Ministry of Science and ICT Urges Participation in Yoon's Digital Vision at Korea-ASEAN Digital Ministers' Meeting

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] The Ministry of Science and ICT announced on the 10th that it attended the 2nd Korea-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Digital Ministers' Meeting and adopted a joint statement approving this year's ASEAN digital work plan.

The Ministry of Science and ICT, led by Kang Dohyun, Director General of the Information and Communications Policy Bureau, attended the Korea-ASEAN Digital Ministers' Meeting held in Boracay, Philippines, to review the current status of digital cooperation and discuss future plans.

Director Kang introduced the digital vision 'New York Initiative' and the 'Korea Digital Strategy,' announced by President Yoon Suk-yeol in September last year, as policy directions for nationwide digital innovation, and requested the participation of ASEAN member countries, the Ministry of Science and ICT reported.

The joint statement adopted as an outcome of the Korea-ASEAN Ministers' Meeting included key contents such as the importance of realizing universal human values through digital technology, the Korean government's intention to expand digital cooperation based on the Indo-Pacific Strategy and the Korea-ASEAN Solidarity Initiative, and the approval of future cooperation plans.

Director Kang held bilateral meetings with the ASEAN Secretary-General and key countries including the Philippines, the United States, Singapore, and China to explore specific cooperation measures.

In particular, during the bilateral meeting with the ASEAN Secretary-General, he proposed cooperation projects such as artificial intelligence and data competitions in line with the Korea-ASEAN Solidarity Initiative, which aims to significantly expand financial contributions to ASEAN.

A Ministry of Science and ICT official said, "This ministers' meeting was the first high-level consultative body held in the digital field since President Yoon Suk-yeol announced the 'ASEAN Solidarity Initiative' at the Korea-ASEAN Summit in November last year," adding, "We will spare no support for mutually beneficial cooperation that harmonizes ASEAN's needs and Korea's strengths in the future."