Kyung Hee University Establishes Three New Undergraduate Departments of Artificial Intelligence

Establishment of Department of Big Data Applications, Department of Smart Farm Science, and Department of Artificial Intelligence
Connecting Universities and Industry through AI Brain Hub to Solve Corporate Challenges

Intelligent Cloud and Security Laboratory of Professor Heo Ui-nam, Department of Computer Engineering, College of Software Convergence, Kyung Hee University (Photo by Kyung Hee University)

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] Kyung Hee University is establishing AI-related departments in its undergraduate programs to nurture talent in artificial intelligence (AI).

On the 10th, Kyung Hee University announced that it will create the Department of Big Data Applications in the College of Business Administration, the Department of Smart Farm Science in the College of Life Sciences, and the Department of Artificial Intelligence in the College of Software Convergence. Along with this, the university will set up an ‘AI Brain Hub’ to support education and research, and establish an AI Clinic Center and an AI Data Center under its umbrella.

Following the establishment of the Department of Artificial Intelligence in the Graduate School last year, Kyung Hee University is now creating AI departments at the undergraduate level. Among these, the Department of Big Data Applications and the Department of Smart Farm Science are majors that integrate knowledge related to AI fields. The Department of Big Data Applications teaches data mining and optimization theory based on AI knowledge. The Department of Smart Farm Science educates students in information and communication technology fields such as sensor control systems, AI-based modeling, and big data analysis of growth environments.

The Department of Artificial Intelligence covers all areas related to AI, including mathematical thinking, operating systems, software development, machine learning, big data processing, intelligent robotics engineering, and blockchain. It aims to provide knowledge necessary for AI development and to nurture human-centered talent by helping apply AI knowledge across all academic disciplines.

The AI Brain Hub serves as a pipeline connecting the university and industry. The AI Data Center, established within the AI Brain Hub, collects and analyzes big data across various academic disciplines. The Data Center plays a role in enabling the application of analyzed big data results to each academic field.

The AI Clinic Center solves problems faced by companies and local communities using AI. It forms a 'Triangle Artificial Intelligence Belt' in collaboration with Suwon City, Yongin City, and Hwaseong City, where the International Campus is located. Based on Kyung Hee’s specialized fields such as integrative Korean and Western medicine, semiconductors, and autonomous vehicles, the center reflects corporate issues in education and research to provide solutions to companies.

Professor Bae Seong-ho of the Department of Computer Engineering held a deep learning modeling optimization competition using Kaggle in the ‘Machine Learning’ course during the second semester of 2020. This gave students opportunities to solve corporate problems, and the results derived were also proposed to companies.

Kyung Hee University has also started fundraising activities to secure resources. Last year, it launched the ‘AI for Humanitas Fund’ with a goal of raising 10 billion won. The funds will be used for student scholarships, improving educational and practical training environments, and promoting research.

Han Gyuntae, President of Kyung Hee University, said, "AI is one of the important solutions to problems arising in the new normal era. We will invest a budget of 10 billion won and hire 14 additional faculty members over five years to ensure Kyung Hee University becomes a center for AI education expansion and AI research in South Korea."