Dongseo University Operates Expert Outstanding Student Training Program

Laos Makers Experts Undergo Advanced Korean Technology Training

Korea-Laos Technology Exchange Anticipated to Foster Creative Talent

The Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation of Dongseo University (President Jang Je-guk) successfully held the ‘2024 Laos Makers Expert Training Outstanding Student Training Program.’

Participants of the Laos Outstanding Students Training Program are taking a commemorative photo.

This program was operated from September 27 to October 1 as part of the K-Lab Laos Cooperation Support Project, specifically the Laos Makers Expert Training Outstanding Student Training Program.

It was designed to contribute to strengthening Laos’ maker education capabilities by providing trainees with advanced maker education technologies and experiences based on the expertise of Dongseo University Makerspace.

The ‘K-Lab Laos Cooperation Support Project’ is supported by the National IT Industry Promotion Agency (NIPA) and aims to nurture digital talents and discover economic opportunities in the ICT sector in developing countries by installing and operating K-Lab at the National University of Laos (NUoL). The project provides ICT innovation capabilities support such as education on digital equipment utilization and software competency enhancement tailored to local conditions, innovative idea discovery, and digital cooperation support.

The Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation of Dongseo University is promoting the project in a consortium form with the Korea Wireless Internet Solution Association and Primo M. It operates localized digital fabrication and ICT/software education programs that reflect the environment of the recipient country Laos and user characteristics, fostering digital capability innovation.

This program was conducted for three professors from the National University of Laos and eight outstanding K-Lab trainees. Participants directly experienced the latest maker technologies such as 3D printing, resin art, and coffee clay accessory production, thereby enhancing their practical skills.

The training took place at Dongseo University’s Electronic Information Building and Da Vinci Lab, where trainees learned specialized equipment and techniques while engaging in cultural and technical exchanges between the two countries. Additionally, during the program, participants exhibited and took part in the ‘2024 Hello Maker,’ the largest maker festival in the Yeongnam region, gaining a deeper experience of Korean maker culture.

Professor Kim Mi-jin (Department of Game Studies), co-responsible for K-Lab Laos, said, “Through the K-Lab Laos Cooperation Support Project, we expect to spread a creative maker culture among Laotian youth and create positive synergy effects through the activation of the maker community and continuous exchanges between the two countries.”

Yoon Tae-su, director of Da Vinci Lab, stated, “I am very pleased to introduce Dongseo University Da Vinci Lab’s excellent maker education system to Laos through this program and to open a new chapter in maker education cooperation between the two countries. Going forward, Da Vinci Lab will continue to serve as a global maker education hub and contribute to nurturing world-class maker talents through various international exchange programs.”

The Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation of Dongseo University plans to take the lead in supporting digital capability enhancement through continuous international cooperation projects. It is hoped that this training program will further solidify friendly relations between the two countries and serve as an opportunity to nurture creative talents who will lead future society.