'K-Science and Technology' Applied to Mekong Water, Energy, and Food Issues... Ministry of Science and ICT Concludes International Cooperation Project

Technology Demonstrations Conducted in Four Countries: Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia
Application of AI-Based Flood Forecasting and Smart Water Management Systems

An international cooperation project aimed at addressing water, energy, and food challenges in the Mekong River basin countries using Korea's science and technology has come to a close.

On March 16, the Ministry of Science and ICT held a handover ceremony for a "renewable energy-based water treatment facility" in Con Linh Village, Vinh Long Province, Vietnam, and announced the completion of the "Korea-UNDP Phase 3 Cooperation Project (P-LINK Project)," which was jointly carried out with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC).

The Asia Business Daily DB.

The P-LINK Project is an international cooperation initiative that integrates policy research, technology demonstration, and capacity-building activities utilizing Korea's science, technology, and information and communication technology (ICT) to address water, energy, and food issues in the Mekong River basin. The project was implemented from 2021 to 2025 with a budget of approximately 4 million dollars. Under the support of the Ministry of Science and ICT, the UNDP and UNOSSC led the project, and the Science and Technology Policy Institute (STEPI) was responsible for planning and operations.

The countries in the Mekong River basin are facing complex challenges due to climate change and economic growth, including water resource management issues, increasing energy demand, and declining agricultural productivity. The Ministry of Science and ICT collaborated with the governments of four Mekong region countries—Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia—as well as with international organizations, research institutes, and local communities to establish demand-driven, customized technology models and implement pilot projects utilizing Korean technology.

By country, a saline water desalination-based domestic water supply system was established in areas of Vietnam where securing drinking water is difficult due to saltwater intrusion. In Thailand, a data-driven smart water management system was introduced for waterworks operations. In Laos, an artificial intelligence (AI)-based flood forecasting and early warning system was established. In Cambodia, a solar-powered water treatment and domestic water supply system was installed to provide a water supply infrastructure in areas with limited access to safe drinking water.

Domestic innovative technology companies such as Hermesis, JLSoft, Weplat, and L2E Solution participated as implementing organizations in the project, demonstrating water treatment systems, flood forecasting, and smart water management technologies locally. These participating companies also provided operational training and capacity-building programs for local personnel and established cooperative networks with Mekong region governments and institutions.

Based on the achievements of this project, the Ministry of Science and ICT plans to promote the "Korea-UNDP Phase 4 Cooperation Project" from 2026 to 2028. Going forward, the ministry aims to expand the sharing of policy experiences and technology application cases among Mekong region countries, and to develop science and technology cooperation models that involve Korea, international organizations, and partner countries working together.

Baek Kyunghoon, Minister of Science and ICT, said, "This project is significant in that it utilized Korea's science and technology to help solve local issues and contribute to sustainable development in the Mekong region countries. We will continue to expand cooperation projects that partner countries can tangibly benefit from through partnerships with international organizations and partner countries, while also supporting Korean companies in their overseas expansion."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.