The 15th Annual Asia Lighting Conference (ALC2024), a prestigious international forum dedicated to advancing academic exchange and technological innovation in the lighting industry across Asia, was held on August 22nd and 23rd, 2024. A highlight of the event was the keynote address titled Lighting the Future: Health & Environmental Innovations for a Better World delivered by Professor Jae Yong Suk, Faculty Co-Director at the California Lighting Technology Center.
In his keynote, Professor Suk discussed overarching climate issues facing the attendees, emphasizing the critical need to reduce energy waste while simultaneously improving the well-being of those utilizing lighting systems. His presentation explored specific examples, including the UC Davis networked outdoor lighting system, the challenges that pollinators face due to artificial light at night, and the application of circadian lighting principles across multiple applications. Additionally, Suk provided key updates on CLTC projects that are addressing these crucial issues.
Professor Suk highlighted the existing challenges within the lighting industry and lighting research, proposing a shift in focus toward human and environmental factors to unlock new opportunities. He noted the importance of multidisciplinary research and international collaboration as essential to overcoming these challenges and driving innovation.
He closed his address by challenging attendees to consider three pivotal questions:
- Why limit ourselves to conventional applications and technologies? Can we innovate further?
- How can lighting best play a role in climate resilience and adaptation?
- What innovative strategies can reduce light pollution and protect local ecosystems?
Professor Suk's insights and pioneering work in lighting technology provided attendees with valuable perspectives, enriching discussions, and inspiring new advancements in the field. His keynote contributed significantly to the collaborative spirit and technological progress that ALC is renowned for fostering.
Photo Credit: Kang Su-jin
Photo Source: Electric Newspaper (https://www.electimes.com)