[2020 Beloved Public Institution Award] Korea Industrial Manpower Corporation, Doing Its Best to Maintain Employment Through Non-Face-to-Face Work

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] The Human Resources Development Service of Korea was recognized for its efforts to revive the local economy and employment, which were contracted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and received the Grand Prize for Social Contribution at the '2020 Beloved Public Institution Awards.'

As maintaining employment emerged as a national priority after COVID-19, the Service prioritized its role as a specialized job support agency. To this end, it incorporated digital and non-face-to-face work methods across major projects. It also took thorough quarantine measures to prevent the resurgence of COVID-19 at the 55th National Skills Competition held in Jeonbuk last September, as well as at national qualification exam sites.

To ensure that young people aspiring to work overseas were not discouraged, the Service continued employment support through online one-on-one counseling and video interviews. A representative of the Human Resources Development Service stated, "We made every effort to ensure that job support services linked to the livelihoods of the people were not interrupted."

The Service took the lead in introducing local currency (Ulsan Pay) to revitalize the local economy and collaborated with local governments to expand sales channels for regional agricultural and marine products. It also took the lead in social contribution by using a fund of 35 million won, raised through voluntary salary returns and donations from executives and employees, to support underprivileged groups in the region.