Viet Nam, South Korea spur science and technology linkages

The event was held within the framework of the State visit to Viet Nam by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.

Addressing the event, Minister Vu underscored that science, technology, innovation and digital transformation will remain key pillars of the Viet Nam-South Korea relations in the coming period.

He noted that the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) and the Viet Nam–Korea Institute of Science and Technology (VKIST) are set to intensify collaboration. VKIST is expected to pilot breakthrough mechanisms and policies, while KIST will support strategic planning and policymaking to help develop VKIST into a flagship model of bilateral cooperation.

In reply, Bae affirmed that both sides will further promote strategic collaboration, with a focus on developing VKIST into a central hub and expanding cooperation networks nationwide. Priority areas include artificial intelligence, semiconductors and other high technologies, alongside efforts to accelerate commercialization of research outcomes.

In the field of biopharmaceuticals and cosmetics, the Viet Nam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) has strengths in natural compounds, organic synthesis, microbiology and cell technology, but requires further capacity in deep processing, formulation and meeting international standards—areas where South Korea holds advantages.

Vu said VAST stands ready to connect research institutes, universities and enterprises, promote joint research, establish laboratories, and enhance human resource training, while leveraging existing cooperation frameworks such as those supported by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the VKIST model.

On the occasion, the Ministry of Science and Technology of Viet Nam and KOICA signed a Record of Discussion for the second phase of the VKIST project. The phase will be implemented under the framework agreement on non-refundable aid between the two governments signed on May 29, 2009.

The second phase is expected to receive approximately US$30 million in grant aid from the Korean Government and will run through 2033.

Outstanding examples of cooperation in science and technology

At the Forum, representatives of Vietnamese and South Korean enterprises shared many examples of cooperation in science and technology between the two countries.

Mr. Lee Kang-bon, CEO of TOPES Joint Stock Company, stated that technological solutions in the fields of intelligent transportation and public safety monitoring are opening up significant opportunities for collaboration between Viet Nam and South Korea.

The company's core technologies include AI-powered camera systems for license plate recognition with high accuracy, capable of detecting violations such as running red lights and speeding. These systems also integrate features such as vehicle type and color search, journey tracking, and traffic flow measurement.

A pilot deployment of 21 cameras along Vo Chi Cong – Pham Van Dong routes in Ha Noi has shown that the system achieves a recognition rate of over 98 percent both during the day and at night.

Notably, the combination of artificial intelligence with a vision-language model (VLM) developed by the Korea Institute of Science and Technology enables large-scale video data analysis, supporting tracking, early warning, and enhancing the efficiency of urban management, security, and disaster response./.