new elective course titled Selected Topics in Physics and Earth Science (STEEP), incorporating lessons and activities inspired by the program.

“I wanted students to experience the activities and applications we learned from the camp, even if they were unable to attend,” she said.

Palomares also emphasized the school’s efforts to make astronomy education more accessible to local communities through public science engagement activities. This year, the school organized astronomy-related programs such as public stargazing activities during the March blood moon and regular moon-viewing sessions for students.

The campus also plans to expand community outreach initiatives through livestreamed astronomy sessions and the use of its planetarium and mobile planetarium facilities.

“We want to bring astronomy closer to more communities and inspire more students to become interested in science,” Palomares said.

The school is also exploring the acquisition of additional telescopes and the expansion of hands-on science learning programs to further improve STEM accessibility for students.

The participation of Filipino students in international STEM initiatives such as the ASEAN Astronomy Camp reflects the country’s continuing commitment to developing globally competitive scientists, innovators, and researchers capable of contributing to both national progress and regional advancement across Southeast Asia.

via PIA | The Philippines Herald