"Let's Return to Our Homeland and Start the Saemaeul Undong Movement"

Yeungnam University 43 International Students Presentation Contest

Foreign students studying at Yeungnam University Park Chung-hee Saemaul Graduate School gathered in one place.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Gu Daeseon] Foreign students studying at Yeongnam University Park Chung-hee Saemaul Graduate School held the ‘Current Students’ National and Regional Development Action Plan Competition’ to present ways to initiate the Saemaul Movement upon returning to their home countries.

Foreign students studying ‘Saemaul Studies’ in Korea gathered for the 8th annual event to devise plans for applying Saemaul development and regional community development in their own countries.

This year’s competition involved 43 foreign students from 19 countries enrolled at Yeongnam University Park Chung-hee Saemaul Graduate School, divided into 11 teams. After reviewing team action plan proposals and research reports in December, the final 8 teams were selected to present on the afternoon of the 12th at 2 PM at Yeongnam University Cheonma Art Center.

At the presentation, students from each country shared and discussed topics such as rural community development through environmental protection (Myanmar), inclusive social projects for people with albinism (Tanzania), sustainable community-based tourism industry projects in the Lombok region (Indonesia), meal intake improvement and healthy living assurance projects (Congo), expansion plans for collaborative rice value chains in the Ponga and Kapro regions (Malawi), increasing community income through biodegradable plastic products made from cassava peel waste (Indonesia), and child education enhancement projects in rural areas (Guinea).

The Zambia team, which presented on the ‘Youth Saemaul Education and Fisheries Project in the Kapu region,’ won first place at the competition.

Siame Jairos (41, Master’s 3rd cohort in Public Policy Leadership), who presented for the Zambia team, said, “I came to study at Yeongnam University Park Chung-hee Saemaul Graduate School with the conviction that the Saemaul Movement, which was the foundation of Korea’s economic development, will also benefit Zambia’s development. Preparing for this competition gave me an opportunity to deeply consider strategies and plans for community development applying the Saemaul Movement. I hope to have the chance to apply this practically after graduation when I return to my home country.”

Lee Heewook, director of Yeongnam University Park Chung-hee Saemaul Graduate School, who oversaw the competition, stated, “The ‘Saemaul Studies’ established through decades of education and research at Yeongnam University holds great value as a practical academic discipline.

It is especially important for foreign students to develop action plans based on theoretical knowledge that can be integrated into their countries’ development and to consider practical application methods,” adding, “The knowledge and experience gained at Yeongnam University Park Chung-hee Saemaul Graduate School will contribute to the development of each student’s country and local community.”

Yeongnam University Park Chung-hee Saemaul Graduate School was established in 2011 to train Saemaul leaders from developing countries.

Unlike general undergraduate and graduate students, foreign students enrolled at Park Chung-hee Saemaul Graduate School consist of government officials, public institution workers, social activists, and professionals who plan and implement policies in their home countries.

So far, 808 students from 71 countries have enrolled, and 724 students from 66 countries have earned master’s degrees in ‘Saemaul Studies’ and other fields. They are currently active as key policy makers, international development experts, and Saemaul Movement leaders in central government ministries, public institutions, and international development NGOs worldwide.

Currently, 43 students from 19 countries are enrolled.