SPEAKERS
International Conference on Applied Science and Vocational Innovation (ICASVI) 2024
Speakers
Assoc. Prof. Qiaoling Huang
Qiaoling Huang is an associate professor in the major of Soft Material and Functional Material Department of Physics, Xiamen University. Her research areas include biomaterials surface science, biophysics, machine learning, cell adhesion, and protein adsorption. She will discuss “From Labs to Landfills: A Deep Dive into Biomaterial Research and Higher Education’s Contribution to Environmental Responsibility”. Biomaterials often have lower environmental footprints compared to traditional materials. Many biomaterials are biodegradable, reducing the burden on landfills and decreasing the overall environmental impact associated with waste disposal. Biomaterials are often derived from renewable resources such as plants, bacteria, or fungi. Utilizing these resources helps in reducing dependency on finite and non-renewable resources, contributing to long-term environmental sustainability. Biomaterials have the potential to be part of closed-loop systems, where the end-of-life products can be recycled or composted. This reduces the amount of waste generated and promotes a circular economy, aligning with principles of sustainability.
Wikan Sakarinto, Ph.D
Wikan Sakarinto, Ph.D served as Director General of Vocational Education, Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia until 2022. He also served as Dean of the Vocational School, Gadjah Mada University for the 2016-2020 period. Currently, he is the director of Gistrav Polytechnic, Indonesia. He will discuss “Revolutionizing Vocational Education: A Strategic Pathway to Achieve a Sustainable Future”. Vocational education should foster innovation and support industry needs by producing a skilled workforce. The goal aligns with SDG 9 focuses on building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation, all of which are facilitated by a well-trained workforce with vocational skills. Moreover, in a rapidly evolving job market, vocational education ensures that individuals are equipped with adaptable and practical skills. This adaptability is essential for addressing the challenges posed by technological advancements, globalization, and other dynamic factors impacting the workforce.
Prof. Thomas Köhler
Prof. Dr. Thomas Köhler is a Professor and Director of the Center for Open Digital Innovation and Participation (CODIP) at Technische Universität Dresden, Germany. He will discuss “Harnessing Educational Technology for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in TVET”. Technological innovation in education has the capacity to significantly impact Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in order to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Teachers may improve learning outcomes, encourage creativity, and provide people with the tools they need to make meaningful contributions to sustainable development initiatives by incorporating technology into TVET programmes. The use of novel tools and platforms provided by educational technology, like virtual reality simulations and online learning platforms, can help TVET execute the SDGs. Additionally, it promotes inclusivity and accessibility, enabling people from various backgrounds to take part in training and educational initiatives that support the SDGs. Furthermore, data gathering and analytics to assess the effect of TVET programmes on SDGs are made possible by educational technology.
Dr. Peter Furth
Dr. Peter Furth is a Professor of Civil Engineering at Northeastern University. He is a leading researcher on bicycle network analysis, having invented the “Level of Traffic Stress” criteria and methods for evaluating low-stress bike accessibility. He continues to develop new frontiers in bike network analysis. He will discuss “Sustainable Mobility: Bike Lane Network Design using Geographic Information System (GIS) Technology”. A well-designed bike lane network encourages the use of sustainable transportation, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and aligning with SDG 7’s goal of ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. Thoughtful bike lane planning with GIS considers equitable access to transportation, reducing inequalities by providing an affordable and environmentally friendly mode of commuting for all segments of the population. GIS technology is widely used in environmental science and sustainability planning. By incorporating GIS into vocational education, students gain awareness of environmental issues and learn how to apply technology to address challenges related to climate change, resource management, and conservation.
