From May 24 to 29, 2026, at the invitation of the National Research Foundation of Singapore (NRF), the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) of Singapore, and the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF), Prof. Lan Yujie, Vice President of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), led a delegation to Singapore and the Republic of Korea for bilateral cooperation consultations and to attend the 30th Meeting of the China-Korea Joint Committee for Basic Scientific Research.

In Singapore, Prof. Lan held bilateral meetings with Mr. John Lim, CEO of the National Research Foundation of Singapore, and Prof. Andy Hor, Deputy Chief Executive (Research) of A*STAR. The two sides engaged in in-depth exchanges and discussions including recent updates and bilateral cooperation in basic science. The delegation visited several universities and research institutions, including the National University of Singapore, the China-Singapore Belt and Road Joint Laboratory on Liver Disease Research, the Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), and the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Singapore Graduate School. The visits focused on local progress in science and education, talent cultivation, and the outcomes of ongoing research collaboration.

In the Republic of Korea, Prof. Lan Yujie attended the 30th Meeting of the China-Korea Joint Committee on Basic Science Research in Gyeongju. The year 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Joint Committee. Prof. Hong Won-hwa, President of the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF Korea), attended the meeting and delivered a special speech, expressing their wiliness to deepening practical bilateral research cooperation. In response, Prof. Lan noted that China and Korea, as close neighbors with intertwined cultures and aligned scientific visions, possess a solid foundation and vast potential for bilateral research cooperation. He expressed readiness to work closely with the Korean side to advance collaboration. During the meeting, Prof. Lan also held talks with NRF Vice President, Dr. Lee Seok Lae, where both sides reached consensus on further deepening cooperation. The Joint Committee selected projects for the 2026 China-Korea Joint Exchange Projects and Joint Seminars, and reached consensus on strengthening bilateral cooperation and priority research areas after thorough discussion. In addition, the delegation visited the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) and its core research facilities, including analytical laboratories, the Quantum Nano Fabrication Laboratory, and the Sea Battery Center. Discussions on deepening academic exchanges and research collaboration between China and Korea were held during the visit.

Dr. Yin Wenxuan, Executive Director-General of the Department of International Programs of NSFC, and relevant staff from the International Cooperation Bureau, accompanied the delegation.

Figure 1. The delegation Meeting with the National Research Foundation (NRF) of Singapore.

Figure 2. The 30th Meeting of the China-Korea Joint Committee for Basic Science Research.