KRISS Signs an MoU with the Philippines' Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI)

- A key delegation, including the DOST Vice Minister and the NML Director, visits KRISS -

- Establishing a framework for cooperation on joint research and personnel exchange in measurement standards -

 ▲ Group photo with the Philippine delegation

The Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS) has joined hands with the Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) of the Philippines to establish a framework for global cooperation in the fields of national measurement standards and measurement science and technology.

On Thursday, August 20, KRISS signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with ITDI of the Philippines for mutual exchange and joint research between the two countries.

For the signing ceremony, a large group of key officials visited KRISS, including Ms. Maridon O. Sahagun, Vice Minister of the Philippine Department of Science and Technology (DOST); Mr. Rodolfo J. Calzado, Jr., Deputy Minister; and Mr. Michael Jason Solis, Director of the Philippines' National Metrology Laboratory (NML). From KRISS, President Dr. Lee Ho Seong, Vice President Dr. Park Yon-Kyu, Dr. Kwon Su Yong, Director of the Division of Physical Metrology, and Ms. Park Hyerin, Head of the Center for International Cooperation, were in attendance. In particular, Ms. Kimberly May Baltao Chandra, Senior Private Sector Specialist at the World Bank, also took part as a global development cooperation partner between Korea and the Philippines, lending her support to the cooperation between the two countries.

▲ (Left) Video response by Dr. Annabelle V. Briones, Director of ITDI; (Right) The two institution heads greeting each other

Valid for five years from the date of signing, the agreement was established to provide a practical framework for cooperation in measurement standards and measurement science and technology between the two countries. The main areas of cooperation are the exchange of scientific and technological information and experience; personnel exchange of experts; joint research and technical cooperation; cooperation related to improving measurement standards, international comparisons, and calibration and measurement capabilities (CMCs); and capacity-building activities such as seminars, workshops, and training.

The event was moderated by Ms. Park Hyerin, Head of the Center for International Cooperation. Following a welcoming address by President Dr. Lee Ho Seong and a response from Vice Minister Ms. Maridon O. Sahagun, a video response was given by Dr. Annabelle V. Briones, Director of ITDI. After viewing a video on KRISS's major research achievements of 2025, the KRISS-ITDI signing ceremony took place. Mr. Michael Solis, Director of the National Metrology Laboratory of the Philippines (NML), attended on behalf of Dr. Annabelle Briones, Director of ITDI and the final signatory; ITDI's final signature is to be completed at a later date.

Alongside this, a meaningful award presentation was also held. Vice Minister Ms. Maridon O. Sahagun presented President Dr. Lee Ho Seong with an ITDI 125th anniversary plaque of appreciation, expressing gratitude for KRISS's contribution to strengthening the Philippines' measurement standards capabilities and to laying the foundation for cooperation between the two institutions. Since first signing an MoU in 2015, KRISS and NML have carried out various forms of cooperation, including a project to support the development of the Philippines' national standards infrastructure, invitational training programs, the donation of key KRISS measurement equipment, and the dispatch of KRISS experts for advisory services. In particular, researchers from NML have continuously taken part in the global group and individual courses of the KRISS Global Metrology Academy (GMA), and one PhD graduate has been produced through the UST-KRISS School, with two degree candidates currently enrolled.

▲ (Left) The KRISS-ITDI MoU signing ceremony; (Right) Presentation of the ITDI 125th anniversary plaque of appreciation

This MoU with ITDI, a key institution for the Philippines' industrial technology development and quality infrastructure, is expected to serve as an opportunity not only to advance science and technology in both countries but also to elevate the level of measurement standards across the Asian region. Going forward, KRISS plans to continue practical and sustainable research collaboration with the Philippines based on its advanced measurement technology and expertise.