In September 25-27 2024, Dr. Ronald L. Orale of Samar State University’s (SSU) College of Engineering proudly represented both the Philippines and SSU at the 24th ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF-24) and the ASEAN International Conference on Energy and Environment (AICEE) in Vientiane, Lao PDR. Bringing together visionaries, researchers, and policymakers from across the ASEAN region, the event tackled critical issues in sustainability, energy transition, and digitalization. Dr. Orale’s paper, “Harmonized Low Impact Development (LID)-Based Building and Urban Design Policies for the Philippines,” earned a spot among the 80 accepted submissions from nearly 300 entries—a testament to its relevance and innovation.
The conference was a hub of learning and collaboration, featuring plenary sessions, workshops, and paper presentations on vital topics like renewable energy, low-carbon initiatives, and water management. It also offered a unique opportunity for Dr. Orale to engage with delegates from ASEAN countries, including the Philippines, Laos, and Indonesia, fostering discussions that sparked ideas for future research collaborations and solutions to pressing environmental challenges.
Dr. Orale reflected on the profound impact of the conference, noting how it underscored the power of collaboration in addressing ASEAN’s shared environmental issues. His experience in Laos also provided fresh insights into how cultural and socio-economic contexts influence sustainable development, reinforcing the need for adaptable solutions. As a takeaway, he recommended improvements for future events, such as earlier paper acceptance notifications, enhanced funding support for participants from developing nations, and the integration of cultural immersion into travel schedules to enrich both personal and professional growth. The AICEE proved to be a transformative milestone for Dr. Orale, solidifying his commitment to research-driven policies and fostering international collaboration. He aims to leverage the knowledge and connections gained to advance SSU’s climate resilience and sustainable energy initiatives. With his paper set for publication in a Scopus-indexed journal, Dr. Orale remains steadfast in his mission to connect academic research with practical solutions, driving impactful change for the Philippines and the greater ASEAN region.
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