▲ Pang Myung-se, CEO of Junglim CM Pang Myung-se, the CEO of Junglim CM, is a veteran who has participated in various ODA construction projects, such as health centers, schools, and museums, mainly in developing countries around the world, in collaboration with KOICA. Even before Junglim CM spun off from Junglim Architecture in 2023, CEO Pang had already participated in KOICA projects, and for over 20 years, he has consistently contributed to KOICA s ODA construction projects and achieved meaningful results. In April of this year, he held his first solo exhibition, titled "Another Perspective," in Insadong, Jongno-gu, Seoul. The exhibition featured a collection of his sketches and notes depicting vivid scenes of construction sites and the people within them, based on what he saw and experienced during his KOICA business trips overseas.Q Congratulations on your first solo exhibition! What inspired you to hold this exhibition? For the past 20 years, I ve had the habit of taking notes and making sketches in my notebook while traveling abroad for business. Most of them were written and drawn on site while participating in KOICA projects, and I gradually prepared a solo exhibition, wondering what it would be like to share these works with many people. Last year, while participating in an ODA project to build a hospital in a city located at an altitude of 4,100 meters, I sketched the people at the project site during a meeting and showed it to them, and they really liked it.▲ Korea-Colombia Friendship Inclusive Rehabilitation Center before the preliminary completion inspectionQ What motivates you to consistently participate in KOICA s ODA projects that support developing countries? My company s mission is to create a world where we live together by fostering healthy spatial environments. As a for-profit company, of course, we have to consider financial benefits, but we also strive to make ongoing social contributions for a world where we live together. We plan to maintain this direction in the future as well. Q Of all the facilities that you have built with KOICA in different regions, which one is the most memorable?I have traveled to various regions, from Latin America, such as Haiti, to the Middle East and North Africa. In fact, all the buildings we constructed were essential facilities that were indispensable to the lives of the local people. That s why it s very difficult to choose just one. For example, in Colombia, we built the Korea-Colombia Friendship Inclusive Rehabilitation Center. Colombia is the only Latin American country that sent troops to the Korean War. Since they helped us when we were struggling in the past, it is now our turn to help them. As many of you know, Colombia is not a very safe place. It is common for local soldiers and police officers to risk their lives fighting against large criminal organizations. There are often gunfights, and soldiers and police officers sometimes lose their arms or legs to landmines planted by these criminal groups. The Korea-Colombia Friendship Rehabilitation Center is a facility that treats and helps rehabilitate local soldiers and police officers who were injured while fighting against criminal organizations. Here, they find hope in life by participating in various activities such as swimming, taekwondo, and fencing. We feel a great sense of fulfillment in our work when we see soldiers and police officers regain their smiles as they undergo rehabilitation at the center. For this exhibition, we displayed sketches depicting scenes from the Korea-Colombia Friendship Rehabilitation Center. ▲ Garment Technology Training Center in Caracol in Haiti. Roofing work is in full swing.Q I heard that you took part in a meaningful project in Paraguay as well.I participated in several projects in Paraguay, and one of them was building an aviation training center near the capital city, Asunci n, inside the international airport, where we could share Korean aviation technology. Paraguay is one of the major landlocked countries in Central and South America, so it has no access to the sea, which makes trade difficult and causes its economy to lag behind those of neighboring countries. Therefore, landlocked countries inevitably have a strong need for aviation professionals, such as pilots and maintenance engineers. The aviation training center we built in Paraguay served as a hub for transferring Korean aviation technology and greatly contributed to improving the local aviation education infrastructure. One unforgettable project we undertook in Paraguay was the construction of a health center in Limpio, Central Department, during a period when the world was in turmoil due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the region was facing a shortage of medical facilities. This area had difficulty accessing even basic medical services, so building a health center was urgently needed. Although the work was not easy due to the pandemic, we managed to build as many as 20 health facilities even under difficult circumstances, creating an environment where local residents could receive quality medical services. Q Construction work abroad seems very different from domestic work. What is it like?In Korea, construction infrastructure is so well developed that buildings can be built quickly and easily. However, in many of the countries where we participate in projects, such infrastructure is often not available at all. We often encounter challenging situations, such as problems with building materials and difficulties communicating with local people. When we built the sewing vocational training center in Haiti, we had to collaborate with other international organizations, which often caused delays even during the communication stage, and coordinating opinions was not easy. This experience still remains vivid in my memory.Q How are architectural beauty and practicality balanced when constructing buildings in developing countries?The most important thing is to build something that serves its intended functions, and if it also features a design suited to the local culture and climate, it can become an even better facility. A prime example is the National Museum of the Democratic Republic of Congo. For this museum, we did our best to create a design that reflects the African climate and regional characteristics while also expressing the unique identity of Congo.▲ Pang Myung-se, CEO of Junglim CM, poses in front of his works. Q What message did you hope to convey to people through this exhibition?First of all, I wanted to let people know how many meaningful things are being done by so many people in remote areas overseas, and how we are working internationally. Since there are still many people who are not familiar with ODA projects or KOICA projects, I wanted to raise more awareness about these aspects. I also hoped that not only Junglim CM's experts who participated in this project, but also the designers, KOICA staff, and all related professionals would feel a sense of pride. It is truly important to have pride in the work they do.Q Do you have any advice for junior architects who want to work on ODA projects? Through participating in ODA projects, I realized that architecture is truly a meaningful endeavor. For people living in challenging environments, a well-built structure can be like a lifeline. I have a sketch that I drew when the Korean medical volunteer group visited the building that we constructed in Haiti. During the week that the group stayed, 3,000 patients came. With 500 patients coming each day, that small building played a truly significant role. Architecture is about saving lives, so I hope we never forget that the work we do is truly meaningful. Q What are your plans for the future? I am planning to compile my travel journals, storybooks, and field sketches that I have recorded over the past 20 years into a book. My goal is to publish it either this winter or next spring.▲ The National Museum of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Built as a museum, it is also used for state events such as African summits and as an experiential learning space for students.
