Seoul: The science ministry said Monday it has completed an assistance program aimed at providing smart water management solutions to Southeast Asian countries along the Mekong River to address climate change challenges by harnessing South Korea's advanced technologies. The Ministry of Science and ICT announced the transfer of the operation of a facility built in southern Vietnam to the Vinh Long provincial government, marking the conclusion of the project that began in 2021 with a budget of US$4 million.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the project was conducted in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program and the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation. It was launched to tackle the challenges faced by countries along the Mekong River-Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia-amid the impacts of climate change and rapid economic growth. The initiative, named People's Livelihoods Innovation through Nexus in the Mekong Region (P-LINK), focuses on addressing water shortages in the region by leveraging South Korea's advanced technologies.

As part of the project, Vietnam received a stable water supply in areas struggling with saltwater intrusion, while Thailand was equipped with a smart water management system that enhances efficiency. In Laos, an artificial intelligence (AI)-based flood warning system was introduced, and Cambodia benefited from a renewable energy-powered water treatment system, as per the ministry's statement.

Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon emphasized the significance of the project, acknowledging South Korea's contribution to global sustainable development by offering science and technology-based solutions to the challenges faced by the Mekong River region countries.