Yoon: "Making a First-Class Nation Is Normalization... If the Government Fails, That Is Abnormal"

President Yoon's Closing Remarks at Cabinet Meeting
"Changing Mindsets Begins Rather Than Microscopic Institutional Changes"
Emphasizes Leapfrog Economic Growth to Resolve Social Conflicts
Also Urges Science-Based Governance

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] President Yoon Suk-yeol emphasized on the 25th, "In 2023, let us transform the government system into a 'global standard' for national normalization and becoming a first-class country."

President Yoon made this remark during his closing statement at the Cabinet meeting held at the Yongsan Presidential Office that morning, urging science-based governance, according to a written briefing by Chief Public Relations Officer Kim Eun-hye.

President Yoon first stated, "The government was formed by the hands of the people whose collective desire was to normalize our country and make it a good nation," adding, "National normalization means making this country a first-class nation."

He continued, "When I went abroad, I saw that our people achieved remarkable results even in harsh environments," emphasizing, "If the government cannot make a first-class country with the capabilities of these people, that would be abnormal."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

He also urged Cabinet members to make rational, science-based decisions and govern accordingly. Regarding this, President Yoon said, "Rather than hastily creating or changing microscopic systems, change thinking should be the starting point," adding, "If Cabinet members do not fall into inertia and change institutions and systems to those of first-class countries, so-called 'global standards,' our country can naturally become a super first-class nation."

He particularly stressed, "Global standards are created in the market, and for our country to take a leap forward, it is important for Cabinet members to study and review cases like the United States, where the largest knowledge market in the world exists, meaning the best talents gather and compete, and the best is selected."

He reiterated that science and technology are crucial for economic growth and that Cabinet members must recognize this. President Yoon said, "To resolve social conflicts, a leap and dramatic economic growth are essential, and this is possible through science and technology. I ask each Cabinet member to recognize this," adding, "Our country is recognized by global nations and companies and attracts investment thanks to our science and technology and the talent supply system that produces it."

President Yoon stated, "For the younger generation to develop scientific thinking, science-based government decision-making, rather than bizarre logic or ideology, is most important. Especially, nurturing people and cultivating talent is the core of future science and technology strategy," and added, "Along with fostering science and technology, it is the government's role to provide reward systems and opportunities so that researchers can dedicate their lives to basic science and applied technology."

Regarding follow-up measures on the investment by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) sovereign wealth fund, he said, "If the UAE invests through its sovereign wealth fund, private sectors such as Asian headquarters of companies will follow," and instructed, "When building the Korea-UAE investment cooperation platform, many ministries and companies will participate. Ministries should boldly open up and prepare in line with global standards such as regulatory reforms."