In June, brimming with the vibrant energy of early summer, we bring you heartwarming stories of positive changes from around the world. In northern Laos, the RMNCH and Nutrition Training Center opened to provide healthcare services to local residents. In a welcome bit of news, 'PeKO' sticker set, designed to bring comfort and smiles to workers, are being distributed for free. There was also a presentation on the results of the overseas service for the Project Volunteers First Batch. The 'AICA Awards,' which aim to address the climate crisis through AI, have also launched. In Nepal, a Green Bond has been issued to support eco-friendly projects. Discover the positive changes KOICA is creating in communities around the world. 📰 NEWS 1. RMNCH and Nutrition Training Center Opened in Northern Laos ▲ On June 3, participants posed for a group photo at the completion ceremony of the RMNCH and Nutrition Training Center held at the Luang Namtha Provincial Hospital in northern Laos. On June 3, the RMNCH (Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health) and Nutrition Training Center opened at Luang Namtha Provincial Hospital in northern Laos. This center is the first and only specialized nutrition training facility in northern Laos, providing comprehensive services such as integrated management of acute malnutrition, breastfeeding and nutrition counseling, and training for midwives and healthcare workers. Luang Namtha Province, where the center is located, has a minority population rate of 72.2%, more than twice the national average of 34.2%. The region is densely populated by vulnerable groups with limited access to healthcare due to diverse cultural and linguistic differences. Accordingly, KOICA has been implementing this project with the goal of establishing an inclusive healthcare system that covers the underprivileged, such as women, ethnic minorities, and residents of mountainous areas, in order to improve access to maternal and child health services. In particular, the project contributes to reducing infant and child mortality rates, maternal mortality ratios, and child malnutrition through activities such as training midwives, providing maternal and child health and nutrition education, and implementing community-based nutrition outreach programs. 📰 NEWS 2. 24 New PeKO Sticker set Distributed for Free ▲ Capture of Peace Fairy PeKO s Workplace: Even If It s Tough, I Have to Do It (Hope Edition), which are being distributed for free through Naver OGQ Market starting June 26 KOICA has created 24 new Stickers featuring the unique harmless charm of the communication character PeKO, and is distributing them for free as Naver Sticker set through the Naver OGQ Market starting June 26 (download link: https://naver.me/FNIjURSX). This is the second release, following the first set titled Peace Fairy PeKO s Everyday, which was launched in 2023 and featured 24 different daily situations and emotions. The new set of stickers, titled Peace Fairy PeKO s Workplace: Even If It s Tough, I Have to Do It (Hope Edition), features PeKO as an eternally positive and passionate office worker. By humorously depicting situations and emotions commonly encountered in the workplace and daily life, these stickers can be used by office workers and by a wide range of users alike. PeKO sticker set can be freely used on Naver services linked with the OGQ Market, such as Naver Blog and Cafe, and can be downloaded for free by searching for PeKO or KOICA. In addition, by registering as a fan of the KOICA account, you can be the first to receive newly updated stickers in the future. 📰 NEWS 3. WFK KOICA - Project Volunteers First Batch Activity Results Presentation Held ▲ On June 4, participants posed for a commemorative photo at the KOICA Project Volunteer First Batch Activity Results Presentation held at the KOICA headquarters in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province. KOICA held the WFK KOICA - Project Volunteers First Batch Activity Results Presentation at its headquarters on June 4. This event was held for eight teams (a total of 87 members) from the WFK KOICA - Project Volunteers First Batch who returned after completing overseas volunteer work in eight developing countries including Paraguay, Cambodia, and Rwanda from December 2024 to April 2025. The teams shared their activity results and discussed ways to further improve the program. The returning volunteers all agreed that their four months of overseas service was a valuable experience that helped them build teamwork and confidence. KOICA also plans to launch nine newly developed Project Volunteer initiatives this year in countries such as the Dominican Republic, Rwanda, and Mongolia. Recruitment for the 4th batch of 2025 WFK KOICA - Project Volunteers will begin in early July, and related information will be available on the WFK-KOV website (kov.koica.go.kr). 📰 NEWS 4. KOICA-UN AI for Climate Action Awards ▲ Official poster for the AI for Climate Action Awards co-hosted by KOICA and the UNFCCC KOICA, together with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), is hosting the AI for Climate Action Awards (AICA Awards), an international competition for AI technologies to support climate change response in developing countries. The AICA Awards are an international competition that unearths innovative solutions using AI technology to address climate change, aiming to identify practical and sustainable open-source solutions for climate adaptation and mitigation in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). This awards program seeks innovative AI solutions that can be applied to urgent climate change response sectors such as agriculture, energy, water, waste, and early warning systems. Anyone aged 18 or older, whether as individuals or a group, can participate regardless of nationality. Applications are open until July 31, and the final winner will be selected through three rounds of judging by September. More information about the awards is available on the official AICA Awards website (aica.awardsplatform.com) or by scanning the QR code on the official poster. 