Sherab Lhamo
The Japan Alumni Association of Bhutan (JAAB) is hosting an international seminar from November 20–23, 2024, to explore how technological advancements can improve national well-being. The seminar, themed Innovation in Technology for National Well-being: Lessons Learned from Japan, brings together key stakeholders from South Asia to discuss innovative solutions contributing to societal welfare.
Pema Gyalpo (PhD), general secretary of JAAB, highlighted Japan’s reputation for technological advancements and its focus on societal welfare. He noted that by sharing experiences and knowledge, the seminar aims to inspire innovation and development in the region.
Participants shared lessons from their experiences in Japan. Tashi Pemo, assistant engineer with the Department of Biomedical Engineering, explained that all medical equipment in the country is maintained and managed by her department. Drawing from Japan experience, she emphasised two priority areas requiring immediate attention.
The first is the establishment of a centralised medical equipment centre to optimise equipment usage.
“This is one of the most prioritised ideas in our department, and we are in the process of setting it up,” she said.
The second is the calibration of ultrasound equipment.
District radiographers often struggle to interpret ultrasound images due to poor visibility caused by frequency mismatches, leading to misdiagnoses.
Proper calibration of ultrasound transducers, designed to operate at specific frequencies, could improve image quality and reduce errors, ensuring accurate diagnosis at all levels.
Shain Haleem, a JAAB member from the Maldives, discussed unique challenges in his country due to its geography.
Many Maldivian islands rely on groundwater, which is vulnerable to pollution from improper sanitation practices. Misuse of septic tanks, often poorly constructed or absent, leads to wastewater leakage and groundwater contamination. Grey water is frequently discharged directly into the ground, worsening the problem.
Haleem drew inspiration from Okinawa’s water management system, which combines water from dams, rivers, groundwater, and desalination plants, purified through four treatment facilities to supply 22 municipalities.
“Okinawa has built resilience against unpredictable weather patterns and water shortages through strategic planning and infrastructure,” he said.
He emphasised that Okinawa’s governance, community involvement, and strict regulations ensure sustainable water usage while minimising the environmental impact of tourism. Inspired by Okinawa, the Maldives aims to improve sanitation through education, demonstrations, and monitoring.
Haleem outlined plans to raise awareness about proper septic tank maintenance and connect greywater systems to septic systems.
“The goal is to reduce groundwater pollution and safeguard this vital resource for the Maldivian people,” he said.
Pema Gyalpo shared plans to draft a regional collaboration framework for technology adoption and innovation. This framework will include guidelines for sharing best practices and resources across South Asia.
The seminar is funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency.