Jassen Harris Joins 5th S&T Fellows Convention, Emphasizing Industry Collaboration for Science and Innovation
Jassen Harris Industries Corporation (JHIC) participated as an Industry Partner in the 5th S&T Fellows Convention, held on September 30, 2026, at The Bellevue Manila. Organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the convention brought together participants from the DOST S&T Fellows community, government, academe, local government units, and industry.
The convention provided a venue for the DOST S&T Fellows to share research and development initiatives, exchange perspectives with institutional and industry partners, and explore how science and technology can translate into solutions with practical impact.
From Vision to Impact
The programme featured presentations and discussions centered on the work of S&T Fellows and the role of partnerships in advancing research and innovation. Among the sessions were “From Vision to Impact,” “Bringing Solutions through Science,” and “Conversations with Experts,” followed by perspectives from representatives of DOST institutions and other partners.
Representing Jassen Harris was Mr. Mike Jassen Sy, President, who delivered a message of support during the “Partners in Progress” segment.
Drawing from Jassen Harris’ experience working with Engr. John Chris T. Kwong and the DOST-ASTI team through REIINN, Sir Mike highlighted the company’s role as a industry partner for RuralCasting and LokalFi, technologies aimed at helping communities gain better access to learning and information.
He emphasized that developing technology requires continued collaboration and a willingness to adapt to the challenges encountered along the way.
“We work through the difficult parts together.”
For Sir Mike, being a partner in progress means working alongside researchers and innovators beyond the development stage and remaining focused on the people who ultimately benefit from the technology.
Making Science and Technology Accessible
A key theme of the message was the importance of designing technology around real-world needs and constraints. Referencing a principle often shared by DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr., Sir Mike noted:
“Fall in love with the problem, not the solution.”
He connected this mindset to entrepreneurship, emphasizing that understanding the problem should come before becoming attached to a particular approach or technology.
He also highlighted accessibility as an important consideration in technology development, asking whether users can afford a technology, understand what they can create with it, and receive support when challenges arise.
“We want to make technology accessible and understandable.”
For Jassen Harris (Makerlab PH), this perspective reflects the importance of considering not only whether a technology works, but also whether people can realistically adopt and use it. Sir Mike cited the company’s experience in consumer 3D printing, where price, ease of use, and access became important factors in reaching a wider market.
Connecting Research with Industry
Sir Mike also underscored the complementary roles of scientists and entrepreneurs in bringing innovations closer to the market.
“Let’s work together early, test ideas with users, understand the costs, and improve the design. We in the industry have to share the risk, too.”
He further noted that when a technology reaches the market, commercial sustainability becomes part of the equation. Supporting employees and customers while generating enough resources to continue improving products and funding further research are important considerations in sustaining innovation.
This perspective reflects the role industry can play in helping bridge research and practical application—from testing ideas with users and understanding market requirements to supporting commercialization.
Looking Ahead for Philippine Innovation
The convention also featured institutional perspectives from representatives of the Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI), Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI), and Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC), as well as perspectives from local government and the academe.
In closing his message, Sir Mike encouraged the S&T Fellows to look beyond the development of an individual invention or discovery and consider its potential to create broader economic and social value.
“Your next invention or discovery could be the start of a billion-dollar industry.”
He encouraged participants to identify potential collaborators and begin with a specific problem and a clear next step for working together.
The convention concluded with the “S&T Fellows Moving Forward” session, awarding of certificates to speakers, a photo opportunity, and lunch and networking.
Jassen Harris Industries Corporation continue to engage with researchers, educators, engineers, government institutions, and other stakeholders in initiatives that connect science and technology with practical applications. As Sir Mike concluded in his message, “May pera sa siyensiya. May kinabukasan sa siyensiya.”
The 5th S&T Fellows Convention provided another opportunity to strengthen these connections and encourage continued collaboration between research and industry toward technology that can create meaningful opportunities in the Philippines.