📰 NEWS 5. Green Bonds Issued for Eco‑Friendly Projects in Nepal ▲ A farmer member of the project Building Climate Resilience and Reintegrating Economically Displaced Workers Through Climate-Smart Agriculture in Terai Flood Plains, Nepal jointly implemented by KOICA and GGGI, is harvesting crops. On June 10, KOICA held a ceremony to commemorate the issuance of green bonds together with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and Nepal Infrastructure Bank (NIFRA) at the Yak & Yeti Hotel in Kathmandu, Nepal. Green bonds are special-purpose bonds issued to raise funds for eco-friendly projects such as renewable energy, green transportation, and climate-smart agriculture. The proceeds from this bond will be used in Nepal s renewable energy and clean transportation sectors. This green bond is part of the joint KOICA-GGGI project, Building Climate Resilience and Reintegrating Economically Displaced Workers Through Climate-Smart Agriculture in Terai Flood Plains, Nepal (2022 2025). The Terai Plains are a key agricultural region in Nepal, but they are vulnerable to climate disasters, which threaten the livelihoods of local residents. Economic difficulties have been further exacerbated by the return of migrant workers after the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, KOICA has supported local governments and farmers by strengthening climate disaster response capabilities, providing climate-smart agriculture training, and offering small-scale climate finance support.
▲ The world's first geostationary environmental satellite, Cheollian 2B, can measure air pollution in the Asian region in real time. In February 2020, Korea successfully launched the world's first geostationary environmental satellite, Cheollian 2B. A geostationary satellite orbits the Earth at an altitude of approximately 36,000 km, traveling at the same speed as the Earth's rotation. The satellite can measure the distribution and movement of air pollutants in the Asian region in real time, about eight times a day. Its coverage extends beyond Korea. It observes the entire Asian continent, spanning 5,000 km, from neighboring Japan to Indonesia, India, and Mongolia. In the same year, KOICA launched the Pan-Asia Partnership for Geospatial Air Pollution Information (PAPGAPI) initiative. A large-scale project with an investment of 4 million dollars (approx. 5.8 billion KRW) over five years resulted in the installation of 20 Pandora surface-based observation devices across Asia and the creation of an air quality information platform integrated with satellite data. ▲ Representatives from the participating countries of the Pan-Asia Partnership for Geospatial Air Pollution Information receiving specialized training in 2022 on ground-based observation system Pandora . This project was established to create a system for Asian countries to share air quality data and collaborate on solutions. KOICA, together with the Korea National Institute of Environmental Research, Korea Environment Corporation, and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), formed a four-party collaboration, with the governments of eight countries, including Cambodia, Thailand, and the Philippines, joining the initiative. In this project, KOICA oversaw the overall operation, performance management, and coordination among stakeholders. The National Institute of Environmental Research provided data observed from the environmental satellite to Asian countries, took charge of establishing the ground observation network, and operated the Asia Technical Center. Korea Environment Corporation installed the Pandora equipment and was responsible for overseeing its pilot operation to ensure the equipment functioned properly in each country.UNESCAP identified the policy needs of each country and supported the development of strategies to improve air quality. UNESCAP also conducted local training to ensure the practical use of satellite and equipment data, with a focus on capacity building. Tiziana Bonapace, Director of the Information and Communications Technology and Disaster Risk Reduction Division at UNESCAP, who has been in charge of the capacity-building aspect of this project, discussed the significance, outcomes, and future sustainability of the project. Below is the Q&A.