College Student and Young Traders Excel as Export Problem Solvers for SMEs

Pukyong National University Students Secure Consecutive Export Contracts at International Expo

University students majoring in international trade are making headlines as they actively participate in export activities with small and medium-sized enterprises, even securing actual contracts in the field.

The GTEP Project Group at Pukyong National University (headed by Professor An Taegeon) announced on the 29th that young trade expert students from the Department of International Trade have achieved remarkable support results for companies by participating in international exhibitions held in Singapore, Japan, China, and Hong Kong.

The GTEP project, selected and operated by Pukyong National University, is a program by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Korea International Trade Association to nurture young trade experts who will excel in fields such as trade practice and export marketing.

In March, Eom Sanghwan, a third-year student who participated as an export consulting support for "Hartmann" at the 2024 Singapore Marine & Offshore Exhibition (APM) held at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, secured an export contract worth $300,000. He was exclusively responsible for export consulting for this company at the event, which featured 2,879 companies from 68 countries, and conducted 106 consultations. Including contracts currently in progress, the total contract amount reaches $1 million.

In April, Lee Hyojeong, a fourth-year student, participated in "SEA JAPAN," the Tokyo Marine Exhibition held at Tokyo Big Sight with 620 companies from 32 countries, and successfully concluded five contracts totaling $100,000.

Jin Changmin (second-year) and Kwon Jaeun (fourth-year) promoted Oakra International Co., Ltd. at the "Singapore Food Expo," which attracted more than 1,500 companies from 50 countries. They conducted over 200 consultations and are currently negotiating contracts with 28 companies.

Additionally, Lee Yuna, a third-year student, promoted "Kkremong F&B" at the "2024 Anuga China," an international food exhibition in Shenzhen, China, attended by 503 companies from 28 countries, and is in the process of finalizing contracts with five companies.

This month, Choi Miju (third-year) and Lee Jimin (third-year) conducted export consultations for "Sunworld Korea" at the "Hong Kong Electronics Fair," which featured over 2,900 companies, and are currently awaiting results.

The response from companies working with the students has also been enthusiastic. Heo Changgi, CEO of Kkremong F&B, said, "The students' expertise, language skills, and passion were a great help. Thanks to their youthful energy and enthusiasm, our booth was especially popular, and we look forward to the next stage of contract signing."

Jin Changmin shared his thoughts on participating, saying, "I was able to apply what I learned in the field and experience tangible results. It was a valuable opportunity to grow together with the company."

The GTEP Project Group at Pukyong National University plans to further expand students' practical trade experience and focus on nurturing young trade experts who will connect the region with the world.