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Minister Hyungjun Ahn Met with Director Bert Kroese of the IMF Statistics Department
On Monday, June 29, Minister Hyungjun Ahn of the Ministry of Data and Statistics met with Bert Kroese, Director of the IMF Statistics Department, at the NaraSaem Library office in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, to discuss data governance, big data, artificial intelligence (AI), and other issues of mutual interest.
- No.27
- Date2026-06-29
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The Ministry of Data and Statistics and Statistics Finland Signed an MOU to Advance Data and Statistical Innovation in the AI Era
The Ministry of Data and Statistics and Statistics Finland Signed an MOU to Advance Data and Statistical Innovation in the AI Era- MODS signed an MOU with Statistics Finland on cooperation in the field of data and statisticsThe Ministry of Data and Statistics (MODS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Statistics Finland on June 10, local time, in Helsinki, Finland, to promote cooperation in the field of data and statistics. A bilateral meeting was also held following the signing ceremony.The Korean delegation was headed by Mr. Dongwook JEONG, Director General for National Data Hub Policy at MODS. On the Finnish side, Mr. Markus Sovala, Director General of Statistics Finland, attended the meeting together with four Deputy Director Generals, and the two sides discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between the two institutions.Both institutions shared the view that innovation in data governance and statistical production systems have become increasingly important amid the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) and the growing demand for data-driven policymaking. Against this backdrop, the two sides signed the MOU to strengthen their cooperation in a more systematic manner.The MOU set out practical areas of cooperation, including sharing experiences and information for the advancement of data and statistics, cooperation in the use of administrative data and new data sources, expert exchanges and bilateral meetings, and the organization of joint seminars and academic events.At the bilateral meeting held after the signing ceremony, MODS presented its implementation plan for strengthening its function as a national data hub, examples of policy-tailored integrated data construction, and strategies for establishing AI-friendly statistical metadata.Statistics Finland, in turn, introduced the role of the statistical office within the national data ecosystem, achievements in modernizing statistical production processes, and examples of statistics based on administrative data. It also shared its experience in data linkage and the operation of register-based statistics.Mr. Dongwook JEONG, Director General for National Data Hub Policy at MODS, stated, “Statistics Finland is one of the world’s leading institutions in register-based statistics and the use of administrative data. We hope that this MOU will serve as an opportunity for our two institutions to closely share experiences in data and statistical innovation in the AI era, and further take a leading role together in international discussions on data governance and statistical modernization.”Mr. Markus Sovala, Director General of Statistics Finland, also remarked, “The Ministry of Data and Statistics of the Republic of Korea has very impressive experience and capabilities in data-driven administration and AI-friendly statistical innovation. I hope this cooperation will become an important milestone for data-driven innovation at both institutions.”Korea and Finland are expected to continue their close partnership in digital innovation and data utilization. The MOU is also expected to serve as an important opportunity to elevate cooperation between the two countries in the field of data and statistics to a higher level.Photo: MOU Signing Ceremony between the Ministry of Data and Statistics and Statistics Finland
- No.26
- Date2026-06-11
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MODS and the World Bank Held Data and Statistics Modernization Study Visit for Four African Countries
MODS and the World Bank Held Data and Statistics Modernization Study Visit for Four African Countries - World Bank Designated Korea’s Ministry of Data and Statistics as a Benchmark for Data and Statistics Modernization in AfricaThe Ministry of Data and Statistics of the Republic of Korea, led by Minister Hyungjun Ahn, held a study visit for delegations from the national statistical agencies of four West African countries — Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Guinea, and Togo — from Monday, May 11 to Thursday, May 14 at the Government Complex Daejeon.The study visit had been organized at the request of the World Bank as part of its statistical modernization projects in Africa, with the aim of benchmarking Korea’s statistical system.A total of 19 participants attended the program, including high-level officials from the national statistical agencies of the participating countries and World Bank representatives for West Africa. The delegation included Mr. Thiékoro DOUMBIA, Director General of the national statistical agency of Côte d’Ivoire; Dr. Makan DOUMBOUYA, Director General of the national statistical agency of Guinea; Mr. Jules DAGA, Deputy