▲ Tiziana Bonaface, Director of the ICT and Disaster Risk Reduction Division at UNESCAP Q What was the background behind launching this project? The starting point of this project was the recognition that effectively addressing air pollution in the Asia-Pacific region requires the capacity to integrate space-based data with ground sensor data. Satellite data can observe wide areas, while ground data plays a key role in enhancing its reliability. The core of this project is to connect these two types of data to establish a practical air pollution monitoring and management system. While Korea operates over 870 air quality monitoring stations nationwide, Cambodia has only 14 and Thailand 96. This is far from sufficient, especially when it comes to monitoring transboundary air pollution. The current situation makes comprehensive monitoring a challenge. To bridge this gap, it is essential to integrate data from satellites and ground-based instruments to regularly monitor air quality not only in urban areas, but also in rural and border regions. In 2019, the Korean government announced its plan to share satellite data with Asian countries, and this project is the result of fulfilling that commitment. Q Compared to individual countries utilizing their own satellites, what is the biggest advantage of this platform? The biggest advantages of using satellites on a shared basis are cost and reliability. There are not many countries in the Asia-Pacific region that have the capability to operate and manage satellites on their own. Operating even a single satellite requires enormous resources. However, by sharing satellite use through a platform like this one, countries can access high-quality data at a much lower cost. Another advantage is data accuracy. To effectively utilize satellite data, it must be validated and calibrated using ground-based measurements. When multiple countries validate the data individually and share the results, the reliability of the satellite data increases. That s the true strength of the platform. Q What types of data are collected and shared through the satellite? The Geostationary Environment Monitoring Spectrometer (GEMS) measures the concentration of all major pollutants, including surface-level ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, aerosols (PM), and formaldehyde. Data collected by GEMS is converted into various satellite datasets by analyzing the sunlight absorption characteristics of atmospheric compounds or airborne particles through signals reflected from the Earth's surface. Q What are the tangible benefits of the platform? Through the KOICA project, participating countries can now access satellite data in real time for free every day. This is a significant change. Additionally, to validate and calibrate the satellite data according to local environments, the ground-based observation equipment, Pandora, has also been used. As a result, the reliability of the data has improved. From an environmental perspective, it has become possible to analyze not only localized air pollution in major cities but also the flow of air pollutants at the national level, seasonal trends, and even the transboundary movement of air pollutants caused by volcanic activities. Countries that have previously struggled to collect or analyze such data can now establish policies based on scientific evidence, thanks to the environment that has been created. Q What were the biggest challenges in implementing this project while working with multiple Asian countries? Air pollution is a highly sensitive topic, and each country had different circumstances and perspectives. Since it is a transboundary issue, it was not easy to reach a consensus on accountability and solutions. In particular, each country has different administrative procedures and decision-making structures, making it difficult to coordinate with multiple countries simultaneously. Although plans were made and agreements reached, unexpected issues arose during implementation. Another challenge was the difference in technological infrastructure. To effectively use satellite-measured air quality data, digital equipment, personnel, and technology are needed, but many countries lack this infrastructure. So, the goal of this project was not just to share satellite data, but to establish a system that enables the effective use of air pollution data. Q What is the significance of the platform built by Korea in the Asia region? Korea is not just a country with the technology to launch satellites. Korea has a very high level of understanding of air quality and has accumulated expertise on how to connect related data to policies. Thanks to this capability, Korea has also achieved the result of regularizing intergovernmental dialogues on air pollution issues in the Asia-Pacific region. As a result, I believe Korea has made a tangible contribution to air quality management in Asia, while also expanding its role in the fields of environmental and science diplomacy. Q What are the future strategies for ensuring the platform s long-term sustainability? A Since air pollution knows no borders, in order for Asia-Pacific countries to respond collectively, it is necessary to standardize the response systems of each country. It s not enough to simply provide equipment. To ensure that each country can properly understand and respond to air pollution using satellite data, it is necessary to provide systematic manuals and learning pathways. A comprehensive toolkit is required, including not only technology but also workforce training.Korea made a significant contribution to the Regional Action Programme on Air Pollution (RAPAP), which was adopted by UNESCAP member states in 2022. Since then, UNESCAP launched the Partnership and Coordination Platform in March, which serves as the implementation iframework for RAPAP. This platform will serve to support countries in sharing data and building capacities together in the future. This platform, together with the Pandora Asia Network, will become a key foundation for the sustainable monitoring of air pollution and collaborative response across Asia.
