Daejin University and Four Mekong Countries Join Hands for River Protection and Water Resources Technology Cooperation

Daejin University Discusses Water Resources Cooperation with Mekong Delegations
Aiming to Become a Water Management Hub Linking the Imjin and Mekong Rivers

Daejin University (President Jang Seokhwan) announced on the 22nd that it had held a working meeting on the 19th with delegations from Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos under the Mekong-ROK Cooperation framework to strengthen collaboration in river protection and water resources management.

Daejin University (President Jang Seokhwan) held a working meeting on the 19th with delegations from Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos under the MekongROK Cooperation to strengthen cooperation in river protection and water resources management. Photo by Daejin University

The event took place in a conference room at Daejin University and was organized to explore models of water management cooperation within the context of Mekong-ROK collaboration.

The event was attended by Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy, Deputy Director General of the Department of Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, as well as delegations from Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, and educational representatives from Can Tho University in Vietnam. Representing Daejin University were President Jang Seokhwan, Vice President for External Affairs Kwon Ho, and members of the International Education Team, who discussed the direction of mid- to long-term cooperation with the Mekong region.

Both sides exchanged views on several key topics: measures for river protection and water resources management; current water management issues in the Imjin River and Mekong River basins; and the potential for joint projects between Daejin University and Mekong-ROK cooperation organizations. In particular, they reached a consensus on the need for joint research and training programs for watershed-level water management and river ecosystem conservation, especially in light of the growing risks posed by the climate crisis and disasters such as floods and droughts.

Daejin University introduced its on-campus water resources research institutes and infrastructure, and provided an overview of the university's key educational and research capabilities, as well as international exchange programs, to representatives from Can Tho University. Both parties agreed to identify specific areas for cooperation in the future, including joint seminars on water resources policy and technology, researcher and student exchanges, and short-term training programs.

After the official meeting, the delegations toured Daejin University’s educational, research, and convenience facilities, including the Industry-Academia Cooperation Center, to observe the university’s industry-academia-research cooperation and community engagement initiatives. The Mekong-ROK delegations expressed strong interest in sharing Korean universities’ experience in water resources and environmental education and research with Mekong basin countries.

Daejin University plans to use this visit as an opportunity to activate joint projects with Mekong-ROK cooperation organizations and, through its agreement with Can Tho University, to actively recruit international students and diversify student nationalities. The university aims to strengthen international cooperation in water resources and environmental fields, enhancing its status as an educational and research hub connecting Northeast Asia and the Mekong region.