Director General of the national statistical agency of Benin; and Mr. Kodzo Dodzi HEVI, Director of the national statistical agency of Togo.The program covered a wide range of topics, including national statistical quality management and policy frameworks; the production of economic, social, and population statistics; IT-based systems for efficient data collection, production, and management; and user-oriented statistical services using the Korean Statistical Information Service, KOSIS, and the Statistical Geographic Information Service, SGIS.In addition, MODS shared innovative statistical production methodologies that combine administrative data and big data. The program also introduced cases of statistical production and service enhancement using artificial intelligence, providing insights into future directions for statistical modernization in Africa in the AI era.MODS has continuously supported the modernization of statistics in African countries through official development assistance, ODA, projects with Tunisia and Tanzania.This study visit was particularly meaningful in that it expanded the strengthened strategic economic and diplomatic partnership between Korea and Africa, following the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit, into the field of data and statistics.Mr. Felicien Accrombessy, Senior Economist and Statistician at the World Bank, who accompanied the delegation, stated that “Korea is a role model for the economic and social development of African countries, and MODS, in particular, is a benchmarking partner for statistical modernization projects.”He added that he hoped the cooperation model combining the World Bank’s financial support and MODS’ technical advisory expertise would help advance statistical systems in Africa, and requested Korea’s active participation in the development of statistical systems and the provision of technical advice.Mr. Thiékoro DOUMBIA, Director General of the national statistical agency of Côte d’Ivoire and one of the participants in the study visit, said that “Korea’s use of administrative data and big data, as well as AI-based statistical production, will serve as an important reference for statistical modernization in Africa.” He added that “the expertise of Korea, a global leader in statistics, is expected to become a decisive turning point in advancing the statistical systems of each country.”Minister Hyungjun Ahn stated, “Data and statistics are a core foundation for national policymaking and a strategic asset in the age of artificial intelligence.” He emphasized that “this study visit will serve as a catalyst for the statistical modernization of African countries and, furthermore, for their economic and social development.”He further added, “MODS will continue to expand cooperation with international organizations and national statistical offices, and will fulfill its role as a global leader in promoting the shared development of the international community in the field of data and statistics.”Photos from the Study Visit by the National Statistical Agencies of Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Benin, and Togo
- No.25
- Date2026-05-11
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Korea and Indonesia Signed MOU on Data and Statistics Cooperation on the Occasion of the Korea–Indonesia Summit
Korea and Indonesia Signed MOU on Data and Statistics Cooperation on the Occasion of the Korea–Indonesia Summit - Leaders of Both Countries Shared the View that “Data and Statistics Are Essential Elements of Evidence-Based Policymaking” - Sharing Best Practices in the Use of Big Data and AI to Enhance the Value of Data in Both CountriesThe Ministry of Data and Statistics of the Republic of Korea, led by Minister Hyungjun Ahn, fully revised and signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, on Data and Statistics Cooperation with Statistics Indonesia on April 1, 2026, on the occasion of the Korea–Indonesia Summit. The signed s were exchanged between the two sides.The Ministry of Data and Statistics of the Republic of Korea, led by Minister Hyungjun Ahn, fully revised and signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, on Data and Statistics Cooperation with Statistics Indonesia on April 1, 2026, on the occasion of the Korea–Indonesia Summit. The signed s were exchanged between the two sides.The main areas of cooperation included innovation in data and statistical production, such as the use of administrative data, big data, and artificial intelligence, AI; strengthening the development of official statistics in the fields of economy, population, society, and environment; and mutually exchanging the latest developments through regular bilateral meetings.In their joint statement, the leaders of the two countries shared the view that timely and accurate statistical data were a core asset that enables evidence-based policymaking across all areas of national administration, including the economy, society, and the environment.The MOU, which had been signed on the occasion of the meeting between the two leaders, was highly meaningful in that it reflected the commitment of both countries to advancing a core foundation of national governance. The two countries expected that cooperation in the field of data and statistics would serve as a strong driving force for sustainable development and prosperity.