2025.04.24
▲ The 2025 Development Cooperation Participation Strategy Briefing, aimed at providing opportunities for Korean companies to enter the global ODA market, was held on March 11 at the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Enterprises in Yeouido, Seoul. KOICA will contribute to a sustainable ODA ecosystem, enhance Korea s national prestige, and create opportunities for Korean companies to grow globally. On March 11, the '2025 Development Cooperation Participation Strategy Briefing' (hereinafter referred to as the Participation Strategy Briefing) was held at the KBIZ Hall of the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Enterprises in Yeouido, Seoul. Son Jeong-mi, Director of KOICA s Office of Global Solidarity and Partnerships, opened the event with a welcoming address, saying, "Today s development cooperation is no longer mere aid, but is increasingly being recognized as an investment for global co-prosperity and sustainable development," adding, "Matching the growth potential of developing countries with the innovative technologies and capital of Korean companies could lead to mutually explosive growth." Korean Companies Aspiring to Enter the ODA Market, Gather Here!Since its launch in 2017, the Participation Strategy Briefing now in its 8th edition has served as a platform organized by KOICA to provide information to Korean companies seeking to enter the domestic and global ODA markets.It can be described as a "tailored, pinpoint lecture" that provides Korean companies with a wide range of information from trends in Korea s ODA to opportunities to participate in development cooperation projects led by KOICA, the Export-Import Bank of Korea (EXIM Korea), and global Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs).The briefing was conducted in two parts. The first part focused on the theme Participation Strategies for Korea s Grant and Concessional ODA Projects, with presentations delivered in the following order: ▲ Participation strategies for KOICA s Private Sector Engagement Program ▲ Participation strategies for KOICA s Corporate Partnership Program contest ▲ Participation strategies for EXIM Korea s Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) ODA procurement projects. The second part continued with presentations on ▲Participation strategies in ODA projects through international organizations and MDBs ▲Participation strategies for projects of the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) ▲Case studies of Korean corporations overseas expansion through participation in global ODA projects. . At the site, around 300 stakeholders gathered, creating a lively and enthusiastic atmosphere for the briefing session. The steadily increasing ODA budget... Opportunities open up to participate in aid procurement projects worth 700 billion won▲ Jang Seo-hee, director of KOICA Procurement Team 1, presenting procurement participation procedures and tips for Korean companies As the first presenter in Part 1, Jang Seo-hee, director of KOICA Procurement Team 1, introduced the procedures and tips for participating in procurement, focusing on this year s plan to issue new bids worth around 700 billion won. Jang said, "ODA projects are carried out to address public issues in the governments of partner countries, so they differ from conventional business models," adding, "Since these projects must be implemented based on the policies of partner governments by identifying their needs, it is essential to understand and approach them with a clear understanding of the differences between traditional business models and the procedures and methods of ODA projects.Next, Kim Hye-won, director of KOICA s Private Sector Engagement Program Team, explained the differences between CTS and IBS, KOICA s flagship private sector cooperation programs. CTS, short for "Creative Technology Solution," is a project in which KOICA partners with startups that possess innovative technologies or products to enhance the effectiveness of aid delivery. CTS supports stage-specific cooperation for companies, ranging from SEED 0, which provides consulting to nurture aspiring entrepreneurs, to SEED 2, which offers up to 500 million KRW to support pilot projects in developing countries for companies that have completed their technology development. In addition, a CTS-TIPS linked project has been established, allowing SEED 1 and SEED 2 to be conducted simultaneously through a fast-track process. So far, a total of 238 companies have participated, with 123 in SEED 0, 78 in SEED 1, and 37 in SEED 2. ▲ Kim Hye-won, director of KOICA's Private Sector Engagement Program Team, explaining in detail the differences and advantages of CTS and IBS IBS, which stands for "Inclusive Business Solution," is a program that helps Korean companies address social issues in developing countries while uncovering greater business opportunities. This program is open not only to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), but also to mid-sized companies, large corporations, and even investment firms. director Kim said, "This program aims to help create a large value chain - from production and processing to sales, marketing and distribution - by linking the Korean government's key strategies with the major industries of partner countries." The biggest difference between CTS and IBS lies in the composition of the project budget. For CTS, which targets startups and early-stage companies, the entire project budget is funded by KOICA. In contrast, IBS operates as a matching fund, where companies share a portion of the project costs typically in a 70:30 or 80:20 ratio depending on their size. The final presenter in Part 1, Choo Jin-ho, director at EXIM Korea, introduced the methods for participating in