Gov't shares insights on 5G, science with foreign ambassadors in Seoul

By Jun Ji-hye

The Ministry of Science and ICT shared insights on fifth-generation (5G) networks and other information and communications technologies (ICT) as well as science policies with foreign ambassadors and diplomats based in Korea, Tuesday.

ICT Minister Choi Ki-young

About 50 ambassadors and 80 diplomats of 90 countries with standing diplomatic missions here participated in a briefing session hosted by the ministry in Seoul, during which time ICT Minister Choi Ki-young and other high-level ministry officials gave presentations on the nation's key policies.

The participants also had a question-and-answer session to intensify dialogues and expand exchanges.

“The briefing session was designed to share policy issues that the international community needs to resolve together for future prosperity,” a ministry official said.

Minister Choi called on the ambassadors and diplomats from countries including Canada, Germany and Thailand as well as representatives from international agencies such as the United Nations Development Programme, to work together to expand international cooperation in the ICT and science sectors to achieve sustainable economic growth of all countries.

Choi asked ASEAN member nations to utilize the Korea-ASEAN center for science and technology partnership, which was opened in Jakarta in November, to vitalize cooperation in 5G technology and immersive content.

Korea has been striving to elevate Korea-ASEAN ties under President Moon Jae-in's New Southern Policy.

ASEAN refers to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, consisting of 10 members ― Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam.

In a bid to strengthen exchanges with countries possessing cutting-edge technology such as those in Europe and North America, the minister suggested carrying out joint studies on biotechnology and climate change.

He also called on developed countries to join hands to resolve issues facing African nations such as electricity-generating capacity and water security.

During the event, Jang Seok-young, who is in charge of establishing IT policies at the ministry, presented Korea's achievements and future strategies for 5G.

Three telecom companies here ― SK Telecom, KT and LG Uplus ― launched the world's first commercial 5G services in April.

Calling 5G “core infrastructure” in the communication network sector, Jang shared the nation's experience and knowhow so other countries that are preparing to launch 5G services can minimize trial and error.

Jeong Hui-kwon, the ministry's international cooperation officer, presented the nation's diplomatic policies involving ICT and science, stressing the importance of cooperation amid intensifying technology competition around the world.

He called on the international community to share opportunities of “innovative growth” to resolve climate and other environmental issues.