Opening of the Small and Medium Business Convergence Expo

Award Ceremony for Contributors to Promoting SME Convergence

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Cheol-hyun] The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (Minister Lee Young), together with Ulsan Metropolitan City (Mayor Kim Doo-gyeom), announced on the 29th that the '2022 SME Convergence Expo (Convergence Expo),' hosted by the Korea Federation of SMEs (Chairman Choi Bong-gyu) and organized by the Ulsan Federation of SMEs Convergence, opened at the Ulsan Exhibition & Convention Center (UECO).

Under the theme of "Creating a Region-Centered Private-Led Collaborative Ecosystem," the opening ceremony of this event included awards for individuals who contributed to national economic development through collaboration and technology convergence among companies.

Kang Yong-seon, CEO of Daewoong SNT, who received the Gold Tower Industrial Medal, formed a 'Structural Metal Panel Manufacturing Cooperative' by collaborating with 10 SMEs, and later developed the 'Gwangju-type Double Floor Panel,' which reduced costs by 20% through the application of new technology, supplying it to the construction of Gwangju Subway Line 2, achieving excellent collaboration results.

Shin Ki-soo, CEO of Daegeon Tech, who was awarded the Bronze Tower Industrial Medal, supplied substitutes for 13 discontinued parts due to aging to Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Central Training Institute and Korea Midland Power by collaborating with six power generation companies including Korea Western Power, based on metal 3D printer manufacturing technology.

This event also featured various side events such as exhibitions of excellent cases created through collaboration between companies, overseas federation exchange meetings, policy forums on knowledge industry centers, export consultations, and collaborative technology development (R&D) consultations.

Cho Joo-hyun, Vice Minister of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, stated, "Collaboration and convergence between companies are essential to respond to the Fourth Industrial Revolution and rapidly changing industrial environments," adding, "The Ministry of SMEs and Startups plans to consider policy support measures to promote collaboration and convergence activities among SMEs and support new business creation through this SME Convergence Expo."