KIST – VKIST strengthen research cooperation according to business needs

During the working session on May 8, 2025 in Hanoi, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology (MOST) Bui The Duy and Vice President of the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Chang Joon Yeon agreed to promote research cooperation between KIST and the Vietnam - Korea Institute of Science and Technology (VKIST), focusing on key areas, to meet the practical needs of Vietnamese enterprises.

Accordingly, VKIST will proactively propose specific research "problems" based on the actual needs of Vietnamese enterprises and coordinate with KIST in the research cooperation process. Vietnam is ready to arrange financial resources to invite leading experts and scientists from KIST to work at VKIST.

Deputy Minister Bui The Duy shared: "We hope that through this cooperation mechanism, the two sides will jointly research and solve technological problems that Vietnamese enterprises are ordering, gradually localizing products. Inviting KIST experts to work at VKIST will expand effective cooperation channels between the two Institutes."

Agreeing with the above orientation, KIST Vice President Chang Joon Yeon affirmed that he is ready to send leading experts to Vietnam to participate in applied research projects. He emphasized: "We highly appreciate this practical approach and are committed to accompanying VKIST in solving specific technological problems of Vietnamese enterprises."

Deputy Minister Bui The Duy also affirmed the deep interest of the Vietnamese Government leaders in the fields of science, technology, innovation and digital transformation - considering this as the foundation to promote socio-economic development in the new era. The Deputy Minister also emphasized the determination of the Ministry of Science and Technology in removing obstacles and perfecting the legal framework, especially amending the Law on Science and Technology, to create the most favorable conditions for VKIST to operate sustainably and effectively.

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui The Duy spoke at the meeting.

Mr. Chang Joon Yeon, Vice President of KIST, expressed his impression of VKIST's strong development and the support from the Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology. He said that the current stage of VKIST has many similarities with the process of science and technology development in Korea 30 years ago, when the State played a leading role and the private sector gradually formed an innovation ecosystem.

The Vice President of KIST also shared the implementation orientation of the second phase of the VKIST Project, emphasizing the shift from investment in facilities (hardware) to human resource development and system operation (software), considering this a key factor for the sustainable development of VKIST in the long term.

Overview of the working session.

A notable point during the meeting was that more and more Korean enterprises are setting up headquarters and opening research and development centers in Vietnam. Therefore, determining the strategic cooperation relationship between KIST and VKIST has become a key goal, aiming to carry out scientific research and provide practical support for Korean enterprises in Vietnam.

The working session demonstrated the strong commitment of both sides in making VKIST a model science and technology center, enhancing innovation capacity and supporting businesses, contributing to sustainable development and enhancing science and technology cooperation between Vietnam and Korea.

Center for Science and Technology Communication, Vietnam - Korea Institute of Science and Technology

Source: https://mst.gov.vn/kist-vkist-tang-cuong-hop-tac-nghien-cuu-theo-nhu-cau-doanh-nghiep-197250508170522876.htm