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Capacity Building | Scholarship Program

Scholarship Program

AFoCO RETC
Training Courses
Scholarship Program
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AFoCO RETC
Training Courses
Scholarship Program
Fellowship Program
STEP Program
Internship Program

Overview of Program

Meet Our Graduates

Overview of Program

AFoCO Landmark Scholarships finance government officials from ASEAN Member states to study for a graduate degree in the field of forestry in the Republic of Korea.

As future leaders in the region with a lasting understanding of pressing forestry-related issues in the region, AFoCO’s Scholars will play an active role in the forestry sector in their home countries and engage in the implementation and setting of related policies. Ideal candidates are ambitious young professionals who aspire to make a difference by maximizing the forest sector’s contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and have a clear idea of how a graduate study program in Korea would benefit the forestry sector in their country in a long term perspective.

Every year, AFoCO offers up to 5 full-time scholarships for Masters and Doctoral programs in the Republic of Korea. Our scholars are awarded through a rigorous selection process, in accordance with the aim and purpose of the organization. Both academic merits and career experiences are taken into consideration.

Eligibility & Selection Criteria

The Landmark Scholarship Program is a nomination-based scholarship, which accepts high-caliber applicants who have been nominated by Focal Officials of participating countries of the Program.
Applicants must be citizens of any of the ten (10) ASEAN Member Countries participating in the Landmark Scholarship Program: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam.
Applicants should have an outstanding academic background and relevant work experience.
Applicants must possess excellent oral and written skills in English.
Master’s degree applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree or a degree that is equivalent to or higher than a Bachelor’s degree.
Doctoral degree applicants must hold a Master’s degree or a degree that is equivalent to or higher than a Master’s degree.

Application Timeline

(CLOSED) Application for 2022 Landmark Scholarship Program
The call for scholarship applications for master’s and doctoral studies starting in Spring 2022 is now closed. Kindly note that the eligibility criteria, as well as the application procedures and schedule, may differ from previous years.

Partner Universities

Our partner universities in the Republic of Korea include Chungbuk National University, Chungnam National University, Dongguk University, Kangwon National University, Kongju National University, Kookmin University, Seoul National University, and Yeungnam University.

Meet Our Graduates

Congratulations to all our Graduate Scholars! We are proud to share your stories of hard work and success.

2021 Graduates

Siriluck Thammanu

Royal Forest Department, Thailand

PhD in Forest Environmental Science, Seoul National University

2017 Scholarship Recipient

I am a government officer in Thailand who enjoys the challenges of broadening my educational and cultural experiences for both personal and professional growth. I realized that education, strengthening networks, and fostering cooperation between countries on forest-related issues is crucial to successful forest management and the myriad economic, social, and environmental benefits, improved rural livelihoods, and forest conservation that result. It is this passion and knowledge that inspired me to study abroad.
A four-year period of matriculation at Seoul National University in South Korea paid obvious and immeasurable dividends. I developed a measure of skill and proficiency in forestry, and the opportunities to present my research at international academic conferences proved to be invaluable in expanding a global network of scholars and professionals.

I am infinitely grateful to the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO) for providing the scholarship that created the opportunity for me to study abroad. Without it, nothing could have been accomplished. The expertise of everyone and every new experience at Seoul National University and throughout this journey has magnified my knowledge and honed my skills to incalculable and unexpected degrees. It has been profoundly memorable to face and overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges and encounter new adventures. Thanks to the AFoCO Landmark Scholarship Program, studying in South Korea has been a life-altering endeavor. It has prepared me to pursue forest management development in Thailand and to collaborate on sustainable forest management strategies among Asian countries.

Publications

(PhD Thesis) Effects of community forest management on biodiversity and utilization of non-timber forest products in northern Thailand
Non-timber forest product utilization under community forest management in northern Thailand
The influence of environmental factors on species composition and distribution in a community forest in Northern Thailand
Tree Species Diversity and Environmental Factors Affecting Distribution in Ban Mae Chiang Rai Lum Community Forest, Lampang Province
Above-ground carbon stock and REDD+ opportunities of community-managed forests in northern Thailand
The Impact on Ecosystem Services and the Satisfaction Therewith of Community Forest Management in Northern Thailand

Areeyapat Petcharat

Royal Forest Department, Thailand

PhD in Agronomy (Forest Resources), Yeungnam University

2018 Scholarship Recipient

I was searching for a new challenge and hoping to pursue my dream of earning a PhD until I was awarded the 2018 AFoCo Landmark Scholarship. I did hope that the PhD program supported by AFoCo would help me develop through an accomplished researcher who would be able to contribute to society by providing information for preserving the integrity of forest resources and enhancing the standard of living for rural inhabitants.

Since March 2018, I have been enrolled in a Ph.D. program at Yeungnam University, where Prof. Yohan Lee is my supervisor. I transferred to the Department of Forest Resources in September 2018 along with my supervisor. My research area is on non-market valuation.

PhD life is all about inner motivation. I was able to build a proper work routine, working hours, and study activities owing to access to sufficient self-motivation, self-discipline, guidance, and supportive recommendations from my knowledgeable supervisor and professors, which helped me earn my PhD eventually. The application of efficient educational methods and the need for native language ability were the two main challenges of studying in ROK. Despite the fact that the majority of professors and PhD candidates speak English, it is crucial to learn basic communication skills in Korean.

Publications

(PhD Thesis) Valuing wetland ecosystem services in Thailand
Comparing Local Residents’ Willingness to Pay (WTP) and Willingness to Volunteer (WTV) for Water Onion (Crinum thaianum) Habitat Conservation
Choice experiments for estimating ecosystem services value in the Bang Kachao Green Area, Thailand
Measuring the nonuse value of the dugong (Dugong dugon) in Thailand

Sena Aomjitr

Royal Forest Department, Thailand

MSc in Forest and Environment Policy, Yeungnam University

2020 Scholarship Recipient

I was studying in the Republic of Korea when the COVID-19 pandemic hit but I was fortunate because the country responded well to the outbreak with various preventive and social distancing measures. Yeungnam University also began transitioning to online classes. I study at the Department of Sustainable Development in Forest Resources and Environmental Policy. The university has a large area, a good environment, and a forest area. The faculty staff also help ensure that international students are adjusted well to their new environment.

Thank you to the AFoCO Landmark Scholarships program for supporting government officers to build our capacity and knowledge, and for the life-changing scholarship experience.

Publications

(MSc Thesis) Value Chain of Siamese Rosewood in Thailand

2020 Graduates

Ma Carmina M. Canua

Forest Management Bureau, Philippines

MSc in Biological and Environmental Science, Dongguk University

2017 Scholarship Recipient

I can personally attest to the fact that the Landmark Scholarship Program has been successful in attaining its goal not only in capacity building of participants but also in instilling the values for sustainable management of forests and other resources. The program has provided me both technical knowledge of the said field and also given me the opportunity to understand the host country in many aspects. For one, the management of the environment and natural resources in South Korea is very impressive, the people are warm, and the customs and traditions are very rich. This has allowed me to gain the confidence to do my best and fulfill my obligations as a scholar. This was indeed a once in a lifetime opportunity worth being remembered.

Given the prestige of being one of the selected few AFoCO scholars, it is with great pride and privilege to be an alumna of the University and the AFoCO scholarship program. I feel it is imperative for a scholar to carry out and cascade the learnings and make an impact on society. Such an impact brings positive change for the welfare of the people and the environment.

In order to achieve impact, I would basically take advantage of my position in the government to materialize the knowledge and skills I have acquired in the program in terms of effectively managing the environment and natural resources in my country. My participation in the program is crucial as I can now relate the theories and concepts with the actual scenarios of a localized environment and natural resources issues and challenges facing my country. It is an advantage for me to be in the Planning Office as the program sparked a realization that complex challenges require a systematic approach to respond to these peculiarities and recommend solutions and strategies. As a result, I may now propose enhancements to the current policies, plans, programs, and projects of the Department to strengthen sustainable protection and conservation of the environment and natural resources.

Publications

(MSc Thesis) Assessment of the National Greening Program within Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape, Philippines

Tran Hai Long

Vietnamese Academy of Forest Sciences, Viet Nam

MSc in Forest Environmental Science, Seoul National University

2020 Scholarship Recipient

When receiving the letter of acceptance for the AFoCO Landmark Scholarship Program to pursue a master’s degree in Forest Environmental Sciences at Seoul National University, I was speechless and overwhelmed with joy and excitement. This program gave me a chance to study in one of the best countries in the world in the field of forestry. I was lucky to be able to work with a superb and dedicated supervising professor who guided me through difficult times and helped develop my skills and knowledge.

The knowledge and experiences I gained through my study in Korea will help me one step further in achieving my goal of becoming a foremost expert in my field of study. This will also help position me better in the forestry sector so that I can actively seek opportunities to collaborate with other relevant organizations and government agencies. Moreover, I would like to become a bridge for future cooperation between the Vietnamese Academy of Forest Sciences and AFoCO. Finally, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the staff at the AFoCO Secretariat and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences – Seoul National University for all their support for me during the time of my study in Korea.

Publications

(MSc Thesis) Comparison of Structural Characteristics among Different Types of Limestone Forests in Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve, Vietnam

Nur Syamsi Muhammad

Indonesia

MSc in Forest and Environment Policy, Yeungnam University

2019 Scholarship Recipient

The Landmark Scholarship Program has provided me with a good opportunity to improve my competencies in fulfilling our country’s national development through forestry development. The international experience that I gained in the Republic of Korea will definitely help me in my professional career and self-growth, and eventfully, become a professional in the forestry field, especially in forest welfare systems.

When I return to my home country, I would like to do several things to support government programs in the forestry sector. First, I would collaborate with trainers of the ministry of environment and forestry to identify training needs for forestry officers based on best practices and recent innovations of extension strategies that have been successfully implemented overseas. Such strategies could be adopted and modified in Indonesia in the form of certified training curricula for official training nationwide. The first step could be initiated through a mentoring program, in which I would share knowledge and skills obtained from the scholarship program with fellow extension workers. Second, I would like to support our institution to conduct a comprehensive assessment and policy analysis on how to manage and approach people living in and around state forest land both prior to and after policy implementation. For example, I would like to introduce knowledge and skills to promote and improve the effectiveness of agroforestry practices. Third, I will try to contribute to the development of the forest interpreter program in Indonesia by sharing my experiences. Indonesia’s tourism trend has begun to shift towards ‘back to nature’ activities. Forest interpreters can be a new job opportunity for people that live around the forest so that they will be encouraged to protect the forests, which will be perceived as a source of income. I hope that in the future, there will be more collaborative activities between Indonesia and the Republic of Korea.

Publications

(MSc Thesis) Assessing the Sustainability of International Cooperation Project: Case of Korea-Indonesia Forest Recreation and Ecotourism Development Project

2019 Graduates

Nhem Sareth

Department of International Cooperation, Ministry of Commerce, Cambodia

PhD in Forest Resources, Kongju National University

2016 Scholarship Recipient

There are no words to describe my feelings upon receiving the letter of acceptance for the AFoCO Landmark Scholarship Program to pursue a doctoral degree in Forest Resources at Kongju National University. AFoCO’s Scholarship introduced me to a different study life. I had a superb supervising professor who developed my skills as a scientific researcher. The Landmark Scholarship Program and my supervising professor have helped make my dream of publishing scientific papers in international journals come true. The Program also supported my participation in international conferences, giving me many opportunities to meet other researchers and students from across the globe. The knowledge and experiences I have acquired through the Landmark Scholarship Program will help me achieve my academic career goal of becoming a well-known researcher and scientist in Cambodia. This will also help position me better in the forestry sector so that I can actively seek opportunities to collaborate and with other relevant organizations and government departments. Through AFoCO’s Landmark Scholarship Program, I was able to build on my abilities and readiness to contribute effectively to research projects and learn valuable skills to put into practice in Cambodia. I would like to express my gratitude to the staff at the AFoCO Secretariat and the Forestry Administration of Cambodia.

Publications

(PhD Thesis) Assessing the Sustainability of Community-based Forestry and the Quality of Governance of the REDD+ Project in Oddar Meanchey Province, Cambodia
Sustainable management of forest in view of media attention to REDD + policy, opportunity and impact in Cambodia
The impact of forest resource decline: Analyzing forest-related income supplements to reduce income inequality and poverty of the Kouy indigenous people living in Kampong Thom province, Cambodia
Policy implications for community-managed forestry in Cambodia from experts’ assessments and case studies of community forestry practice
Forest income and inequality in Kampong Thom province, Cambodia: Gini decomposition analysis
Using Q methodology to investigate the views of local experts on the sustainability of community-based forestry in Oddar Meanchey province, Cambodia
Women’s participation and the gender perspective in sustainable forestry in Cambodia: local perceptions and the context of forestry research

Aung Aung

Environmental Conservation Department, MONREC, Myanmar

MSc in Forest Resources, Chungnam National University

2017 Scholarship Recipient

I worked for the Myanmar Timber Enterprise for 8 years before moving to the Environmental Conservation Department of Myanmar. When I received the news that I was selected as scholarship recipient, I was very pleased because I could have a chance to study advanced technologies and satisfy my thirst of knowledge by pursuing a Master’s degree in Korea. My supervising professor, guided me kindly and patiently throughout my stay. With his encouragement and support, I was able to publish two papers during my time in Korea. I had the opportunity to work on many research projects during my time in Korea. I was involved in research on weed control in forest plantations, litter production and decomposition of different forest types of Korea, as well as fertilization and irrigation studies in greenhouses. The knowledge I have gained from these experiences has certainly improved my research capabilities, and I believe that this will benefit me in my professional career. I am really thankful to the AFoCO Landmark Scholarship Program for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. In the future, I would like to work for UNEP for some time, and continue to contribute to the forestry sector in Myanmar with the knowledge and experiences I gained while studying in Korea.

Publications

(MSc Thesis) Effects of organic and nitrogen fertilization on soil properties and tree growth in different soil types
Biochar effects on the seedling quality of Quercus serrata and Prunus sargentiiin a containerized production system
Effects of three biomaterials mixed with growing media on seedling quality of Prunus sargentii

Tran Thi Mai Anh

Viet Nam

MSc in Forest Resources, Kookmin University

2017 Scholarship Recipient

Receiving the AFoCO Landmark Scholarship in 2017 is a great honor to me. The scholarship has given me a wonderful opportunity to study at Kookmin University in Korea. During my two years in Korea, I had many opportunities to participate in conferences and workshops such as the Traditional Knowledge and Culture in Asia Conference, the International Society for Ecological Modelling Global Conference, and the International Conference on Environmental Science and Technology. These experiences inspired me to conduct my master’s research on people’s behavior in tree planting decisions using agent-based modeling for my country, Viet Nam. The Program has helped me develop into a more pragmatic and creative thinker. The many opportunities that I have had participating in workshops, conferences and outdoor activities have also helped to enhance my knowledge and made me a more confident person. I feel more enthusiastic about my career and future plan. Raising awareness about the need to protect forest and wildlife has always been my calling in life. I want to use what I have learned to help people in my country manage and protect forests in a sustainable way and contribute to the forestry sector in my home country. My heartfelt thanks to AFoCO for your support and generosity in helping me reach my goals.

Publications

(MSc Thesis) Agent-based modeling of tree planting decision using social communications by rural households in Thanh Hoa Province, Vietnam
A bayesian network analysis of reforestation decisions by rural mountain communities in Vietnam

Su Yi Hnin

Forest Department, MONREC, Myanmar

MSc in Forest Resources & Ecological Restoration, Yeungnam University

2018 Scholarship Recipient

I had a dream during my undergraduate. That was to study in a foreign country. After I got my Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry (B.Sc-Forestry), I joined to Forest Department under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, Myanmar. During my service in Forest Department, I got an opportunity leading to come true my dream. I had a chance to participate in AFoCO Landmark Scholarship Program and I had been chosen as a recipient of AFoCO Landmark Scholarship and I studied the master course that is focus on Forest Resources and Ecological Restoration at PSPS, Yeungnam University. With the support of AFoCO, my study has been accomplished successfully. As I come from the developing country, my study is important to not only me but also my country in mapping out the environmental and social development. During my study in Korea, I got a lot of experience I would’ve never imagined myself. I can make friends from different countries and learn different culture and I have learnt a lot from many knowledgeable, hard-working and caring Professors. Regarding with my study life, I don’t have any problems because of Professors, PSPS office staffs, friends as well as the assistance and support of staffs from the AFoCO. When I come back to my country, I will continue my work at my department and my study provide to fulfil the gap in the natural resource management. This scholarship would help me pursue my dream of studying aboard and earning a higher education in order to give back to society.

Publications

(MSc Thesis) Assessing Local Community’s Preferences for Conservation of Wetland: The Case Study of Moeyungyi Wetland Wildlife Sanctuary in Myanmar

2018 Graduates

Baisone Inthirath

Agriculture and Forestry Division, Lao PDR

MSc in Forest Resources & Ecological Restoration, Yeungnam University

“I am honored beyond words and fortunate to have been selected as a Landmark Scholarship Recipient. The scholarship also provided me with an opportunity to meet friends and researchers from different cultural backgrounds…”

Publications

Thant Sin Aung

Forest Department, MONREC, Myanmar

MSc in Forest Resources, Chungbuk National University

2016 Scholarship Recipient

It is a great pleasure to be selected as one of the 2016 Landmark Scholarship Recipients. I am eager to acquire more forestry-related knowledge at my university, which can be applied to improve the forestry sector in my country. I believe that this Program can contribute to establishing Southeast Asia as a model for a greener Asia. The Landmark Scholarship Program helped me to widen my horizon and improve my career in the forestry field. I believe I can apply the knowledge and experiences learned in Korea to improve the forestry sector in Myanmar.

Publications

(MSc Thesis) Effect of Deciduous Dipterocarp Forest Protection Regimes on Species Diversity, Stand Structure and Carbon Storage in Myanmar

2017 Graduates

Neab Keng

Forestry Administration, Cambodia

MSc in Forest Resources & Ecological Restoration, Yeungnam University

2017 Scholarship Recipient

Upon returning to my home country, I hope to organize and conduct research on Community Forestry and REDD+ in collaboration with other researchers in the region. Ultimately, I hope to mainstream forest-related courses on REDD+ and community-based forestry in Cambodia’s universities.

Publications

(MSc Thesis) Community-Based Monitoring of Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Cambodia’s REDD+ Pilot Projects

Neab Keng

Forestry Administration, Cambodia

MSc in Forest Resources & Ecological Restoration, Yeungnam University

2024 Scholarship Recipient

Upon returning to my home country, I hope to organize and conduct research on Community Forestry and REDD+ in collaboration with other researchers in the region. Ultimately, I hope to mainstream forest-related courses on REDD+ and community-based forestry in Cambodia’s universities.

Publications

(MSc Thesis) Community-Based Monitoring of Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Cambodia’s REDD+ Pilot Projects

Vo Trung Kien

Viet Nam Administration of Forestry, Viet Nam

MSc in Forest Resources & Ecological Restoration, Yeungnam University

2017 Scholarship Recipient

Through this opportunity, I hope to become a key resource person in the forestry sector of my organization, collaborate with researchers from neighboring countries and share knowledge with other organizations and academic institutions

Publications

(MSc Thesis) Impact of local livelihood activities on mangroves and sustainable forest management in Bac Lieu province, Viet Nam

Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO) is a treaty-based intergovernmental organization aiming to strengthen forest cooperation by transforming proven technologies and policies into concrete actions in the context of sustainable forest management to address the impacts of climate change.

We are headquartered in Seoul, the Republic of Korea, with a subsidiary body, the AFoCO Regional Education and Training Center (RETC), in Yangon region, Myanmar.

AFoCO Secretariat

12F SIMPAC Bldg., 52, Gukjegeumyung-ro,
Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul 07330,
Republic of Korea

T. +82-2-785-8971
F. +82-2-785-8970/8910
E. [email protected]

AFoCO Regional Education & Training Center (RETC)

Seed & Seedling Center (SSC) of Forest Department of Myanmar, Ye-Twin-Kone Village, Hmawbi Township, Yangon Region, Myanmar

T. +95-9972578592
E. [email protected]

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