We are honored to have ISO President Dr. Sung Hwan Cho join us for an interview. In the EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW column, Dr. Cho expounds his insights on the crucial role and importance of international standards, the progresses and achievements made by ISO in advancing priorities, and how ISO is adapting to emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. He also discusses ISO’s initiative in the digitalization of standards, his perspectives on future trends of international standardization, efforts to engage experts from SMEs, and his suggestions for future collaboration between SAC and ISO.

“We can maintain our reputation only if we listen to our audience—standards users across different sectors of industry and society. In today’s rapidly evolving socio-economic landscape, it is vital that we develop standards which are more market-relevant and customer-focused. While ISO remains grounded in strong institutional principles and traditions, it can nevertheless benefit from the efficiency and speed of private sector practices,” said Dr. Cho.

Dr. Cho also commends SAC’s significant contribution to ISO’s governance and technical activities its consistent participation and engagement. “SAC’s collaboration and drive are vital in helping achieve ISO’s vision of making people’s lives easier, safer and better.”

In the SPOTLIGHT column, we feature the Report on Standardization Achievements of the 10th Anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) released by SAMR and SAC at the end of last year. The report reviews the achievements of the past decade in using standardization to promote policy, infrastructure, trade, financial, and people-to-people connectivity since the launch of the BRI.

Recently, two ISO international standards on tourism, exhibitions and events have been published with substantial contributions from Chinese experts. These standards are expected to promote the healthy, orderly development of the tourism industry. Additionally, ISO/TC 8/SC 27 on ports and terminals has been established with China serving as the secretariat. The subcommittee will help promote coordinated development of ports and terminals.

In a world increasingly shaped by rapid technological advancement and rising uncertainties, our determination to build a better world remains unwavering. With standards as our powerful tools, we are confident in our mission to create a safer, smarter and more sustainable world for future generations.