On October 13-24, 2024, representatives from ASEAN concluded a successful study tour across Italy, aimed at deepening collaboration in space and smart technologies. This is the inaugural cooperation between ASEAN and Italy in the domain of science, technology and innovation.
The initiative comprises two segments. The first, conducted from July to September 2024, featured virtual lectures on various space technology topics, attracting 93 participants from 10 ASEAN member states. The second segment included 11 ASEAN delegates attending the 75th International Astronautical Conference (IAC), followed by visits to nine Italian space companies and institutes across Milan, Turin and Rome.
In the span of two weeks, ASEAN delegates, which consisted of experts from government, academia and private sectors, have participated in the prestigious International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Milan, as well as strategic engagements with multiple space industry leaders, such as Thales Alenia Space and Tyvak International. Besides that, ASEAN delegates were also given the opportunity to have an exclusive visit to the Department of Aerospace Science and Technology (DAER) at Politecnico di Milano and also the Italian Space Agency (Agenzia Spaziale Italiana, or ASI). This initiative underscored ASEAN and Italy’s shared commitment to fostering innovation and exchanging expertise in space technology and smart solutions.
The tour marked a significant step towards strengthening ASEAN-Italy partnerships in technology and scientific advancement, particularly in space technology cooperation.