Introduction
The rapid economic development and serious environmental pollution of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), India, and other Asian countries make their governments a great need on development of cutting-edge green technology. However, the emission of pollutants from the use of fossil fuels and biofuel energy deteriorates the environmental quality in ASEAN, India and other Asian countries. The Southeast Asia region is subject to a very complex pollution scenario, especially air pollution and water management, due to a large number and wide variety of emission sources and varying ambient conditions. Although most countries including ASEAN and India produce petroleum and natural gas, these countries are still in shortage of electricity. Consequently, combustion of biomass releases an even larger amount of pollutants, especially the carbon dioxide. Due to the pressure of global warming and reduction of CO2 emission, both ASEAN and other Asian countries gradually change the use of fossil fuel to low carbon and green energies to reduce the emission of CO2 and the cutting-edge technology for low carbon and renewable energies as well as the treatment technology for pollutants are urgently needed. During the past forty years, Taiwan has successfully changed from an agricultural society into an industrial society and has developed good systems for energy management and environmental protection. This “Taiwan experience” will be a treasure for ASEAN countries and India during their transition stage.
The purpose of this joint-research and training program is to strengthen the academic and educational cooperation between Taiwan and Southeast/South Asian counties including Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Middle East in the fields of energy and environment. A 12-day course containing sustainable environment, low carbon energy, environmental green technology, and laboratory and field trip will be offered to 30 trainees. Through this training course, the trainees will learn knowledge in cutting-edge technology for low carbon energy and sustainable environment. This would significantly reinforce the close academic collaboration between Taiwan and Southeast Asia in the areas of energy and environment.
