'DGIST Honorary Doctorate No.1' Yoon Jong-yong, Former Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman, "Belief That Survival Is Impossible Without Being Top-Class" (Comprehensive)

Received First Honorary Doctorate Degree Since Opening on the 22nd
Former DGIST Founding Chairman
"Worked as a Samsung Man for 55 Years"
"Always Thought About the Path to Top Excellence"
"Become Talented with Insight, Leadership, and Passion"

Yoon Jong-yong, former Vice Chairman of Samsung Electronics and the first honorary doctorate recipient of Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), reflected on his past and delivered a message to the school and juniors in the management field, urging them to "have dreams and passion that pursue innovation."

Yoon Jong-yong, former Vice Chairman of Samsung Electronics, is delivering an honorary doctorate acceptance speech. Photo by DGIST

On the 22nd, Yoon received an honorary doctorate from DGIST. This honorary doctorate is the first ever awarded since DGIST's establishment. Through this degree conferral, he was recognized for his significant contributions to the advancement of science and technology and the creation of a creative research environment at both Samsung Electronics and DGIST, greatly benefiting Korea's industrial and technological development.

Yoon said, "It is a great honor to receive the first honorary doctorate at DGIST, where I have held a special place as the inaugural chairman. Believing that the advancement of science and technology is the core of national competitiveness, I accepted the inaugural chairmanship of DGIST, and since nurturing scientific and technological talent is my final mission, I will strive to contribute further to DGIST’s development into a world-class university."

He seemed mindful of Samsung Electronics, his 'home' currently facing challenges in the semiconductor sector, as he looked back on his time at the company and indirectly suggested the direction it should take going forward.

Yoon said, "I graduated from university in 1966 and joined Samsung, working as a Samsung man for 55 years. Samsung Electronics worked tirelessly in research, development, and production sites to become a leader in various fields. I have always believed that 'if you are not top-tier, you cannot survive in global competition,' and I constantly thought about the path to becoming top-tier. Samsung started as a small company without investment funds or talent, but through relentless challenges and passion, it grew into a global enterprise." He added, "I am confident that with continuous challenges, innovation, and the passion of its members, DGIST will soon become a world-class university."

He also did not hold back advice for juniors. Yoon urged, "Become talents with insight to lead change and empathetic leadership," emphasizing, "Have dreams and passion." He said, "Samsung was able to grow into a global company because it had dreams and passion for innovation," and added, "To grow into the best scientific and technological talent, I hope you broaden your academic horizons and interests and have dreams and passion that pursue innovation."

Yoon Jong-yong, former Vice Chairman of Samsung Electronics

Yoon was recognized for his contributions to DGIST’s early development as its inaugural chairman, being selected as a Science and Technology Merit Awardee in 2017 and receiving a Special Contribution Award from the Ministry of Science and ICT in 2022, among other accolades.

During his tenure at Samsung Group, Yoon’s distinctive leadership greatly contributed to Samsung Electronics’ growth into a global brand. Joining Samsung Group in 1966, he served as Vice President of the Electronics Division, CEO, and Vice Chairman of Samsung Electronics, leading core technology development and management innovation in semiconductors, displays, and mobile communications. Notably, he spearheaded the development of DRAM and flash memory, playing a crucial role in establishing Korea as the world’s top semiconductor powerhouse, and contributed to Samsung Electronics securing global competitiveness and becoming a global leader in semiconductors and home appliances.

Lee Geon-woo, President of DGIST, said, “We are pleased to award the first honorary doctorate since the founding of DGIST to Yoon Jong-yong, the inaugural chairman who has greatly contributed to DGIST’s rapid growth over the past 20 years,” adding, “Going forward, DGIST will lead regional development and national science and technology through innovative educational programs and research, and we will do our best to become a world-class university together with our members, unafraid of change and innovation.”