□ DGIST (President Kunwoo Lee) awarded its first-ever honorary doctorate to Jong-Yong Yun, former Vice Chairman and CEO of Samsung Electronics, on October 22.
□ Jong-Yong Yun, former Vice Chairman, was appointed as DGIST’s inaugural Chairman in 2004. Since then, he has contributed significantly to the industrial and technological development of South Korea by taking the lead in advancing science and technology and fostering a creative research environment. He has dedicated himself to nurturing talent in science and technology and establishing an innovative research environment at DGIST. He has played a pivotal role in transforming DGIST into a world-class research and educational institution and enhancing South Korea’s scientific and technological competitiveness.
Under the leadership of its fifth president, Kunwoo Lee, who took office in December 2023, DGIST is ambitiously pursuing five new projects, including the DGIST Global Campus, Business School, and the Graduate School of Medical Science, in line with its upcoming 20th anniversary.[1] Jong-Yong Yun, the inaugural Chairman, stated upon receiving the honorary doctorate, “It is a great honor to receive the first honorary doctorate from DGIST, an institution that I hold in such high regard as its inaugural Chairman. I accepted the position believing that advancing science and technology is key to national competitiveness. As nurturing talent in science and technology is my final calling, I will continue to strive to support DGIST’s progress toward becoming a global university.”
□ Yun, recognized for his significant contribution to DGIST’s early development, was named a person of distinguished service to science and technology in 2017. He has also received the Special Achievement Award from the Ministry of Science and ICT, highlighting his ongoing achievements. Following his accomplishments at Samsung Electronics, where he led innovations in semiconductor technology and enhanced global competitiveness, he has demonstrated his leadership at DGIST as well by dedicating himself to nurturing outstanding talent and building a global research environment, fully committing his life to the advancement of science and technology in South Korea.
□ Former Vice Chairman Yun played a key role in Samsung Electronics’ growth into a global brand, demonstrating his distinctive leadership during his tenure at Samsung Group. He joined Samsung Group in 1966 and served as Vice President, President and CEO, and as Vice Chairman of Samsung Electronics, leading key technological developments and management innovations in the semiconductor, display, and mobile communication sectors. Notably, he played a key role in establishing South Korea as the world’s leading semiconductor powerhouse and in positioning Samsung Electronics as a global leader in the semiconductor and consumer electronics sectors by leading the development of DRAM and flash memory.
□ Meanwhile, DGIST President Kunwoo Lee stated, “I am pleased to confer DGIST’s first-ever honorary doctorate to Jong-Yong Yun, the inaugural Chairman, who has greatly contributed to DGIST’s rapid growth over the past 20 years. Going forward, we will spare no effort in leading regional development and advancing national science and technology through innovative educational programs and research. Together with our members, we will do our utmost to advance as a global university, unafraid of change and innovation.”
[1] The 20th anniversary of the foundation’s establishment, based on its registration date of September 7, 2024, will be celebrated on September 7, 2024.
