On August 18 and 19, 2025, a series of events and discussions underscored South Korea’s surging influence in nuclear technology and its growing role in international scientific collaboration. As South Korea’s nuclear power sector experiences robust growth, the country is not only expanding its domestic capabilities but also forging significant partnerships abroad, most notably with Vietnam’s Hanoi Radiation Center. These developments are unfolding against a backdrop of global technological competition and shifting geopolitical alliances, as reported by Bao Can Tho and other regional sources.
At the heart of these advances is a renewed commitment to research, training, and the application of cutting-edge nuclear and radiation technologies. During a recent working session in Hanoi, South Korean experts and representatives from the Hanoi Radiation Center met to chart a course for the future. The discussions, held on August 18, focused on strengthening scientific and technical cooperation between the two sides, with a particular emphasis on developing new radioactive drugs and enhancing the use of radiation technology in medicine and industry.
Mr. Phan Viet Cuong, Director of the Hanoi Radiation Center, opened the session by presenting the Center’s development strategy for the period 2025-2030. According to MIC Vietnam, his plan prioritizes research and the development of radiation technology, the creation of new radiopharmaceuticals, and the need to boost scientific capacity through investment in equipment and staff training. "Our center is committed to advancing the application of radiation and the production of new radioactive drugs, with a focus on building up our scientific and technological capabilities through targeted investment and human resource development," Mr. Cuong stated.
The South Korean delegation, comprising experts from leading institutions such as the Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences (KIRAMS), the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), and Sungkyunkwan University, shared their own strategies and proposed concrete avenues for collaboration. As reported by MIC Vietnam, these included the development of radiopharmaceuticals at KIRAMS, joint research projects with the Hanoi Radiation Center spanning short, medium, and long-term horizons, and the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in radiation measurement devices—a promising new direction for both research and practical application.
One of the most exciting prospects discussed was the integration of AI into radiation detection and measurement equipment. This, experts agreed, represents a frontier with enormous potential for improving accuracy, efficiency, and safety in both medical and industrial settings. KAIST, a leader in technology and innovation, confirmed its readiness to support the Hanoi Center in training personnel to master these advanced tools. "We are prepared to assist in the training of staff to effectively utilize AI in radiation measurement and scientific research," a KAIST representative said, according to MIC Vietnam.
Beyond technology transfer, the South Korean side emphasized the importance of personnel training and academic exchange. Sungkyunkwan University, for instance, expressed willingness to host students and staff from the Hanoi Radiation Center, offering them opportunities to study and conduct research on foundational technologies related to particle accelerators and radiopharmaceutical production. This kind of cooperation, both sides agreed, is essential for building the next generation of nuclear scientists and engineers.
The session also addressed concrete steps for moving forward. The Hanoi Radiation Center assigned Mr. Tran Minh Quynh, Deputy Director, to coordinate the development of specific cooperation plans with South Korean partners. Immediate priorities include training personnel in cyclotron accelerator technology, advancing research and development of radiopharmaceuticals (notably DCPX), and applying AI in the design and manufacture of radiation measurement devices. Preparations are underway for a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Sungkyunkwan University, focusing on staff training and research exchanges, as confirmed by MIC Vietnam.
These collaborations are taking place as South Korea’s own nuclear sector enjoys a period of strong growth. According to Bao Can Tho, the country’s nuclear power industry is expanding rapidly, driven by both domestic demand and international partnerships. This surge is mirrored in other high-tech sectors, including shipbuilding and advanced weapons manufacturing, with Japan also making notable breakthroughs in defense production. The United States, meanwhile, is seeking to revitalize its shipbuilding industry by tapping into South Korean and Japanese expertise, highlighting the competitive and interconnected nature of global technology markets.
Geopolitical tensions provide a dramatic backdrop to these technological advances. The world is witnessing a complex web of challenges and alliances: Ukraine and Europe face ongoing difficulties, India and China are consolidating their relationship, and the Middle East is grappling with reduced aid and heightened unrest over the concept of “Greater Israel.” In the midst of these challenges, technological cooperation—such as that between South Korea and Vietnam—offers a rare bright spot, demonstrating how science and education can bridge divides and foster mutual benefit.
At the same time, the global race to “nuclearize” the Moon and the push for AI-driven innovation in various sectors reflect a broader scramble for technological supremacy. According to Bao Can Tho, concerns about predatory algorithms have led Australia to ban children under 16 from accessing YouTube, while the United States and the European Union are locked in controversial trade negotiations. Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policies have also contributed to rising global tensions, underscoring the high stakes involved in technological leadership and international cooperation.
Within this context, the partnership between the Hanoi Radiation Center and South Korean institutions stands out as a model of pragmatic, forward-looking collaboration. Both sides have expressed a strong desire to continue and deepen their cooperation, with an eye toward mastering cyclotron accelerator technology, producing advanced radiopharmaceuticals, and harnessing the power of artificial intelligence in scientific research. The immediate next steps include sending Hanoi Center staff to participate in short-term training programs at KIRAMS and KAIST, enabling them to gradually acquire and master critical technologies in accelerator operation, radiopharmaceutical production, and AI applications.
As the world navigates an era of rapid technological change and mounting geopolitical uncertainty, such partnerships may prove vital. They not only advance scientific knowledge and technical capacity but also build bridges between nations, helping to ensure that the benefits of innovation are shared more widely. For South Korea and Vietnam, the journey ahead promises both challenge and opportunity, but their commitment to collaboration suggests a future where science and technology can help shape a safer, more prosperous world.
