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- Interviews with AHRF Alumni ①
Name: Mr.Viengnam DOUANGPHACHANH
Hometown/Country: Vientiane/Laos
Please introduce yourself.
My name is Viengnam DOUANGPHACHANH. I am currently working for Public Works and Transport Institute, Ministry of Public Works and Transport, in Vientiane, Laos. I came to pursue my Ph.D. at TMU under AHRF in 2011 and graduated in 2014. My research at TMU was mainly focused on the use of smartphone sensors to estimate road surface condition.
What did you achieve through the study in Tokyo?
Does your life in Tokyo have any influence on yourself today? If so, how?
During my 3 years at TMU, I was able to achieve goals and do many things that I had hoped. First of all, I was able to earn many invaluable knowledge, skills and experiences through hard work and from a lot of people in Japan, particularly at TMU, as well as through conferences in which I had had chances to attend at places around the world. Next, I had got chances to explore Japan and her beautiful culture. During these 3 years, I was also able to build a connection between myself and many Japanese friends as well as many fellows from Asia. I believe that this connection will continue to grow and strengthen. Moreover, I had successfully completed my Ph.D. study, which was my main goal in Japan, within 3 years as planned. To sum up, my life in Japan was very successful and enjoyable, thanks to a lot of support and assistance from many people.
Yes, 3 years of living in Tokyo has some influence on myself. Today, I am more experienced in doing research and more confident in making decision. Furthermore, I am also more connected to the world through the networks of friends I had built while I was living in Tokyo. I believe all of these will be very much useful for me at work and in personal life.
Please introduce the best memory or the most interesting episode at TMU.
There are many memorable events that I have had while I was at TMU. Two most memorable ones are:
1. After more than a year of research, my professor suddenly advised me to submit an academic paper, presenting the first result of my research, to an international conference and journal. Since it was the first paper, I worked so hard but did not expect much. My thought at that time was only to get comments from the reviewers, which I believed would be useful for the improvement of my research and the next paper. Surprisingly, it was accepted and was awarded as one of the best papers after all at the conference.
2. Being able to climb to the summit of Mt. Fuji twice.
What do you think is your role in Asia and the world?
I would like to play a role that is able to connect everyone in Asia and the world even closer. I believe that it will promote goodwill, understanding and cooperation. I also feel that my role is to do everything that I do with responsibility and ethics.
Please give some message to readers (AHRF Alumni and current students).
I hope that all AHRF alumni are doing well. I regretted that I missed the first AHRF alumni reunion. I really hope that there will be the next one so that we can all meet again to share experiences and look for collaboration/cooperation.
Greetings to all current students. I believe that you all are very focused with your respective researches. I also believe that you all will do it well. I know you are very busy, but don't forget to go out and explore Japan as much as you can. Good luck and GANBATTE KUDASAI!
