Korea University
Focuses on Globalization

New President Lee unveils his policies in his inaugural speech


Newly inaugurated Korea University President Lee Ki-su declared, "Globalization is not something that we can ignore while being part of today's world. We have to reform and utilize the resources we have as an institution and a nation, or we will not be able to sustain our competitiveness."Lee made this and other remarks in his inaugural speech as the 17th president of one of Korea's most prestigious universities on the Seoul campus in Anam-dong on Feb. 1. On hand at the ceremony were the Hon. Dr. Hyun Soong-Jong, chairman of the Korea University Foundation, other members of the Foundation, Chun Shin-Il, president of the Korea University Alumni Association, NewsWorld Chairman and concurrently Standing Director of the Alumni Association Kim Chong-ho, and other alumni and distinguished guests from home and abroad.
"The University gave its utmost effort during the first 100 years fighting for democracy and the nation's independence,
and I would like to point out to you that our priority in the coming 100 years is to produce global leaders who will be able to bring the values of Korea University to the core of the world's education industry and contribute not only to the nation but also the world's economic development,"the president said.
"In today's world, globalization is not an option but a must. In all aspects of educational programs, research endeavors, university management and operating systems, we must revive the spirit of Korea University and achieve global harmony within this tide of change in order for our university to take its place as a truly world-class institution of higher learning,"Lee said.
The president continued, "Firstly, I aim to initiate a project where all Korea University associated members can perform their duties in harmony, which is an inevitable task for the university to be able to progress to a new level.
Secondly, I will establish a new global network. Thomas Freedman regarded trong network systems'as one of the nation's critical success factors and this definitely applies to the success of Korea University. I will do my utmost to make Korea University a hub of information and creative knowledge in the world of higher education.
I will adopt and further develop the previous globalization policies of Korea University. I will build a Korea University LA Campus, which will act as a stepping-stone for those who wish to reach out for globalization. This will help to build a global network for Korea University graduates in North America.
I aim to expand the great services the university provides not only on a national level, but also on a global level. Korea University was founded as the first institution of higher education in Korea and yet survived and preserved its ideas of liberty, justice and truth even through the difficult period of Japanese colonial rule. With this experience, Korea University now needs to take a role in which it contributes to the global scholastic pursuit and be a leader in promoting the welfare of all mankind. This is critical to the success of Korea University's transformation from a national university to a truly global institution.
Thirdly, I intend to transform Korea University into a university of tradition and originality. Only the best of the best will survive in today's digital era. What I intend to do to survive is create an environment where one can express one's originality and, hence, further develop one's abilities.
Today we seek beyond rationality and speed and focus on creating a valuable future. To become truly global, it is most important to establish a high level of support for research and acquiring our own tradition completely. I believe global competence is vested in history and tradition and that Korea University will become the first in doing so.
Prior to moving forward to accomplish such a goal, I would like to remind you all of a realistic scholar, Park Ji-Won from the Joseon Dynasty, and his ideology in which he promoted the importance of maintaining tradition and introducing new culture at the same time, hence creating a new complete culture of our own. With this ideology in mind, Korea University will be reborn with a new identity, adjusted to a global standard. Carrying its original ideas of liberty, justice and truth, yet developing its own unique characteristics, Korea University will build a tradition of education that corresponds in harmony with the ancient tradition of academics. This will function as a major stepping-stone for Korea University to become a prominent institution in the center of a global network.
Those with no passion shall not have the ability to bring about action and those who devote their lives to what they do shall not be afraid of new challenges. Korea University will always take passion and devotion to heart and, as a result, will be reborn as a global institution playing a major role in writing a new history of the university and of Korea." nw

Korea University President Lee Ki-su delivers a speech during his inauguration ceremony on Feb. 1.


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