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Global Center for Development and Strategy
Events
[G-CODEs] NUS EAI-Univ. Sydney-KAIST G-CODEs Workshop on "Advancing South Korea-ASEAN Science and Technology Cooperation"
- Admin
- 2026.04.24.
- 21
On April 24, 2026, researchers and academics gathered in Singapore for the Workshop on "Advancing South Korea-ASEAN Science and Technology Cooperation". Jointly organized by the East Asian Institute (EAI) at National University of Singapore, the University of Sydney, and KAIST G-CODEs, the workshop brought together experts from both regions to discuss the current state, challenges, and future directions of South Korea-ASEAN S&T cooperation.
"In unity, there is resilience." H.E. HONG Jin-Wook, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Singapore
The workshop opened with a congratulatory speech by H.E. HONG Jin-Wook, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Singapore, who underscored the diplomatic significance of Korea-ASEAN S&T cooperation in the current geopolitical context. His message symbolized the potential for meaningful collaboration between South Korea and ASEAN amid intensifying US-China strategic competition.
The workshop consisted of four panels addressing the full breadth of the Korea-ASEAN S&T agenda. Experts from ASEAN nations including Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia including 20 scholars and policy researchers gathered to present and discuss key issues.
In the first session, Prof. Kyung Ryul Park (KAIST STP / Director, G-CODEs) presented on "Mapping Technology Cooperation Networks", introducing Korea's latest AI governance policies and initiatives, including the implementation of Korea's AI Basic Act (2016) and the 2026 national AI budget. He also chaired Panel 3 on Critical Technology Sectors, leading key discussions.
Ms. Seohee Yoon (Ph.D. Student, KAIST STP) also presented on "Decades of Science & Technology Collaboration: A Bibliometric Analysis of Science and Technology Co-authorship between Republic of Korea and ASEAN" during the first sesion. Through a ten-year analysis of academic collaboration between the two regions, she mapped cooperation patterns and proposed effective frameworks for science and technology partnership, clearly identifying strengths and areas for improvement in regional cooperation.
The workshop featured in-depth discussions across various critical technology domains and policy areas, with participants sharing concrete cooperation cases in nuclear energy, quantum technologies, and electric vehicles and batteries. These discussions demonstrated the direction South Korea-ASEAN S&T cooperation should pursue in the future.
Major Discussion Areas:
1. Technology Trade and Research Networks
• Analysis of international cooperation structures in semiconductors, AI, and quantum technologies
2. Energy Security
• Cooperation in nuclear power, renewable energy, and EV battery technologies
3. Emerging Technology Governance
• Responsible development and international cooperation frameworks for AI and quantum technologies
4. Defense Industry Cooperation
• South Korea's defense export strategies and alignment with ASEAN countries' needs
5. Policy and Institutions
• Analysis of institutional gaps between South Korean and ASEAN countries in S&T policy
6. Capacity Building and Human Resource Development
• Strategies for enhancing ASEAN countries' technological absorption capabilities
The outcomes of this workshop will be compiled into an edited volume and publisehd later this year, with a title of "Advancing South Korea-ASEAN Science and Technology Cooperation", co-edited by Prof. Justin Hastings (University of Sydney) and Prof. Kyung Ryul Park (KAIST G-CODEs).