concessional aid. Team Leader Choo emphasized that concessional aid funds are conducted as loans between countries, so it is important to handle formal document exchanges through diplomatic channels. He stressed that it is crucial not to alter any details in the documents arbitrarily or omit required paperwork when submitting. Beyond Korea to the World: Expanding into the Global Market through International Organizations and MDBsAs the first presenter in Part 2, Lee Kye-cheon, Project Manager of KODABIZ, emphasized the need for Korean companies to pay close attention to the ODA international procurement market conducted through the Korean Trust Fund established at MDBs such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, of which Korea is a member.KODABIZ, the short name for the "KOICA ODA Business Support Center" provides various services for companies interested in expanding overseas, including ▲information on bidding opportunities in the global ODA market ▲capacity-building training for global ODA entry ▲consulting and proposal review ▲support for overseas marketing and vendor matching. Manager Lee said, "Last year alone, Korean companies secured over $10 million in global ODA projects through KODABIZ services. I hope that many more companies will take advantage of KODABIZ services this year as well."▲ Lee Kye-cheon, Project Manager of KODABIZ, emphasized the importance of paying attention to ODA international competitive biddings, which are conducted through the Korean Trust Fund at the MDBs that Korea has joined. Lee Jae-jin, Head of the Korea Office at CABEI (Central American Bank for Economic Integration), also took the stage as a presenter, encouraging Korean companies to enter the Latin American ODA market. Lee said, "The CABEI Korea Trust Fund projects offer certain advantages to Korean companies in the procurement and bidding process. As the Central American market is expected to offer more opportunities, especially in infrastructure development, I look forward to the active participation of many companies". She predicted that opportunities would go to companies that have thoroughly studied the Central American region.Successful companies entering the ODA market: "Through KOICA, we confirmed local needs and marketability."▲ Son Jeong-mi, Director of KOICA s Global Cooperation and Partnership Headquarters, Park Jong-han, Derector-General for Development Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Baek Seung-bo, Vice Administrator of the Public Procurement Service, along with other key figures attending the event, posed for a group commemorative photo. Toward the end of the event, two leading companies that successfully entered the ODA market through KOICA shared their success stories. Dot, founded in 2015, is a social venture that provides tactile device products and services for the visually impaired. The company has launched products such as a braille smartwatch and tactile pads. Kim Ji-eun, Assistant Manager at Dot, took the stage as a presenter to explain the key to their successful entry into the ODA market, saying, "Through KOICA's CTS program, Dot was able to verify whether its products really had social value and market potential, and to develop products and services tailored to local needs. Im Eung-soo, Vice President of Moon Engineering Co. Ltd., said, KOICA s risk management advisory was a great help in our business in developing countries. Moon Engineering, founded in 1990, is a specialized ICT consulting firm and is considered a small but strong company, with sales reaching 35 billion KRW as of 2023. The company first entered the ODA sector in 2010 and expanded its business scope by securing its first KOICA project in 2015. Vice President Im said, Although Moon Engineering is a well-established and recognized company in Korea, there are many risks in developing countries, such as political instability and exchange rate fluctuations, which can lead to project interruptions. In reality, it s difficult for small and medium-sized enterprises to handle these challenges on their own. He emphasized the necessity of building an internal risk management system with the advisory support of specialized organizations like KOICA. ▲ Outside the venue of the '2025 Development Cooperation Participation Strategy Briefing,' company representatives conducted consultations for the event participants.The participants continued the excitement even outside the event hall. The booth set up by KOICA outside the venue for individual consultations and promotion of participating companies was constantly busy with visitors. A total of 20 companies took part in the consulting on the day of the event, and 103 companies participated in the online consulting that followed the next day.KOICA said that it plans to take a more proactive approach to expand the participation of Korean companies in the ODA market in the future, adding, KOICA will do its best to ensure that Korean companies can participate in the vast international aid procurement market and reap the dual benefits of spreading global social value and contributing to the growth of Korea. Mini Interview 1Dot Kim Ji-eun, Assistant Manager at Dot Q What KOICA program did Dot participate in? There are two main ones. In 2017, Dot developed a solution through the CTS SEED 1 and 2 programs, and in 2023, the company was selected for the export-leading pilot procurement project, which was jointly organized by KOICA and the Public Procurement Service. Through the CTS program, Dot successfully developed the low-cost braille reader "Dot Mini" for the visually impaired. Dot has commercialized this product and successfully distributed 300 units to schools for the visually impaired in Kenya and India. After being selected for the Public Procurement