Global Electronics Association Partners with KTL to Advance Reliability and Standardization in the Electronics Industry

Key Summary

• The Global Electronics Association signed an MOU with KTL to strengthen cooperation in standardization and certification
• The partnership aims to improve reliability, quality, and global certification capabilities for electronic components and systems
• Collaboration will include joint standards development, training programs, and integrated reliability testing
• The agreement supports SMEs in improving product reliability and accessing international markets
• KTL will expand its role in validation, standard compliance, and professional training through this partnership

The Global Electronics Association on November 4 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Korea Testing Laboratory (KTL) to strengthen cooperation in standardization, validation, certification, and professional training across the electronics industry. This partnership aims to enhance the reliability, quality, and global certification capabilities of electronic components and systems.

The signing ceremony took place in Seoul and was attended by Tae-Seung Song, head of KTL’s digital industry division; Jongwon Kwon, head of the Industrial AI Innovation Center; Sydney Xiao, president, East Asia, Global Electronics Association; and Tina Choi, Korea representative, Global Electronics Association.

Strengthening Industry Reliability and Global Competitiveness

South Korea has identified advanced manufacturing as a national priority—driving growth in sectors such as semiconductors, batteries, and automotive electronics. As manufacturing technologies evolve, the demand for reliability and consistency in electronic assemblies has intensified. Even minor process variations can affect performance and safety, underscoring the need for rigorous inspection standards and quality frameworks.

Through this partnership, the Global Electronics Association and KTL will help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) improve product reliability, streamline certification, and expand access to international markets.

Key Areas of Collaboration

The collaboration will focus on:
•    Joint development of de facto standards for electronics manufacturing
•    Co-hosting training and education programs based on Global Electronics Association standards
•    Integrating reliability testing with international quality frameworks
•    Organizing standardization forums and industry knowledge exchanges

KTL will leverage this cooperation to advance reliability validation, strengthen global standard compliance, and cultivate industry professionals through certification and training initiatives.

Leaders’ Perspectives

“This collaboration marks an important step toward aligning the electronics industry’s quality, reliability, and testing technologies with international standards,” said Tae-Seung Song, head of KTL’s digital industry division. “KTL will continue to serve as a trusted standardization and certification body, supporting domestic enterprises in building global competitiveness.”

Sydney Xiao, president, East Asia, Global Electronics Association, added, “We are delighted to partner with KTL to promote international standardization and reliability across the global electronics industry. By combining our strengths in standards development and testing, we can help manufacturers enhance quality, optimize supply chains, and drive innovation.”

Next Steps

Following the MOU signing, KTL hosted the 2025 De Facto Standardization Forum and Conference on November 6 at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas. In addition, the KTL Academy will hold an IPC-A-610 (CIS) certification course from November 11–14, offering limited free participation for industry professionals.