Through various cooperative programs of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Dr. Jongsoo Shin has contributed to scientific and technological innovation and human resource development in Vietnam’s agriculture sector as well as efforts to elevate Vietnamese rice in the global market.
Through various cooperative programs of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Dr. Jongsoo Shin has contributed to scientific and technological innovation and human resource development in Vietnam’s agriculture sector as well as efforts to elevate Vietnamese rice in the global market.
Dr. Jongsoo Shin inspects the growth of rice crops in the Mekong Delta. Photo: Khanh Long/VNP
For Vietnam’s rice industry, Dr. Shin
is a valued expert who has seen
Vietnam not only as a place of
work, but a country with a rich wet rice
civilization and its farmers’ innovative
spirit.
From his very first visit to Vietnam,
Dr. Shin was deeply impressed by the
cultural depth of its rice cultivation. In
his view, rice is not simply an agricultural
product, but an essential part of the
nation’s identity. After visiting the country’s two
largest rice-growing regions, the Mekong Delta
and the Red River Delta, he truly appreciated how
generations of Vietnamese farmers have developed
highly productive and sustainable farming systems.
Discussing new rice varieties currently being tested by experts from the Agricultural Genetics Institute. Photo: Khanh Long/VNP
Dr. Jongsoo Shin at the experimental garden for new rice varieties at the Agricultural Genetics Institute. Photo: Khanh Long/VNP
As IRRI Regional Director for Asia, Dr. Shin
believes his role extends beyond agricultural
expertise to include a broader development vision.
Given the growing impacts of climate change and
market pressures, he sees innovation crucial for
Vietnam to sustain its agricultural achievements.
One of his most memorable experiences was
a visit to the Mekong Delta, where farmers were
experimenting with new cultivation methods in
the field. “I was very impressed that farmers were
not only applying technology but also actively
improving it. Vietnam has a remarkably strong
spirit of cooperation. Researchers and farmers alike
are always willing to learn, share experiences, and
work together for innovation. These are key to the
growth future of Vietnamese agriculture,” he said.
Discussing new rice varieties currently being tested by experts at the Agricultural Genetics Institute. Photo: Khanh Long/VNP
Over years, IRRI has partnered with Vietnam to
develop rice varieties resistant to drought, salinity
intrusion, and flooding, while promoting climatesmart farming and the application of digital
technology in agricultural production.
According to Dr. Shin, the true value of a project
is not its immediate outcomes, but the long-term
benefits for farmers. “I hope Vietnamese farmers will
continue to benefit long after a project is completed
with stronger production, sustainably developed
innovations, and, most importantly, stable market
outlets for farmers.”
Dr. Jongsoo Shin, an expert, scientist, and manager at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), has remained deeply committed to supporting Vietnam’s agricultural development. Photo: Khanh Long/VNP
Dr. Jongsoo Shin from South Korea is an international agriculture expert who has made significant
contributions to promoting sustainable rice farming in Vietnam. A key leader of the RiceEco
project funded by the Mekong - Korea Cooperation Fund, he was awarded a Certificate of Merit by
Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.
Talking with experts from the Agricultural Genetics Institute in the gene research laboratory. Photo: Khanh Long/VNP
Friendly and deeply devoted to Vietnam’s agricultural sector, Dr. Jongsoo Shin attends a training session at the Agricultural Genetics Institute. Photo: Khanh Long/VNP
Sharing stories about Vietnamese rice cultivation with researchers from the Agricultural Genetics Institute. Photo: Khanh Long/VNP
The institute has trained many Vietnamese scientists
and technicians, many of whom now hold key positions
in the agriculture sector. Dr. Shin believes to maintain its position as one of the world’s leading rice exporters,
Vietnam should move from quantity to quality, invest
more in sustainability, strengthen market linkages, and
advance data-driven digital agriculture.
Dr. Shin speaks at a workshop on technical solutions for high-tech rice
cultivation in the Mekong Delta.
Photo: Files
Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development presented a
commemorative medal to IRRI for its
contributions to agriculture and rural
development in 2024. Photo: Files
Dr. Jongsoo Shin visits the Agricultural Genetics Institute, where researchers develop rice varieties capable of adapting to climate change. Photo: Files
For Dr. Shin, the future of Vietnamese rice lies in
not only higher productivity, but also greater value,
stronger resilience, and a more sustainable presence in
international markets. It is also the journey where he
and IRRI continue to accompany Vietnam’s agricultural
future.
Story: Bich Van Photos: Khanh Long/VNP & Files