- No.24
- Date2026-04-02
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Ministry of Data and Statistics Holds Bilateral Meeting with the Australian Bureau of Statistics
Ministry of Data and Statistics Holds Bilateral Meeting with the Australian Bureau of Statistics– Korea and Australia Strengthen Statistical Cooperation through Sharing Data Utilization Experiences –The Ministry of Data and Statistics (MODS) of the Republic of Korea (Minister Ahn Hyungjun) holds a bilateral meeting on statistical cooperation with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) in Daejeon from December 4 to December 5, 2025.The Republic of Korea and Australia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on statistical cooperation in December 2024. The current bilateral meeting marks the first high-level engagement following the signing of the MOU. The Australian delegation is led by Dr. David Gruen, Australian Statistician, and includes senior officials such as Mr. Marcel van Kints, head of statistical services.The two sides convened to discuss a wide range of topics, including: • organizational restructuring of MODS (Korea) • statistical registers (Korea) • longitudinal data on individuals and businesses (Australia) • use of administrative and private-sector data for the production of economic statistics (Korea and Australia) • strategies to improve household survey response rates (Korea) • current status and future directions for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in official statistics (Korea).Dr. David Gruen expressed strong interest in Korea’s efforts to strengthen data governance and advance AI-based statistical innovation following the elevation of its statistical authority to the Ministry of Data and Statistics. He noted, “I hope this meeting will serve as an opportunity to build a more innovative statistical ecosystem through cooperation and mutual learning between our two countries.”Minister Ahn Hyungjun stated, “This bilateral meeting is particularly meaningful as it is the first to be held since the signing of the MOU,” adding, “Through close cooperation with the Australian Bureau of Statistics, we look forward to jointly developing best practices in data-driven administration and statistical innovation.”
- No.23
- Date2025-12-05
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2025 MODS of Korea Holds Bilateral Statistics Meeting with the GSO of Vietnam
Ministry of Data and Statistics of Korea Is Holding Bilateral Statistics Cooperation Meeting with the National Statistics Office of Viet Nam Sharing systems for statistical coordination and review, and frameworks for statistical finance and organizational management The Ministry of Data and Statistics of the Republic of Korea, Minister Ahn Hyungjun, is holding a bilateral statistics cooperation meeting with the National Statistics Office (NSO) of Viet Nam in Daejeon from Monday, November 3 to Friday, November 7, 2025.The two institutions have maintained a close cooperative relationship since signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on statistical cooperation in 2002. In addition, Korea has been implementing an Official Development Assistance (ODA) project aimed at strengthening the statistical capacity of Viet Nam from 2022 to 2025.The Vietnamese delegation consists of seven officials, including Mr. Nguyen Thanh Duong, Vice Director General of the National Statistics Office of Viet Nam.At the request of the Vietnamese side, the meeting will focus on sharing experiences and practices in key areas of statistical administration, including an overview of the organizational restructuring of the Ministry of Data and Statistics, systems for fiscal management and asset administration, national statistical coordination and review mechanisms, and local statistics activities.In particular, following recent reforms of central and local government structures in Viet Nam, the GSO has shown strong interest in Korea’s elevation of its former Statistics Korea to the Ministry of Data and Statistics, and has requested detailed information on Korea’s organizational reform process.Mr. Nguyen Thanh Duong, Vice Director General of the GSO, stated, “Bilateral cooperation and the ODA project with the Ministry of Data and Statistics of Korea have greatly contributed to strengthening Viet Nam’s statistical capacity,” adding that “this meeting will be highly beneficial for the advancement of Viet Nam’s statistical system and organizational innovation.”Minister Ahn Hyungjun remarked, “This bilateral meeting is particularly meaningful as it is the first to be held since Korea’s statistical authority was elevated to the Ministry of Data and Statistics,” and added, “I hope that our two countries will continue to work closely together to advance statistical systems and strengthen data governance.”
