The 31st Session of the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF-31) convened space leaders from across the region under the theme “Empowering the Region through Space Ecosystems in Action,” highlighting how regional cooperation is turning space science and technology into practical solutions for sustainable development and societal benefit.
The President of the Republic of the Philippines, His Excellency Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., graced the forum and underscored the vital role of space science and technology in serving the people, particularly in addressing climate change, enhancing disaster risk reduction and resilience, and fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth across the region.
His Excellency Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. with the Space Leaders of the Asia-Pacific Region. (© JAXA)
The plenary opened with special remarks from Mr. Yohei Matsumoto, Japan’s Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, followed by welcome remarks from APRSAF-31 Co-Chairs Dr. Gay Jane P. Perez, Officer-in-Charge of the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), and Mr. Hiroshi Furuta, Deputy Director-General of Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). A recap of APRSAF-30 was presented by Mr. Enrico Palermo, Head of the Australian Space Agency and host of the previous forum, while Dr. Masami Onoda, Director of JAXA’s International Relations and Research Department, delivered the APRSAF Executive Committee Activity Report.
Plenary Session 1 examined regional perspectives on space ecosystems in action, emphasizing how regional space agencies and international institutions reach more stakeholders, enable resource-sharing, and open collaboration among government, academia, industry, and civil society. Representatives from JAXA, ESA, PhilSA, and UNOOSA shared their experiences in growing inclusive space ecosystems and explored opportunities for inter-regional cooperation and joint initiatives.
The succeeding sessions featured Space Activities Reports from countries across the Asia-Pacific, offering an overview of national and regional developments in space technology and space applications. Co-Chairs of the APRSAF working groups and initiatives, as well as Space Industry Connect (SIC), the forum’s networking platform, also presented summary reports from the sessions held during the previous days.
Plenary Session 2 focused on the use of space technology for disaster management, particularly with Asia-Pacific’s vulnerability to floods, earthquakes, typhoons, and droughts. Building on the long-standing Sentinel Asia initiative, the session highlighted best practices in the use of satellite data for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery, including experiences from the Philippines and emerging innovations using artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics.
Plenary Session 3 underscored the importance of human resource development in advancing the region’s space economy. Guided by the APRSAF Nagoya Vision, discussions highlighted education and capacity-building as foundations for a sustainable space sector. Initiatives such as JICA’s International Intellectual Circulation Program and the work of APRSAF’s Enhancement of Space Capability Working Group demonstrated concrete pathways for developing future space professionals across engineering, science, policy, and business.
The plenary sessions concluded with a Space Leaders’ Roundtable, where leaders reflected on APRSAF-31 outcomes and future directions.
In recognition of outstanding contributions to the space sector, the 2025 Asia-Pacific Region Excellence in Space Award was conferred to Dr. Joel Joseph S. Marciano Jr., Ph.D., Professor and Vice President for Research and Innovation of the University of the Philippines (UP), while the APRSAF Space Achievement Award was awarded to Mr. Prathamsinh Ranjitsinh Ambla, Joint Secretary for Outreach – Rocketry and Space Sciences and Astronomy, Ahmedabad, India.
APRSAF-31 was held in Cebu, Philippines from 18-21 November 2025, organized by PhilSA, MEXT, and JAXA.
APRSAF-32 and APRSAF-33 will be hosted by Thailand and Japan, respectively.
APRSAF-31 group photo (© JAXA)
More APRSAF-31 Plenary Session photos:
The APRSAF-31 Plenary Session opens with a special remarks from Mr. Yohei Matsumoto, Japan’s Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.
APRSAF-31 General Co-Chair Hiroshi Furuta, Deputy Director-General of the Minister’s Secretariat (in charge of the Research and Development Bureau) Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan delivers the welcome remarks. (© JAXA)
Dr. Gay Jane P. Perez, APRSAF-31 Co-Chair and PhilSA OIC, delivers the welcome remarks (© JAXA)
Mr. Enrico Palermo, Head of the Australian Space Agency, presents a recap of APRSAF-30. (© JAXA)
Dr. Masami Onoda, Director of JAXA’s International Relations and Research Department delivers the APRSAF Executive Committee Activity Report.
[L–R] Plenary Session 1, moderated by Dr. Joel Joseph S. Marciano, Jr., Vice President for Research and Innovation of the University of the Philippines (UP), featured Dr. Hiroshi Yamakawa, President of JAXA; Jean-Charles Bigot, European Space Agency Representative in Japan; Dr. Hamid Mehmood of the United Nations Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UN-SPIDER), United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA); and Dr. Gay Jane P. Perez, Officer-in-Charge of the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA).
