Samsung selects 11 'Samsung Myeongjang' as key figures in technology management emphasized by Lee Jae-yong... 9 from Electronics lead

Selected as the Company's Top Technical Experts 'Myeongjang'
9 from Samsung Electronics, 1 from Display, 1 from SDI
39 Selected Over 5 Years Since the System Was Established in 2019

Samsung Group awards the title of 'Samsung Master Craftsman' to key figures in 'technology management,' emphasized by Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong. Samsung Master Craftsmen from Electronics, Display, and SDI.

From the left on the first row: Kim Munsu, Park Woocheol, Wang Gukseon, Lee Jinil, Samsung Electronics Master Craftsmen. Second row: Jeong Byeongyeong, Seo Heeju, Shin Jaeseong, Han Jongwoo, Samsung Electronics Master Craftsmen. Third row: Lee Gwangsu, Samsung Electronics Master Craftsman; Kim Chaeho, Samsung Display Master Craftsman; Joo Gwanno, Samsung SDI Master Craftsman. (Photo by Samsung)

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok]

"First, second, and third is technology."

Eleven key figures in 'technology management,' emphasized by Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, were selected as 'Samsung Masters' this year.

Samsung announced on the 2nd that it selected 11 top in-house technology experts as Samsung Masters and presented certification plaques at the New Year's ceremony hosted by each company's CEO.

The Samsung Master system certifies talents who have worked in one field for more than 20 years as top experts. Only those who combine technical proficiency and leadership are selected.

This year, nine from Samsung Electronics, one from Samsung Display, and one from Samsung SDI were appointed as Masters. All 11 are men in their 50s.

For Samsung Electronics, five were from the DX (Device Experience) division and four from the DS (Semiconductor) division.

In the DX division, Kim Moon-su, a Master from the MX Business Division, stands out. As a precision mold design expert, he contributed to popularizing Samsung's flagship smartphone, the 'foldable phone.' He led domestic production of equipment and internalization of core components by developing new mold structures and manufacturing methods.

Wang Guk-seon, a Master from the Global CS Center, contributed to improving the quality of TV and monitor products. Lee Jin-il, a Master from the VD (Visual Display) Business Division, was active in Samsung's premium TV marketing and retail sectors, while Jung Byung-young, a Master from the Global EHS Center, worked in environmental, safety, health, and fire safety fields at domestic and overseas sites.

In the DS division, Seo Hee-joo, a Master from the TP Center, is notable. Having worked in semiconductor packaging for 32 years, he developed equipment applying new manufacturing methods to overcome technical challenges.

Shin Jae-sung, a Master from the Memory Business Division, enhanced semiconductor dry etching process technology to increase productivity and reduce defect rates. Han Jong-woo, a Master from the Foundry Business Division, optimized vacuum pumps, a core piece of manufacturing equipment. Lee Kwang-soo, a Master from Global Manufacturing & Infrastructure Headquarters, dedicated 31 years to semiconductor fab (factory) construction.

Kim Chae-ho, a Master from Samsung Display's Small and Medium Business Division, was recognized for introducing the industry's first mass production technology that directly transfers heavy process materials between cleanroom equipment, improving smart factory productivity. Joo Gwan-no, a Master from Samsung SDI's Global Safety & Technology Center, contributed to energy savings by establishing in-house technical standards for utility equipment design, construction, and operation.

Samsung explained that since establishing the system in 2019, 39 people have been promoted to Masters. Initially focused on manufacturing technology, molds, quality, and equipment, the scope was expanded last year to include sales, marketing, and procurement.

Earlier, when Lee Jae-yong assumed the chairmanship in October last year, he stated, "The more difficult and challenging the times, the more we must prepare ahead and develop our capabilities," adding, "The most valued assets since our founding have been talent and technology." He also emphasized, "Now is the time to act more boldly and challengingly."

A Samsung official said, "Based on the philosophy of 'talent first' and 'technology emphasis,' Samsung plans to continue efforts to nurture top-level experts and enhance technological competitiveness."