Service's pilot procurement project, the company distributed 40 units of Dot Pad, a learning support device for the visually impaired, to the ALAC School for the Visually Impaired under the Special Education Department of the Ministry of Education in Cambodia. ▲ Donation ceremony of the innovative product Dot Pad and IT devices (iPads, laptops) to the Ministry of Preschool and School Education of Uzbekistan Q What kind of support did Dot receive from KOICA? A First, in the pilot procurement project, Dot worked together with KOICA s Shared Growth Team throughout the entire process, from planning to reporting results. Thanks to this support, Dot was able to focus solely on the core of the project without much difficulty. In addition, KOICA s Cambodia Office actively helped identify local demand organizations and took charge of communication, which allowed Dot to carry out local promotion, training, feedback collection, and monitoring throughout the entire process without major issues. Q Braille differs from country to country. Did you face any difficulties during the development process? A Braille varies from country to country, and some languages are difficult to braille due to their linguistic characteristics, so the level of difficulty varies as well. A typical example is Khmer, which is used in Cambodia. Currently, it is impossible to implement Khmer braille 100% accurately with any braille engine available on the market except Dot. Dot took on the project, which required close consultation with local partners such as the Cambodian Department of Special Education (DSE) and universities. In this process, KOICA played a significant role by directly engaging in discussions with the DSE and helping to persuade them throughout the process. ▲ A totally blind teacher at the Royal Academy for the Blind in Jordan identifies the national flag using the Dot Pad. Q Any other memorable moments you'd like to share? It was when I visited Uzbekistan to explore additional demand. Dot, the Uzbek Ministry of Education, and the KOICA Office signed an MOU, and I remember the advisor to the Uzbek Minister of Education saying, "Most products provided through ODA are often those that have been used in developed countries and later flow into Uzbekistan over time. However, Korea specifically identified the local demands and situation and developed a customized solution. I really appreciate it." I felt proud that the efforts of Dot and KOICA to develop and distribute products that meet local demands and circumstances were recognized. Q Does Dot have any plans to take part in KOICA projects in the future? A Dot plans to actively explore overseas markets by utilizing KODABIZ services to expand into international organizations. Dot also hopes to receive KOICA s support in identifying new projects. Additionally, the company plans to participate in KOICA s IBS program in the future.Mini Interview 2Moon Engineering Co. Ltd. Im Eung-soo, Vice President of Moon Engineering Q Please tell us what led Moon Engineering to participate in KOICA's program. Moon Engineering, which has provided various ICT solutions such as e-government, smart cities, and disaster management, planned to expand globally for sustainable growth. Since developing countries have different situations and higher risks, the company decided to seek help from KODABIZ. Q Risks? Due to the unstable political and economic situations in many developing countries, projects can sometimes be delayed or even halted because of sudden regime changes or shifts in government. Sudden fluctuations in exchange rates can also have a significant impact. Differences in tax systems and administrative procedures between countries can lead to small mistakes that result in large additional costs and time consumption. Q What kind of help has Moon Engineering received?Through KODABIZ, Moon Engineering has developed overall capabilities in securing and executing international projects, including risk management strategies. In particular, it has been very helpful to receive information about projects of international organizations and assistance in consulting and writing proposals leading to bids. Advice on the procurement standards of international organizations and local conditions minimized trial and error. ▲ Moon Engineering led the modernization of postal public services for the Postmaster General in Lahore, Pakistan. Q Are there any examples where support was particularly helpful?A In one country, the project was in danger of being delayed due to the complexity of administrative procedures. The company tried to discuss the issue directly with local government officials, but the process did not go well. At that time, with the help of KOICA's local office, we were able to clearly understand the local laws and administration, which allowed us to resolve the issue. Language and cultural barriers also posed significant challenges for a project in the African region. Even then, with the help of the volunteers dispatched by KOICA, we were able to understand the local customs and culture and solve the problems. Additionally, it was difficult to determine whom to trust when hiring locally, but with KOICA s support, we were able to gain networking opportunities and find the right experts. Q Is there anything you hope for from KOICA?Since KOICA's support has been a great help to our business, we hope that the scope of support will be expanded so that more companies can benefit from it. In addition, it would be great if there were follow-up support for companies that have successfully secured and won bids. I'm sure that if there is an official support network or system to assist in the project implementation and maintenance process, Korean companies will be able to achieve even greater results.