[L–R] Plenary Session 2 moderated by Dr. Mark Edwin A. Tupas, Associate Professor, Department of Geodetic Engineering, UP with panelists Mr. Luke Phillips, Director of the Australian Space Agency; Dr. Ariel C. Blanco, Director of the Space Information Infrastructure Bureau, PhilSA; Dr. Damrongrit Niammuad, Deputy Executive Director of the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA); and Dr. John Mathew, Associate Director, EO Applications and DMS Programme Office, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
[L–R] Plenary Session 3 moderated by Prof. Steven Freeland, Emeritus Professor, Western Sydney University with panelists Mr. Takuya Onishi, Astronaut, JAXA; Dr. Koichi Wakata, Astronaut and Chief Technology Officer, Axiom Space; Mr. Atsushi Yamanaka, Senior Advisor, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA); and Dr. Reinabelle C. Reyes, Director, Space Science Missions Bureau, PhilSA.
Shri Nilesh M. Desai, Distinguished Scientist and Director of the Space Applications Centre (SAC), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), during the Space Activities Report session.
Dr. Muhammad Rokhis Khomarudin, Head of Research Center, Research Center for Geoinformatics, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) of Indonesia
Mr. Atsushi Watanabe, Director-General for International Cooperation, National Space Policy Secretariat, the Cabinet Office of Japan
Mrs. Norizan Abdul Patah, Director of the Data Reception and Distribution Division, Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA)
Mr. Denis F. Villorente, Deputy Director General for Space Operations, Infrastructure, and Industry, PhilSA (© JAXA)
Jiyeon Lee, Assistant Director of International Affairs Division Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA)
Ms. Yvette Chee, Deputy Director (Strategy and Policy), Office for Space Technology & Industry (OSTIn) of Singapore
Ms. Vicky Chu, Deputy Director General, Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) (© JAXA)
Damrongrit Niammuad, Ph.D., Deputy Executive Director, Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) of Thailand
Dr. Naser Al Hammadi, Head of Partnerships and International Relations United Arab Emirates Space Agency (UAESA)
Ms. Rebecca Levy, NASA Asia Representative, National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Dr. Lam Dao Nguyen, Vietnam National Space Center (VNSC)
Satellite Applications for Societal Benefit Working Group (SAWG) Co-Chair Dr. Ariel C. Blanco, Director of the Space Information Infrastructure Bureau of the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), presents the summary report.
Dr. AV Sureshbabu, Group Head, Urban Studies and Applications Group of ISRO discusses the summary report of Sentinel Asia.
Dr. Kei Oyoshi, Senior Researcher, Earth Observation Research Center of JAXA, presents the summary report of the Space Applications for Environment Initiative.
Marc Caesar R. Talampas, Ph.D., Director, Space Technology Missions and Systems Bureau of PhilSA, presents the summary report of the Enhancement of Space Capability Working Group (SCWG) in his role as the Co-Chair.
Dr. Jasmine Angelie V. Albelda, Chief Science Research Specialist, Space Education and Scholarships Division of PhilSA, discusses the summary report of the Space Education for All Working Group (SE4AWG) and announces the result of the Poster Contest.
Dr. Reinabelle C. Reyes, Director, Space Science Missions Bureau of PhilSA, discusses the summary report of the Space Frontier Working Group (SFWG) and Kibo-ABC Initiative. (© JAXA)
Atty. Noelle Riza D. Castillo, Director, Space Policy and International Cooperation Bureau of PhilSA, presents the summary report of the Space Policy and Law Working Group (SPLWG). (© JAXA)
Atty. Giovani Concepcion, Chief of PhilSA’s Space Policy and Legal Affairs Division explains the summary report of the National Space Legislation Initiative (NSLI).
Mr. Koji Ina, Manager of the Strategic Planning and Industrial Promotion Division, Business Development and Industrial Relations Department of JAXA, presents the outcomes of Space Industry Connect (SIC), a networking activity for the space industry. (© JAXA)
JAXA President Dr. Hiroshi Yamakawa during the Space Leaders’ Roundtable (© JAXA)
Ms. Tiana Desker, Deputy Executive Director of OSTIn Singapore during the Space Leaders’ Roundtable
[Center] Dr. Joel Joseph S. Marciano Jr., Ph.D., Professor and Vice President for Research and Innovation of the University of the Philippines, receives the 2025 Asia-Pacific Region Excellence in Space Award from APRSAF-31 Co-Chairs [Left] Mr. Hiroshi Furuta, Deputy Director-General of Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), and [Right] Dr. Gay Jane P. Perez, Officer-in-Charge of the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA).
[Center] Mr. Prathamsinh Ranjitsinh Ambla, Joint Secretary, Outreach – Rocketry & Space Sciences, Astronomy – Ahmedabad, India receives the 2025 APRSAF Space Achievement Award from APRSAF-31 Co-Chairs [Left] Mr. Hiroshi Furuta, Deputy Director-General of Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), and [Right] Dr. Gay Jane P. Perez, Officer-in-Charge of the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA).