Vietnam Seeks Korean Model for National Measurement System Development

A delegation from Vietnam's Ministry of Science and Technology has visited South Korea to study its national measurement system, aiming to enhance human resource development, modernize national quality infrastructure, and revise the country's Weights and Measures Law. The delegation held discussions with the Korea University of Science and Technology (UST) and the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS) in Daejeon on July 28. South Korea is recognized as having one of Asia's leading quality infrastructures, with KRISS playing a pivotal role in providing national measurement standards and promoting measurement technology. UST, on the other hand, is known for its educational model that directly links with national research institutes, producing high-quality science and technology human resources. At UST, the delegation learned about its research and innovation-driven educational model. UST representatives shared their experiences in fostering collaboration between universities, research institutions, and businesses, and in developing high-caliber science and technology personnel. Both sides also discussed potential cooperation in postgraduate training and researcher exchanges. In the afternoon, the delegation met with KRISS, the core institution responsible for building and operating South Korea's national measurement system. KRISS introduced its organizational structure, research capabilities, national measurement standards system, and its role in supporting industrial development, innovation, and enhancing economic competitiveness. Representatives from Vietnam's National Office of Metrology (STAMEQ) shared their direction for amending the Weights and Measures Law, focusing on perfecting the legal framework, improving state management efficiency, and developing measurement capabilities to meet the demands of the digital economy and international integration. Discussions covered the organizational model of the national measurement system, investment and operational mechanisms for measurement standards, development of advanced measurement research capabilities, human resource training, and the establishment of National Quality Infrastructure (NQI). Deputy Minister Le Xuan Dinh highly praised KRISS's achievements in measurement science research and the development of the national measurement standards system. He expressed his hope that STAMEQ, the Vietnam Institute of Measurement, and KRISS will further expand cooperation in research, expert training, technology transfer, and technical capacity building. This collaboration is expected to aid Vietnam in refining its Weights and Measures Law and developing its national quality infrastructure in a modern, internationally integrated direction. Following the meetings, the delegation toured KRISS's development history exhibition and laboratories specializing in length, ionizing radiation, and electronic and magnetic measurements. They also met with Vietnamese scientists and researchers studying and working at KRISS to discuss research cooperation opportunities between the two countries.