Due to the Impact of COVID-19... Daesung Group Holds 'Skype' Video Conference

At the headquarters located in Gwanhun-dong, Jongno, Seoul, a 'Skype' video lecture was held with Kim Young-hoon, Chairman of Daesung Group (third from the left), in attendance.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daeseop] Recently, an executive of Daesung Energy, a subsidiary of Daesung Group, planned a business trip using KTX to make an in-person environmental energy report at the Seoul headquarters but canceled it due to concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Instead, they utilized 'Skype,' a software-based communication video platform. Although important management matters at local business sites are usually reported in person, this time it was replaced with a video conference according to headquarters' guidelines.

As COVID-19 confirmed cases surged in the Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions, employees of subsidiaries located in these areas have been canceling business trips one after another. Internal meetings are also being minimized considering the number of attendees. When meetings or reports are necessary, Skype, phone calls, and written communication are being used.

Daesung Group introduced Skype meetings in 2012. Since then, it has been used for annual meetings where representatives and executives of each subsidiary present the previous year's performance and new year's business plans. Monthly video lectures on various topics such as energy, economy, international politics, and science are also connected to local business sites via Skype by inviting professional lecturers.

The video lectures are held in the 'Skype Conference Room' next to the 12th-floor office of Kim Young-hoon, Chairman of Daesung Group. About 100 key executives and employees from major subsidiaries nationwide participate. It is not just a simple lecture; participants from headquarters and business sites share their opinions related to the lecture topics.

Skype uses Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) to enable high-quality voice, video, and text communication through internet-connected computers, smartphones, and other devices.

A Daesung Group official said, "Due to the impact of the COVID-19 spread, video conferences and work-related reports using Skype are expected to increase," adding, "Safety management for employees of subsidiaries located in Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions is also being strengthened."