- No.22
- Date2025-11-03
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Statistics Korea Sharing Experience in Census Innovation with China
Statistics Korea Is Sharing Its Experience in Register-Based Census Innovation with ChinaNational Bureau of Statistics of China Visits Korea with UNFPA and UNICEF to Explore Transition to a Register-Based CensusStatistics Korea announced that, at the request of the National Bureau of Statistics of China (NBS), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), it is conducting a study visit program from Monday, March 24 to Tuesday, March 25, 2025, to share Korea’s experience in producing a register-based census.The National Bureau of Statistics of China is currently reviewing a transition to a register-based census following recommendations from UNFPA, and decided to visit Korea to benchmark the advanced practices of Statistics Korea, which has successfully established a register-based census system.※ The National Bureau of Statistics of China is carrying out a data project in cooperation with UNFPA and UNICEF to strengthen demographic statistical capacity.The study visit is being attended by a six-member delegation led by Ms. Xiao Ning, Deputy Director General of the Department of Population and Employment Statistics of the National Bureau of Statistics of China, along with representatives from UNFPA and UNICEF.During the program, Statistics Korea is covering key elements required for transitioning to a register-based census, including: ▴ methodology and essential infrastructure for a register-based census ▴ acquisition of administrative data and data protection management systems ▴ methodologies for producing population, household, and housing statistics based on a register-based census ▴ database (DB) construction and standardization strategies.Ms. Xiao Ning, Deputy Director General of the Department of Population and Employment Statistics of the NBS, stated, “Based on Korea’s successful experience in transitioning to a register-based census, we plan to explore an approach tailored to China’s specific circumstances.”Vice Commissioner Ahn Hyungjun of Statistics Korea remarked, “Through the register-based census, we have achieved outcomes such as reducing survey costs and improving data quality,” adding, “We hope this study visit will provide practical support for China’s census innovation.”Statistics Korea plans to further strengthen its international leadership in the field of register-based censuses through this program and to contribute to the advancement of global demographic statistics by cooperating with international organizations and countries around the world.
- No.21
- Date2025-03-24
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Statistics Korea Shares 100 Years of Census Experience with Uzbekistan
Statistics Korea Shares 100 Years of Korea’s Population and Housing Census Experience with the Statistics Agency of Uzbekistan– Uzbekistan Delegation Is Visiting Korea in Preparation for the 2026 Population and Housing Census –Statistics Korea (Commissioner Lee Hyoung Il) announced that, at the request of the Statistics Agency of Uzbekistan, it would hold a four-day study visit program from Monday, February 24 to Thursday, February 27, 2025, to share Korea’s experience in conducting the Population and Housing Census.In preparation for its 2026 Population and Housing Census, the first to be conducted since 1989, the Statistics Agency of Uzbekistan dispatched a four-member delegation to Korea, including Mr. Sheraliev, Head of the Department of Organization of Census Processes. * Uzbekistan last conducted a Population and Housing Census in 1989 under the Soviet system. Although it had planned to carry out a census after independence, the exercise was postponed several times. The next census is scheduled to take place from July 15 to August 21, 2026.Drawing on a century of accumulated expertise in conducting the Population and Housing Census, Statistics Korea will operate a tailored program covering the full range of census preparation and implementation to strengthen the practical capacity of Uzbekistan’s officials.The training program is addressing key topics including: internet-based census surveys and tablet-assisted face-to-face interviews, telephone surveys and call center operations, data collection, processing, and quality management, delineation of enumeration districts using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and public communication strategies to enhance citizen participation.Meanwhile, Statistics Korea is promoting an Official Development Assistance (ODA) project in 2025 in cooperation with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to strengthen Uzbekistan’s statistical capacity.Mr. Sheraliev stated, "As we prepare for our first Population and Housing Census in 37 years, we expect that learning advanced census methodologies from Statistics Korea will enable us to prepare in a more systematic and effective manner."Commissioner Lee Hyoung Il remarked, "We hope that Korea’s 100 years of accumulated census experience will provide practical support for the successful implementation of Uzbekistan’s 2026 Population and Housing Census," adding, "We will continue to contribute to the advancement of international statistics through strengthening census capacity and sharing best practices."
