- A 5-year, $30 million Digital Innovation Flagship project to be commenced

- Korea shares its key policies, such as the New York Initiative and the Digital Strategy of Korea ​

Minister Lee Jong Ho of the Ministry of Science and ICT (hereinafter referred to as "MSIT") delivered keynote speeches at the "ASEAN-Indo-Pacific Forum" and the "AI Workshop" co-hosted by South Korea, Indonesia and ASEAN, held as part of the official events of the ASEAN-Republic of Korea (RoK) Summit, from September 5th (Tue.) to 8th (Fri.), local time.


The ASEAN-Indo-Pacific Forum (AIPF) is coordinated to advance cooperation and discussion on current issues regarding the implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP)* adopted in 2019. Minister Lee Jong Ho introduced Korea's digital strategy during a session under the theme of "Inclusive Digital Transformation." In his keynote speech, he shared the progress made so far in implementing the "Digital Strategy of Korea," which was announced in September, last year, as a roadmap for responding to the era of deepening digitization. He also emphasized future plans for leading the global digital cooperation.

* The AOIP, adopted in 2019, stipulates the principles of cooperation, including ASEAN centrality, openness, transparency, inclusivity, etc., and four key areas of cooperation: maritime, connectivity, United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, and economic cooperation.


The following morning, the Minister attended the Korea-Indonesia-ASEAN AI Workshop* and made his speech on the RoK-ASEAN cooperation for digital innovation. In detail, he introduced new RoK-ASEAN digital cooperation projects** and further suggested that two parties join forces to foster a digital innovation ecosystem that contributes to global prosperity going beyond ASEAN. These projects focus on developing diverse and creative services based on data and artificial intelligence (AI) through collaboration.

* In the workshop, ASEAN member countries shared their digital and AI policies and discussed ways of cooperation to promote the application of AI in various fields, such as energy, security, and healthcare. Ethical considerations related to AI were also discussed.

** A. RoK-ASEAN Digital Innovation Flagship, B. digital wellness, C. cybersecurity


Later in the afternoon, Minister Lee is scheduled to visit HCT Co.'s branch in Indonesia, a domestic testing and certification agency. During the visit, he will inspect the testing facilities for electromagnetic radiation measurement of television and other home appliances. In addition, the Minister will take a time to listen to the opinions of Korean businesses surrounding obstacles and desirable government support when entering overseas markets.


MSIT had stated that this visit is part of the efforts to expedite the implementation of the Korea-ASEAN Solidarity Initiative (KASI), as proposed by President Yoon Suk Yeol in the previous year. This visit had laid the foundation for elevating digital cooperation with ASEAN to a new level. In the latter half of this year, activities such as the ASEAN Cyber Shield (ACS) hacking defense competitions (scheduled for November 2023 in Jakarta) and the working-level projects for the Digital Innovation Flagship* will be carried out in closer cooperation with ASEAN.

* A. Establishment of joint data ecosystem, B. establishment of super-computing infrastructure, C. AI development/startup competition, D. basecamp for digital talent nurturing, E. development and dissemination of AI-based solutions.


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.