It does not matter how developed the revolution of science and technology, it would be futile if it is not in line with the  development of social and humanity sciences, the ITS rector said upon being decorated with the highest distinction award by Soka University, Japan.

The award was presented to the ITS rector by Soka University President Prof Hideo Yamamoto and Prof Daisaku Ikeda, the founder of the Japanese university,  during a ceremony in Hachioji, Japan.

Prof Priyo is the third Indonesian citizento have received this prestigious award from Soka University. The same award had been given to Indonesia’s fourth president Abdurrahman “Gus Dur” Wahid, and Ambassador to Japan Yusuf Anwar before Prof Priyo got his turn.

Prof Priyo was very surprised when he learned a day earlier that he was going to receive this award, because he had actually gone to Japan to close an international symposium and research exhibition in Tokyo which was organized by ITS.

The theme of the exhibition was Waste Management for Sustainable Development in Asia which attracted enthusiastic crowd including scientists, business leaders, and academicians from Asian countries.

In his opening remark, Prof Priyo explained that universities need to focus on developing the culture of research integration so that its outcome can be maximized for the sake of mankind.

Without a touch of humanity and social sciences, the rapid development of science and technology could eventually endanger human civilization, he theorized.

Prof Priyo has for a long time maintained a good institutional relationship between ITS and Japan’s top universities, including Tokyo University, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Soka University, as well as universities in Hiroshima, Kobe, Sapporo, and Tsukuba.

The relationship between ITS and Soka University was established in 1996 to foster research in the field of environmental engineering, like projects in waste management, flood control, infrastructure development, and other related areas.

The two universities have also established cooperation for joint research and student exchange. As a partner, Soka University has had a long history of outstanding achievements in social and humanity sciences. ITS itself is renowned for its excellent engineering programs. Combining the potential of these two great universities will result in innovative breakthroughs that will benefit society at large.

ITS is moving forward to strengthen its tradition of adding human touch to science and technology research, and with a valuable contribution from its world-class Japanese partner, it is aiming to be one of the best in the region in the not-so-distant future.

The two universities have embarked on a joint project to develop a mini multifunctional satellite to be launched next year. Its mission is to take pictures of the earth’s surface and monitor climate change. As a starter, Soka University will build a ground station in ITS’s premises in Surabaya. CA