- No.20
- Date2025-02-25
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Statistics Korea Signs MOU with Australia
Statistics Korea Signs MOU with Australia for Statistical CooperationInnovation in Tech-Based Statistical Production Methods Accelerated by Korea-Australia MOUOn December 9 (local time), Statistics Korea signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for cooperation in the field of statistics with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) in Canberra, Australia.The two countries met last February at the UN Statistical Commission and agreed on the need for an MOU to cooperate on developing new statistical production methods using the latest technologies, sharing a mutual understanding that the environment for statistical surveys has become increasingly challenging following COVID-19.The MOU includes various areas of cooperation, such as:Sharing methodologies and experiences in statistical production using cutting-edge technologies like administrative data and big data.Organizing research visits, bilateral meetings, and seminars.Sharing data to support business activities.Following the signing ceremony, the two agencies shared their respective status and practices regarding: ① the establishment of statistical registers, ② cases of statistical production utilizing big data, and ③ current statistical services including microdata, private-sector data, and administrative data.David Gruen, the Australian Statistician, expressed his expectations, stating, "Statistics Korea contributes significantly to the advancement of international statistics by sharing various advanced cases of statistical production using the latest technologies with the international community. This agreement will serve as an opportunity to drive Australia's statistical development."Lee Juhyun, Director General for Planning and Coordination of Statistics Korea, remarked, "We hope to build a leading statistical production model through cooperation with the Australian Bureau of Statistics, a highly advanced agency, to improve the difficult survey environment we currently face."Since establishing diplomatic ties in 1961, South Korea and Australia have cooperated across various fields, elevating their relationship to a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" in 2021. The signing of this MOU between the two statistical agencies will serve as an important milestone in solidifying this cooperation within the field of statistics.
- No.19
- Date2024-12-09
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Abu Dhabi Government Eyes Korea’s Statistical Data Innovation
Abu Dhabi Government Eyes Korea’s Statistical Data InnovationStatistics Korea Shares Best Practices for Statistical Registers and Big Data-Based Statistics with Abu DhabiOn Tuesday, November 19, Statistics Korea held a session at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul to introduce South Korea's best practices in "data and statistical utilization" at the request of the Department of Government Enablement (DGE)* of the Abu Dhabi government. *Established in 2023 under the leadership of H.H. Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.This visit was conducted as part of the Abu Dhabi government's efforts to improve "digital transformation and integrated services." A delegation of about 10 members, including Chairman H.E. Ahmed Al Kuttab, visited Korea to learn about innovative cases from agencies such as Statistics Korea, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, and the Public Procurement Service.At the event, Statistics Korea presented cases of constructing statistical registers* by linking and merging administrative and statistical data, as well as producing 20 types of experimental statistics, such as "living population," by combining big data from credit cards and mobile communications. *Statistical Registers: Composed of basic statistical registers (population, household, housing, business) and policy-tailored statistical registers (employment activity, households with children, youth), used as populations for approved statistics and basic data for policy establishment.The Director General of Statistics Centre of Abu Dhabi (SCAD), which was incorporated into the DGE in April 2023, accompanied the Abu Dhabi government delegation. Based on the MOU signed with Statistics Korea in 2016, both organizations agreed to re-sign the MOU to reflect new mutual interests.Abdulla Gharib Alqemzi, Director General of Statistics Centre of Abu Dhabi, stated, "Statistics Korea's innovative data utilization cases, such as the construction of statistical registers, policy utilization cases, and the production of experimental statistics using big data, will be of great help to Abu Dhabi's digital innovation," and requested continuous cooperation with Statistics Korea.Ahn Hyungjun, Vice Commissioner of Statistics Korea, emphasized the cooperation between the two organizations, saying, "I hope that Korea's data and statistical utilization cases were helpful to the Abu Dhabi government, and I look forward to this training further strengthening the mutual cooperation between the two countries."
- No.18
- Date2024-11-19
Contact
Director for International Cooperation.
E-mail : modsint@korea.kr
