World

ASEAN strengthens science, technology, innovation cooperation with Japan, RoK

The AJCCST-15 and AKJSTIC-7 once again reaffirmed the importance of ASEAN’s cooperation with the two Northeast Asian countries in science, technology and innovation, while reinforcing alignment with the region’s broader vision under its APASTI 2026–2035.

Participants in the 7th Meeting of the ASEAN – RoK Joint Science, Technology and Innovation Committee (AKJSTIC-7) in Vientiane, Laos, on June 24, 2026. (Photo: VNA)
Participants in the 7th Meeting of the ASEAN – RoK Joint Science, Technology and Innovation Committee (AKJSTIC-7) in Vientiane, Laos, on June 24, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Vientiane (VNA) – The 15th Meeting of the ASEAN – Japan Cooperation Committee on Science and Technology (AJCCST-15) and the 7th Meeting of the ASEAN – Republic of Korea (RoK) Joint Science, Technology and Innovation Committee (AKJSTIC-7) were held in Vientiane, Laos, on June 24.

The events took place ahead of the 22th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation (AMMSTI-22), hosted by Laos.

Japan remains one of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)’s longest standing and most trusted partners in sci-tech cooperation. Over the years, collaboration between the two sides has delivered tangible outcomes across joint research, human resource development, technology transfer and the building of innovation partnerships.

Against this backdrop, the AJCCST-15 served as an important platform for reviewing achievements to date, exploring new opportunities and identifying future directions to further deepen their partnership.

vnanet-asean-japan.jpg
Participants in the 15th Meeting of the ASEAN – Japan Cooperation Committee on Science and Technology (AJCCST-15) in Vientiane, Laos, on June 24, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Meanwhile, discussions at the AKJSTIC-7 focused on the cooperation plan for the 2025–2027 period. The meeting also advanced the implementation of priority areas under the plan, ensuring consistency and close alignment with the ASEAN Plan of Action on Science, Technology and Innovation (APASTI) for 2026–2035 and the plan of action for the ASEAN – RoK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during 2026–2030.

In addition, the AKJSTIC-7 reviewed ongoing initiatives and considered new proposals in areas including digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), clean energy technologies, scientific networking and capacity building in science, technology and innovation. These initiatives reflect the shared commitment of the bloc and the RoK to harness science and technology to address regional challenges while promoting sustainable and inclusive growth.

The AJCCST-15 and AKJSTIC-7 once again reaffirmed the importance of ASEAN’s cooperation with the two Northeast Asian countries in science, technology and innovation, while reinforcing alignment with the region’s broader vision under its APASTI 2026–2035./.

VNA
#ASEAN Japan #ASEAN RoK #sci-tech cooperation #AJCCST-15 #AKJSTIC-7 Japan Korea (RoK) ASEAN
Follow VietnamPlus

Related News

Delegates at the 13th meeting of the ASEAN – China Joint Science, Technology and Innovation Committee (ACJSTIC-13) in Vientiane, Laos on June 24 (Photo: VNA)

ASEAN, China pledge to bolster science, technology, innovation cooperation

As Chair of the 22nd ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation (AMMSTI-22), Laos has selected the theme “Advancing ASEAN Plan of Action on Science, Technology and Innovation (APASTI) for a Resilient, Sustainable and Competitive ASEAN”, reflecting the group’s shared aspiration to accelerate development based on science, technology and innovation, further strengthen regional resilience, and ensure ASEAN maintains its competitiveness in an era of rapid technological transformation, said Lao Deputy Minister of Education and Sports Kingmano Phommahaxay.

See more

At the signing ceremony of exchange of notes on assistance for the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) for Laos (Photo: https://kpl.gov.la/)

Laos, Japan boosts cooperation in training human resources

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Lao Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Anouphap Vongnokeo expressed the Lao Government’s sincere appreciation to the Government and people of Japan for their longstanding support and cooperation for Laos’ socio-economic development and the improvement of people's livelihoods.

High-rises in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Malaysia to develop low-altitude economy

Speaking at the launch of the initiative on June 24, Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has been tasked with developing a regulatory framework to support the safe integration and expansion of low-altitude aviation services.

​ Thailand secures deal to export 500 tonnes of durian to China

Malaysia's FDI reaches record high in 2025

Malaysia attracted a record 65.9 billion MYR (15.9 billion USD) in foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2025, up 41.2% from 46.7 billion MYR in 2024, reflecting sustained foreign investor confidence in the country's economy, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).

Farmers in Cipanas, West Java province of Indonesia, harvest vegetables (Photo: VNA)

Indonesia promotes transition to low-emission agriculture

Indonesia is preparing an initiative to promote low-emission rice farming systems, particularly in low- and medium-yield production areas, according to Ade Candradijaya, Head of the Agricultural Cooperation Bureau at the Ministry of Agriculture.

Illustrative photo: AFP/VNA

Malaysia warns of rising losses from online scams

Non-existent investment scams consistently recorded the highest losses, amounting to 848.62 million MYR in 2024, rising to 1.46 billion MYR in 2025 and totalling 361.63 million MYR so far this year.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung (second, right) speaks at the wreath-laying ceremony held on June 24 at the Ho Chi Minh Monument in the capital city of Caracas (Photo: VNA)

Venezuelan NA leader hails President Ho Chi Minh’s legacy

The great successes of the Vietnamese revolution stem from the sound policies and talented leadership of the CPV and the immense contributions of President Ho Chi Minh, said First Vice President of the Venezuelan National Assembly Pedro Infante.

Fertiliser products of PT Pupuk Indonesia (Photo: VNA)

Indonesia in talks with Asian countries on fertiliser exports

Indonesia has an annual fertiliser production capacity of around 14.8 million tonnes, including 9.4 million tonnes of urea. After meeting domestic demand, Indonesia is estimated to have an exportable surplus of between 1.5 million and 2 million tonnes each year.

Cargo ships at Singapore port. (Illustrative photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Singapore’s core inflation remains stable

According to a joint statement released on June 23 by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), May’s core inflation came in below the 1.6% median forecast of analysts. Core inflation excludes the costs of accommodation and private transport and is used by the MAS to assess underlying price trends in the economy.

Thailand targets high-income status within 12 years

Thailand targets high-income status within 12 years

To achieve these goals, the Government has adopted a development strategy based on an “economic team” approach centred on three key priorities - maintaining macroeconomic stability and fiscal discipline; developing infrastructure and human resources; and promoting sectors in which Thailand holds competitive advantages.

Tourists in Bangkok, Thailand (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Thailand unveils new security strategy

The Thai Prime Minister has instructed all relevant agencies to integrate their work under a unified approach guided by the principles of “relieving hardship, improving public welfare, protecting public peace, eradicating drugs and defeating criminal gangs.