Assemblyman Park Chung-kwon Introduces Amendment Bill for Special Act on Science and Engineering Support as Lead Sponsor
The 'Special Act on Support for Science and Engineering Fields Amendment Bill,' which strengthens the legal basis for support such as research living stipends (Stipend) and military service exceptions for science and engineering researchers, and establishes policies to foster a culture that favors scientists and engineers, has been proposed as the first bill of the 22nd National Assembly. This move reflects a determination to boost the morale of scientists and engineers amid cuts to research and development (R&D) budgets.
On the morning of the opening day of the 22nd National Assembly on the 30th, Park Chung-kwon, a member of the People Power Party, is submitting the "Partial Amendment to the Special Act on Support for Science and Engineering" and other bills at the National Assembly Bill Reception Center in Yeouido, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]
On the 30th, Park Chung-kwon (People Power Party) announced that he had introduced the Special Act on Support for Science and Engineering Fields as the representative bill on the opening day of the 22nd National Assembly. Park is a proportional representative lawmaker who was recruited as the first talent of the People Power Party for the 22nd National Assembly and is a defector engineer. He has previously expressed his ambition to devote himself to the development of defense, security, and science and technology sectors, based on his experience developing intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) in North Korea and earning a Ph.D. in materials engineering in South Korea, where he worked as a senior researcher at Hyundai Steel.
The existing Special Act on Support for Science and Engineering Fields, enacted in 2004, has been continuously criticized for not adequately reflecting the rapidly changing environment for nurturing talent and the shortage of science and engineering professionals.
The amendment bill also includes the science and engineering support measures proposed by President Yoon Suk-yeol. It provides research living stipends to graduate students in science and engineering fields. The purpose is to create an environment where science and engineering graduate students can pursue stable studies and research.
At a congratulatory meeting for newly elected lawmakers in the science and technology field held on the 24th, Representative Park said, "Science and technology made who I am today," and added, "There are many paths we must take, such as AI, quantum, next-generation nuclear power, and space. In science and technology, there are no borders or political parties." He emphasized that the ruling and opposition parties must unite their efforts to successfully accomplish these tasks.
Park Chung-kwon is giving remarks at the congratulatory gathering for the 22nd National Assembly science and technology sector elected members. Photo by Baek Jong-min
According to the science and technology community, Park is also reportedly interested in the Corporate Research Institute Act, which was not passed in the 21st National Assembly, in addition to the amendment of the Special Act on Support for Science and Engineering Fields. A source in the science and technology sector expressed expectations, saying, "Park seems well-prepared for the science field due to his field experience."
Park said, "For South Korea to leap forward as a global science and technology powerhouse, science and technology talent is the core driving force; ultimately, people are the answer," and added, "As a young scientist and engineer, I will do my best to promptly pass the amendment to the Special Act on Support for Science and Engineering Fields so that science and technology talents can conduct research with pride in a supportive environment."
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