──プラットフォーム学を志した理由は？

Special thanks to my supervisor, Prof. Dr. Ryozo NOGUCHI, who introduced me to the platform studies program. When I entered the university, I was recommended this program. I was very honored and anxious to participate, but I thought it was worth learning about platform studies, and I am also grateful for the strong words from the program coordinator, Professor Hiroshi HARADA, that it was okay for me to be the first international student, a non-Japanese speaker joined this program. The lectures were very stimulating, and I learned that ICT technology is an academic discipline that combines natural disaster prevention, medicine, engineering, agriculture, etc., and that I was able to learn the basics of delivering a system that can be understood and used by more people.

──現在取り組んでいるテーマは？

Life cycle assessment for rice cultivation. For example, in my study, what kind of measures should be adopted under acidic conditions to increase the sustainability and productivity of rice in Malaysia.  As a method for this purpose, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) be used. Back then, LCA was used for industrial sectors to support more sustainable production, management, and services by providing a comprehensive understanding of environmental impact. Now, it is widely used in the agriculture sector. I am engaged in the research on three levels. The first is Inventory, then Impact, and finally Improvement. The inventory consists of data collection of all inputs and outputs related to the whole operations system (OS). Meanwhile, for the Impact, the sustainable analysis in aspects of environment, energy consumption and economic performance will be evaluated. Lastly, for the Improvement, all the possibilities and approaches that can enhance the 3E’s will be identified and used as a benchmark for good decision-making.

──プログラムを通じて得たものは？

International students like me use English, and although it is my first experience to receive an education abroad, I think the students and teachers are wonderful. The platform science staff is also supportive. (As a foreigner), I often have a hard time getting just a little information, but it captivates and impacts, especially the diversities usage of ICT technologies and the platform. I studied agrotechnology aquaculture for my bachelor’s, then soil microbiology for my master's degree, and now, agriculture system engineering for my Ph.D. It's always a new field for me, but I can say that there is a reason why I enjoy participating in the platform studies program. It consists of a diversity and flexibility of knowledge and skills in one platform.

──あなたが作りたいプラットフォームは（ご自分の研究をもととして）？

Data is crucial to trace and track any changes or improvements we want to make. LCA is one of the effective methods to collect, analyze and interpret the data efficiently. It also links with multidisciplinary fields; engineering, science and economy. Besides, along the process, we build a solid connection with agricultural producers, and researchers to help the government make appropriate decisions. As a result, I hope that policy decisions will be made at the ministry level that can support agriculture and that my research will lead to helping agricultural producers, to be more efficient and sustainable. It would be nice to see a system that streamlines energy use, keeps the environmental impact low, and is economically profitable.

──いまの世界をほんの少し良くしようと思ったら、何が必要だと考えますか？　もしくは何をしたいと思いますか？

I would like to share my research with society to make the world a better place. At the same time, it is important to have an opinion on how you can contribute to society. It's about understanding what you can do, knowing your abilities, and trying to bring something good to society. I believe that having and practicing not only an academic perspective but also an individual perspective is necessary for the improvement of the world.