Osaka University

Graduate School of Engineering

Division of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering

Dear Prof. Akihiro TOKAI,

Sir, my name is PICH Ratana (originally from Cambodia). I received my bachelor degree in Environmental
Science from Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP) in 2012. Nowadays, I am an Editor-Researcher at the
Open Development Cambodia (www.opendevcam.net).

Recently, I have applied MEXT scholarship and I just received the Preliminary Screening letter from the
Embassy of Japan in Cambodia. I am writing to you in the hopes that I will be able to get an opportunity to get
involved in your lab of Green Engineering forGlobalEnvironment. I believe it is a great opportunity to change
my life because I believe that what I do today can improve all my tomorrows.
The research I wish to carry out is Roles of Hydropower in Enhancing Energy Supply in Cambodia. This
proposed research will evaluate quantitatively the present status of energy generated and supplied annually by
hydropower; analyze the long-term role of hydropower contributing in the context of electricity demand and
supply. Last but not least, it will identify the existing challenges and opportunities in the current policy, legal and
institutional of hydropower development regarding to environmental protection since recently Cambodia is in
the process of drafting the environmental impact assessment (EIA) law.

At Open Development Cambodia, I have published some datasets related to the energy sector in Cambodia
including hydropower and biomass, which it provides the public with free and up-to-date information. In 2013, I
was a Junior Researcher at Simplon Cambodia Ltd (SCL), which is a Swiss company focused on socially and
environmentally sustainable project developments in Cambodia. At SCL, my research tasks majorly focused on
the renewable energy, agriculture and climate change.

It is worth mentioning that I am happy, flexible and open about adjusting my research topic and interest as I
also have a broad knowledge and experience in other renewable energy sources including biomass. I
understand that there is still some area of improvement.

Energy and environment have long been my area of interest since I have entered into professional life.
Research has been an important part of my profession so far. Being a specialist in this field is my dream and
career goal.
In this email, I am attaching a primary screening letter, application, research plan, graduate degree, curriculum
vitae and academic transcript. However, if there is additional information that I have not included that you would
like, I would be happy to provide it to you.
Sir, your approval is very meaningful to me. I hope you will consider me and give me a chance to learn and
grow. You can judge my abilities and learning skills from the attached documents. I am highly motivated and
passionate student. I would be highly obliged if you select me as a research student for this program. I am sure
I would not let the reputation of your school down in any way and give my best performance.
Thank you for your time and consideration and I look forward to hearing from you.