The Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC) was recently tapped in by the ASEAN Academic Network (AAN) and the Society of Academicians of Fundamental and Applied Sciences (SAFAS) as a co-organizer to the 2nd International Conference on Engineering Research and Application (ICERA) which was held face-to-face in Riverside Ibis Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand from May 24 to 26, 2023.

The research conference aimed to provide researchers, scholars, and engineers with an opportunity to meet, interact, and exchange new ideas in various areas of engineering. Aside from this, the conference also aimed to foster and conduct collaborative interdisciplinary research amongst scholars, engineers. Industry experts, and professionals to share their experiences, ideas, and innovation at an international level. As co-organizer, the Staff College was tasked to promote and call for papers in its various capacities from its extensive network within Asia Pacific and its 16 member governments.

Left: Paper presenters from CPSC (Dr. Kesavan Ulaganathen) and members of the Don Bosco - One TVET Philippines delegation; Right: Dr. Kesavan Ulaganathen presenting his research paper

Overall, a total of 7 research papers from the CPSC member countries were selected to present during the conference. Among these papers were those authored by the Don Bosco Technical Institute of Makati, a technical center under the auspices of Don Bosco - One TVET Philippines. A paper written by CPSC Governing Board-Engaged Faculty Consultant, Dr. Kesavan Ulaganathen was also selected. The complete paper titles are indicated below:

  • Rain Attenuation in Worst Month for 5G network in Tropical Region (Malaysia) for Terrestrial Link
    • Authors: Dr. Kesavan Ulaganathen, Engr. Dr. Mian Khuram Ahsan, Tharek A.R. and Rafiqul M. Islam, Colombo Plan Staff College, Manila, Philippines
  • Development of Welding Fumes Extractor and Air Purifier for Safety and Risk Reduction
    • Author: Johnnie P. Santos, Don Bosco Technical Institute of Makati, TVET Department, Makati City, Philippines
  • Smart and Safe Mock-up Design in Electrical Installation Training
    • Author: John Dave Gopez, Don Bosco Technical Institute of Makati, TVET Department, Makati City, Philippines
  • Technical-Vocational Education and Training in a Bubble Community through Open and Distance e-Learning: An Evaluative Study
    • Author: Jhenly Asedillas, Don Bosco Technical Institute of Makati, TVET Department, Makati City, Philippines
  • Design of Portable Electronic Brake Bleeder with Interchangeable Adapter and Integrated Trouble Light
    • Author: Marshall Nicolane Pagayon, Don Bosco Technical Institute of Makati, TVET Department, Makati City, Philippines
  • Fabrication of Jigs in Toolbit Grinding for Shop Safety and Efficiency
    • Author: Jerwin dela Fuente, Don Bosco Technical Institute of Makati, TVET Department, Makati City, Philippines
  • Used-Engine Oil in Aluminum Metal Upcycling: A Proposed Circular Economy Strategy
    • Author: Syrael Soque, Don Bosco Technical Institute of Makati, TVET Department, Makati City, Philippines

In addition, Dr.Kesavan also served as a Session Chair where he provided valuable feedback and comprehensive critique to the presented paper. Ms. Jhenly Asedillas, the Research Officer of Don Bosco - One TVET Philippines stood out and was conferred the Best Paper Presenter Award. The conference proceedings will be published through the AIP Conference Proceedings (which will be indexed by SCOPUS) in the coming months.

Dr. Kesavan Ulaganathen poses with other paper presenters from all over the world during the closing ceremony of the ICERA 2023