"South Korea's New Deal and Science Technology Transferred to ASEAN Countries"

Ministry of Science and ICT Hosts Korea-ASEAN Excellent Science and Technology Innovation Awards Ceremony and Science and Technology Innovation Workshop

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] The Ministry of Science and ICT held the '2020 Korea-ASEAN Excellent Science and Technology Innovation Awards' ceremony and a post-COVID-19 science and technology innovation workshop via video conference on the morning of the 22nd.

The event, co-hosted by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Science and Technology Policy Institute, was attended by over 100 participants including officials from the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to ASEAN, the Science and Technology Policy Institute, government officials from ASEAN member countries, and related policy experts.

Previously, in 2019, the government established the Korea-ASEAN Excellent Science and Technology Innovation Awards through the Korea-ASEAN Special Summit. This year, Dr. Lawrence Rimjoco from the Philippines and Dr. Nul Hafiza Ab Khalid from Malaysia were the recipients. They were awarded a prize of $12,000 and a commendation from the Minister of Science and ICT.

Dr. Rimjoco completed his master's and doctoral studies at Myongji University and dreams of contributing to the economic development of the Philippines by utilizing his expertise in materials engineering and the energy sector. He said, “Thanks to adapting to Korea's research culture that encourages rapid yet meaningful research through selection and concentration, I was able to diligently achieve excellent research results,” and expressed his aspiration, “Ultimately, I want to further develop sustainability research within the ASEAN region.” Dr. Khalid is engaged in research and development of eco-friendly materials with the ambition to contribute to climate change response. She stated, "Recently, I have been focusing on developing eco-friendly concrete using agricultural and industrial waste materials, and I look forward to advancing related research concretely with Korean researchers," adding, "I will grow into a female scientist role model in ASEAN through active networking activities and passion for research."

Following the awards ceremony, the 1st Korea-ASEAN Post-COVID-19 Science and Technology Innovation Workshop was held. The workshop was planned to share policy cases and concerns of Korea and ASEAN countries under the theme 'COVID-19 Economic Recovery, Technology, Innovation, and Enterprises.' Korea's New Deal and science and technology innovation policies aimed at overcoming the economic crisis caused by COVID-19 and achieving a major economic transformation were introduced. Discussions were also held on the ecosystem of technology startups during COVID-19 and innovative support measures for small and medium-sized enterprises after COVID-19.

Ambassador Lim Sung-nam of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to ASEAN said, “Both Korea and ASEAN regard scientific and technological development and digital transformation as important policy tools for recovery after COVID-19,” and added, “We will support expanding mutual cooperation centered on the Korea-ASEAN Science and Technology Cooperation Center in the field of science and technology innovation to share opportunities for joint prosperity.”

Jung Hee-kwon, Director of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Science and ICT, said, “Korea and ASEAN are moving toward an all-encompassing cooperative relationship centered on community values such as people, mutual prosperity, and peace,” and stated, “The Ministry of Science and ICT will continue to discover cooperation agendas in the field of science and technology with ASEAN after COVID-19.”