- Award ceremony for 2023 ROK-ASEAN Award for Excellence in Science, Technology and Innovation and ROK-ASEAN STI Training Program held, participated by 10 ASEAN nations 

The Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister Lee Jong Ho, hereinafter referred to as "MSIT") announced the commencement of an award ceremony for the "5^th ROK-ASEAN Award for Excellence in Science, Technology and Innovation" and the "2023 ROK-ASEAN STI Training Program," for the purpose of expanding the scope of exchanges between the Republic of Korea and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and their science and technology cooperation. 

The ROK-ASEAN Award for Excellence in Science, Technology and Innovation (hereinafter referred to as the "Innovation Award") was first established in 2019, in order to strengthen the foundation of science and technology cooperation between South Korea and ASEAN member states by discovering young and promising researchers in the ASEAN region, who are strongly willing to carry out joint research with Korean researchers. Now celebrating its 5^th anniversary this year, the Innovation Award has garnered significant interest from young ASEAN researchers, its number of applications increasing each year. Notably, past awardees Lawrence Limjuco (2^nd Winner, Philippine nationality, Ateneo de Davao University, Philippines) and Yanwei Lum (3^rd winner, Singaporean nationality, National University of Singapore, Singapore) are playing a bridging role in ROK-ASEAN cooperation, participating as panels at the 5^th ROK-ASEAN STI Workshop held in September. 

The Innovation Award is granted to young researchers who are citizens of ASEAN member states, and have less than 5 years of working experience after obtaining a doctoral degree. In detail, the Innovation Award consists of two categories: "Next ASEAN Innovator" and "ASEAN-ROK STI Pioneer." Next ASEAN Innovator is eligible for those who received a recommendation from an ASEAN member states for their high research capabilities. ASEAN-ROK STI Pioneer is eligible for those who received their doctoral degree from a Korean institution or have an experience in joint research with Korean researchers. In either case, the eligibility criteria demand that the applicant has a recommendation from a Korean instructor. 

This year, the Next ASEAN Innovator went to Son Tung Ha, a principal researcher at the Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE) under the Singaporean Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), who is of Vietnamese nationality. The ASEAN-ROK STI Pioneer went to Intan Rosalina Suhito, a research fellow at the National University of Singapore, who is of Indonesian nationality. Active in applied physics research, Dr. Son Tung Ha has published numerous papers in SCI journals in the field of nano-optics, and holds patents related to laser cooling. Dr. Intan Rosalina Suhito specializes in biomedical engineering, with multiple SCI-grade papers published on biosensors, and holds patents in stem cell technologies. In particular, one of her representative articles is based on the joint research effort with the Catholic University of Korea in 2022*. Her career includes a continued history of research collaborations with Korea. 

* In Situ Detection of Kidney Organoid Generation From Stem Cells Using a Simple Electrochemical Method 

Director General Kim Seong Kyu of the MSIT International Cooperation Bureau conveyed his hope that the recipients of the Innovation Award would take the lead in discovering innovative research topics through their outstanding research performance, contributing to the betterment of society. He also emphasized the role of these young researchers in expanding research cooperation between South Korea and ASEAN, in terms of both quality and quantity. He stated that, "We look forward to the mutual prosperity and development of the region, brought to us by the enhanced collaborative efforts among young and promising researchers, who will play a pivotal role in leading our future." 

The "2023 ROK-ASEAN STI Training Program," held in association with the Innovation Award, took place from November 27^th (Mon.) to December 1^st (Fri.), under the theme of "South Korean National Innovation System: Past, Present, Future, and Human Resources for Science, Technology and Innovation." A total of 18 science and technology policy officials and experts from ASEAN member states participated in the program, which featured on-site and practical training through discussions with Korean policy experts and field visits to science and technology research sites. It is anticipated that this program will provide a platform for regular policy exchanges between Korea and ASEAN, fostering a future-oriented partnership in science and technology innovation. 

For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division (Phone: +82-44-202-4034, E-mail: msitmedia@korea.kr) of the Ministry of Science and ICT.  

Please refer to the attached PDF.