IATSS Forum

My name is Kimhieng Sim, a Phnom Penh City girl. Going to Japan is still like a dream to me. The first foreign country I have heard in my life is JAPAN when I was given a small package of toys sent all the way from Japan when I was just about 8 years old and I could only wish to see Japan sometime. Now it is not a dream anymore; it’s REAL. I feel so honor to be selected one among the 4 participants from Cambodia. The time is closely approaching; I am so excited to meet all participants and professors to share what I have experienced and a long with that I can also absorb knowledge from professors and the team to build my personal capacity to continue my battle mission of serving my community people more effective when I return. I am very keen to learn all the contents from the first day to the close ceremony of the forum. Japan, see you soon!!

My lesson learnt in Japan What a great opportunity to learn about Japan and other ASEAN countries through IATSS Forum for 55 days. Duration is short but thousands of lessons I have learned especially through the real practical daily living of Japanese people. There are three different areas I have learned from the forum to understand more about the sustainable community design. Firstly I learnt about sustainable community design in a province which dealing with agriculture, community people unity, unique cultural preservation, and collaboration among all sectors for instance government, community people, organization and private sectors. Second is sustainable community design in urban area - air pollution and road accident are the most common and can't be ignored. What I couldn't forget about this experience is about the law suits; I really impressed patients, lawyers and government of Japan, they can work together for a justice solution and compensate to the patient without threatening any party. Thirdly I learn about general seminars such as politic, education and disaster mitigation. These seem more about government responsibility; however citizen is a drop of water in the ocean, without this drop of water the ocean can't be completed. Everyone has a duty to help build a strong and righteous government and continue training to the next generation. Last but not least what I impressed about Japan besides cleanness is the spirit of volunteering. They have joy to serve others especially elder people, they love investing with the next generation. I can say they CHOOSE to volunteer and serve rather than touring around the world to enjoy the last stage of their life !!!