2025.04.24
In April, the queen of the seasons, KOICA is also filled with welcome news, just like the blooming of flowers. The Korean government will transfer its "K-Aviation Education" expertise to Cambodia, and KOICA was selected as an excellent institution for the sixth consecutive year in the 2024 Public Data Provision and Management Status Evaluation. KOICA has also achieved the remarkable feat of receiving the 'Excellent' rating for two consecutive years in the Public Institution Win-Win Growth Evaluation. Along with this, an MOU was signed with the Public Procurement Service to expand the ODA procurement market. Let s take a closer look at the details. 📰 NEWS 1. Soaring as an aviation education powerhouse with 'K-Wings'At the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Choi Moon-jung, Country Director of KOICA Cambodia (left), and Mao Havannall, Minister of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (right), pose for a commemorative photo during the signing ceremony of the Record of Discussions for the the project Strengthening the Civil Aviation Training System at the National Institute of Civil Aviation of Cambodia The Korean government will transfer its "K-Aviation Education" expertise to Cambodia to help the development of the aviation industry lead to tangible economic benefits, such as job creation. Following the opening of new airports in Siem Reap in 2023 and Koh Kong in 2024, and with the launch of the new Phnom Penh airport scheduled for the end of this year, Cambodia is focusing on expanding its aviation infrastructure, and this support aims to help the country further strengthen its expertise in the field.KOICA plans to invest 12 million dollars (approximately 16.5 billion Korean won) over the next five years to strengthen the expertise and competitiveness of the National Institute of Civil Aviation, an organization under the Cambodia State Secretariat of Civil Aviation that trains aviation professionals such as air traffic controllers and airport operations personnel, and to support its growth into a global aviation education hub. Specifically, the support will include the following: △ Consulting for ICAO TrainAIR Plus certification and development of training courses △ Strengthening the capabilities of administrators and instructors △ Construction of new buildings and renovation of existing buildings △ Provision of practical training equipment and aviation security programs 📰 NEWS 2. Selected as "Best" Rating for Public Data Provision and Management for Six Consecutive Years KOICA held the "2024 International Development Cooperation Data and AI Utilization Contest" on November 5 last year at the KOICA Development History Hall at its headquarters in Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, to discover innovative ideas for public data utilization and award the Grand Prize and Excellence Awards.KOICA was selected as the most outstanding institution for the sixth consecutive year in the 2024 Public Data Provision and Management Status Evaluation, organized by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. This year, 679 institutions, including central government agencies, were evaluated across three areas and eleven indicators. KOICA scored a total of 96.29 points, receiving consistently high marks across three areas: △Systematic management of open data, △Efforts to enhance the utilization of public data, and △Quality management of retained data, significantly exceeding the average score of 63 points for all evaluated institutions.In particular, KOICA's efforts to promote public data utilization - including hosting a private briefing to share best practices in data use, conducting in-depth interviews with experienced data users, and organizing a public data utilization contest - were recognized. In this way, KOICA is working to ensure that data related to international development cooperation ODA projects worth 2 trillion won annually is easily accessible and usable by the Korean public and businesses. 📰 NEWS 3. Signed a business agreement with the Public Procurement Service to expand the base of the ODA procurement marketKey participants including CHANG Won Sam, KOICA President (center right), and Lim Ki-keun, Administrator of the Public Procurement Service (center left), pose for a commemorative photo at the signing ceremony of the MOU between KOICA and the Public Procurement Service at KOICA headquarters in Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do. KOICA and the Public Procurement Service will continue their collaboration to expand the domestic ODA procurement market. KOICA signed an MOU with the Public Procurement Service at KOICA's headquarters in Seongnam to cooperate on the transition to the next-generation Korea ON-line E-Procurement System and to expand the range of government procurement items eligible for participation in ODA projects. The two organizations have been continuously collaborating since 2018 through an MOU, sharing specialized information in the ODA and procurement fields and exchanging personnel to support the overseas expenditure of government procurement products. The renewed MOU includes plans to further enhance collaboration by actively utilizing the capabilities of both institutions, such as: △Collaboration on the transition to the next-generation Korea ON-line E-Procurement System △Expansion of government procurement products for participation in ODA projects (adding cultural items)△Establishment of an ODA Goods Mall within the Innovation Marketplace and the introduction of a development cooperation field within the Public Procurement Service evaluation committee △Mutual cooperation to enhance KOICA's expertise in technology evaluation. 📰 NEWS 4. Selected as "Best" for two consecutive years in the Public Institution Win-Win Growth Evaluation A representative from a company selected as an innovative procurement company explains how to use Braille learning devices during a demonstration project held in August last year for five institutions, including the school for the visually impaired and special education centers under the Ministry of Education in Cambodia. KOICA achieved the 'Best' grade for two consecutive years in the 2024 Win-Win Growth Evaluation, conducted by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, which evaluated 134 public institutions. KOICA established a win-win growth promotion plan and actively utilized its network of 47 overseas offices and domestic connections to support the overseas expansion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In addition, KOICA established a win-win cooperation fund of 940 million KRW, a 20% increase from the previous year, and has been implementing various support programs, including the establishment of smart factories. KOICA also strengthened its collaboration with local governments and key public institutions to expand opportunities for regional companies and expanded the preferential system for SMEs to participate in ODA projects.In particular, through the "Export-Led Innovative Product Pilot Purchase Support Program," KOICA supported the overseas demonstration of products, providing learning devices for the visually impaired, throw-type fire extinguishers, and more to 19 countries, including Jordan and Mozambique, resulting in a total export achievement of 2.3 million dollars. This year, KOICA plans to support the entire process from identifying local demand to purchasing products through the Self-Discovered Export-Led Innovative Product Support Program worth 450 million KRW.
2025.04.24