(a) the details about the agreement reached with South Korea for Media Lab Asia (MLA);
(b) whether the Joint Research and Development initiatives are discussed with the
South Korean counterpart;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether Korea has accepted to adopt IIT of Guwahati; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS (SHRI PRAMOD MAHAJAN)
(a): There is no agreement which has been reached with South Korea for Media Lab Asia.
However, there has been a dialogue between MIT Media Lab and South Korea on the
possibility of setting up Media Lab East Asia which focused on biotech, arts and
advanced consumer electronics/robotics.
(b) and (c): Exploratory discussions with the Government of South Korea have begun
for joint participation in Research and Development projects. Korean side
have indicated that while assisting IITs in their upcoming stages, they would also
like to associate the Korean Universities/Institutions in all R&D projects.
Korean side have also evinced interest in students exchange programmes, faculty
exchange programmes and joint doctoral programmes. However, there is no formal
proposal from Korea in this regard.
(d): No, Sir.
(e): Does not arise.