About 230 delegates from nine member countries of the Asia Science Park Association gathered on Jeju Island this week to discuss the future of high-tech science parks in Asia.

The Jeju Free International City Development Center is hosting the “ASPA Leaders Meeting” at Jeju Science Park from Monday through Wednesday.

ASPA is an international organization established in 1997 to help revitalize Asian economies through cooperation among Asian high-tech science parks.

This year, participants will exchange views on global leadership and cooperation among Asian science parks, while determining future strategies and business directions for ASPA under the main theme “Future Strategies for Asian Science Parks.”

The JDC, which became a member of the ASPA board of directors this year, plans to demonstrate at the meeting its Jeju Science Park project and show its blueprint for transforming the entire island into a technopolis.

David Fuller, chairman of Oceania Science Park Association, and Dr. Martti Launonen, who has participated in 200 global science park projects, are attending the meeting to share best practices.

In addition, companies based in the Jeju Science Park will showcase their cutting-edge technologies and publicize their brands through promotional booths and networking with others during the meeting.

Daum Communications, which relocated its headquarters to Jeju Science Park earlier this month, IBM Korea, ON Corporation which exports LCD TVs to the U.S., and representatives of Japan’s high-tech industries will present new technologies and case studies with the catchphrase “Competitive Business in Smart Era.”

By Kim So-hyun (sophie@heraldcorp.com)