Promote the Vietnam - Korea joint research ecosystem

Cooperation directions were given by the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam in a working session with the Korean Ministry of Science, Information Technology and Communications (MSIT) and the Korean Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) in Seoul.

During a working session with Deputy Prime Minister and MSIT Minister Bae Kyung-hoon on the morning of October 1, the two sides discussed the plan to implement the Science and Technology Cooperation Framework, signed by the two countries in April.

Hai bên thống nhất thúc đẩy các chương trình hợp tác cụ thể trong những lĩnh vực công nghệ chiến lược, trong đó có định hướng phát triển AI có chủ quyền. Ngoài ra, các nghiên cứu về dữ liệu, hạ tầng tính toán, mô hình AI nền tảng, đào tạo nhân lực và xây dựng hệ sinh thái AI phù hợp với ngôn ngữ, văn hóa, yêu cầu quản trị và nhu cầu của mỗi quốc gia cũng được đưa vào kế hoạch.

The two Ministers also discussed cooperation in the semiconductor industry, robotics, smart factories and physical AI; Strengthen links between research institutes, universities and businesses, and promote joint research, technology transfer and expert training.

Previously, at a meeting with KIST on September 30, Minister Vu Hai Quan also emphasized promoting joint research in strategic technology fields.

KIST was founded 60 years ago and is one of Korea's leading science and technology research institutes. This institute and the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam established the Vietnam - Korea Institute of Science and Technology (VKIST), achieving a number of results such as publishing 64 articles, registering 15 patents, applying seawater filtration technology and natural cosmetics.

At the meeting, Minister Vu Hai Quan asked KIST to expand the joint research program in areas where Korea has strengths and Vietnam has development needs, such as new generation semiconductors, quantum technology, artificial intelligence, and robotics.

"Cooperation needs to aim at results that can be applied and spread: from forming technology, testing solutions to transferring, commercializing and putting research results into production and real life," the Minister said.

He also proposed that the two sides increase sharing of laboratories, research facilities and modern equipment, jointly perform research tasks and gradually develop infrastructure at VKIST.

Regarding human resources, the Minister hopes that Vietnamese researchers will have more opportunities to directly participate in research groups, laboratories and topics at KIST, while promoting long-term master's, doctoral and post-doctoral training programs between Korea and Vietnamese universities. Those trained can then return to lead research teams, deploy technology and train the next generation.

The Minister also asked KIST to continue to coordinate in implementing the VKIST Project, improving research capacity, R&D management, human resource development and technology commercialization. On that foundation, VKIST can become a focal point connecting research institutes, universities and businesses of the two countries, promoting joint research, technology transfer and industrial cooperation and expanding the innovation network of the two countries.

At the meeting, KIST Chairman Oh Sang Rok pledged to always be a companion, sharing 60 years of research and institute management experience to support VKIST's development.

The two sides also discussed the Dual Degree model between KIST, Korea University of Science and Technology UST and universities in Vietnam, and proposed a priority mechanism for selecting excellent students with letters of recommendation from principals of major universities.

In addition, the scope of cooperation is proposed to expand to many other cities such as Hai Phong and Ho Chi Minh City, to support the establishment of R&D centers, connecting training and research with universities and local authorities.

KIST Chairman Oh Sang Rok said there will be a working visit to Hanoi, Hai Phong and Ho Chi Minh City in November to realize the above proposals.

Luu Quy