- Provides a platform for emerging researchers from 13 APEC member economies, including Korea
- Discusses the future direction of chemistry research in the digital transformation era, focusing on AI applications
The Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT, Minister Yoo Sang-im) announced that the APEC Young Chemistry Leaders’ Forum will take place over three days, from Wednesday, April 23 to Friday, April 25, at the Suwon Convention Center. The event is organized in conjunction with Korea’s hosting of the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.
About APEC
Established in 1989, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is a regional economic forum comprising 21 member economies that promotes economic growth, trade liberalization, and cooperation.
(Members: Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam.)
The forum, featuring invited speakers from 13 APEC member economies—including Korea, the United States, Japan, Australia, Canada, China, and Singapore—will provide a valuable platform for young researchers to network and collaborate across the Asia-Pacific region. Held alongside the Korean Chemical Society’s Spring Meeting, the event is expected to bring together more than 3,000 domestic and international scientists. This gathering is expected to serve as a meaningful step toward strengthening collaboration between Korean researchers and their counterparts across the APEC region.
Under the theme “Embracing a New Era of Digital Transformation in Chemistry,” the forum will discuss the application of artificial intelligence in various fields, such as sustainable chemical synthesis, digital transformation in energy research, recyclable and next-generation materials, advanced sensors, and biotechnology.
During a dedicated panel session, Park Hwan-il, Vice Chair of the APEC Policy Partnership on Science, Technology and Innovation (PPSTI), will join participants in exploring ways to build collaborative digital research networks within APEC and to strengthen international cooperation.
About APEC PPSTI
Established in 2012, the APEC Policy Partnership on Science, Technology and Innovation (PPSTI) is a policy platform that promotes cooperation in science, technology, and innovation (STI) within the APEC region. It aims to support economic and social development through shared STI policies and collaboration.
Hwang Sung-hoon, Director-General for International Cooperation at MSIT, remarked:
“As AI and digital transformation continue to reshape research paradigms, this forum provides a timely opportunity for the next generation of APEC researchers to share ideas and engage with these emerging shifts. MSIT remains committed to strengthening digital research infrastructure and expanding global engagement to support the growth of young researchers.”
In partnership with PPSTI and as part of Korea’s hosting of the 2025 APEC summit, MSIT aims to further enhance scientific exchange across the region. MSIT also plans to organize additional events—such as the APEC Climate Symposium, the APEC Women in STEM Conference, and the APEC Quantum Science and Technology Forum—to further strengthen collaboration among APEC member economies.
This press release reflects Korea’s broader commitment to leading regional cooperation in science, technology, and digital innovation. Under the 2025 APEC summit theme, “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper,” MSIT will organize a range of ministerial meetings and events focused on science, digital, and AI collaboration to further strengthen partnerships across the APEC region.
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.