UTAR President leads AAET delegation at 12th ASEAN-Korea Engineering Forum and RTM in Seoul

The 12th ASEAN-Korea Engineering Forum and Roundtable Meeting (RTM), held on 9 December 2024 at Hotel Samjung in Seoul, was co-organised by the National Academy of Engineering of Korea (NAEK) and the ASEAN Academy of Engineering and Technology (AAET). Themed ASEAN-Korea Digital Trade Cooperation, the forum sought to foster innovation and strengthen partnerships in digital trade between ASEAN economies and Korea.

AAET President and UTAR President, Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, led the AAET delegation, which comprised Datuk Ir Yong Ah Huat, Dr Oh Ei Sun, Dr Fok Kuk Fai, Assoc Prof Dr Lee Wai Kong, Dr Goh Hong Lip, Ms Cha-Ly Koh and Ms Yap Chui Kie. Their expertise underscored a shared commitment to advancing cross-regional collaboration in the digital economy.

The forum began with welcome addresses by NAEK President Dr Kinam Kim and AAET President Prof Dato’ Ewe, setting the stage for meaningful discussions on key issues surrounding digital trade. Distinguished speakers presented insights into digital trade policies, technological innovations, and cross-border commerce. Among the highlights was a presentation on innovations in digital trade technology by Dr Lee from UTAR, followed by an exploration of payment innovation and tourism growth by Dr Goh. Additionally, Ms Koh, Founder and CEO of UrbanMetry, delivered an engaging session on harnessing artificial intelligence and big data to identify emerging market opportunities.

The forum fostered active engagement, with participants seizing the opportunity to exchange ideas and explore collaborative solutions for addressing digital trade challenges. The event concluded with the NAEK-AAET Roundtable Meeting, where discussions centred on strengthening cooperation, particularly in the application of artificial intelligence in green technology to enhance sustainability and reduce carbon emissions.

The forum served as a testament to the pivotal role of ASEAN-Korea partnerships in navigating the evolving digital landscape. By fostering cross-border dialogue and technological exchange, the event highlighted the significance of collective growth in the digital economy.