[Exclusive] "Efforts of 'Gyeokmulchiji' Needed to Read Global Changes and Advocate Reform"

Former Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Yoon Jong-yong
Indirect Message in Acceptance Speech for DGIST Honorary Doctorate
Recalls Efforts to Pursue Top-Tier Excellence at Samsung
Emphasizes Nurturing Science and Technology Talent

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 journey striving for world-class excellence to survive and conveyed a message to juniors at the school and in management to "have dreams and passion for pursuing innovation."

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

In his acceptance speech for the honorary doctorate held at DGIST on the 22nd, Yoon generously offered advice to younger generations and Samsung Electronics. He emphasized ‘Gyeokmulchiji (格物致知),’ which means thoroughly studying the principles of actual things to complete knowledge. Yoon said, "You must become talents with insight capable of leading change and empathetic leadership," adding, "To become a global scientific leader beyond Korea, you must read changes not only in Korean society but worldwide, and make efforts in Gyeokmulchiji to understand the essence and insight to instigate those changes and reforms."

Yoon’s remarks can also be interpreted in connection with the current situation of Samsung Electronics, his ‘home’ company, which is recently facing a crisis in the semiconductor sector. It is understood as an indirect expression of the lack of leadership that recognizes change and demonstrates insight.

Yoon said, "Samsung was able to grow into a global company because there was always a dream and passion for innovation," and added, "I hope you broaden your academic horizons and interests and have dreams and passion for pursuing innovation to grow into the best scientific and technological talents."

Reflecting on his time at Samsung Electronics, he also indirectly suggested the direction the company should take in the future. 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," adding, "With the belief that ‘if you are not world-class, you cannot survive in global competition,’ I always thought about the path to becoming world-class. Samsung started as a small company with little investment money or talent, but through relentless challenges and passion, it grew into a global company." He continued, "I am confident that with continuous challenges, innovation, and the passion of its members, DGIST will soon become a world-class university."

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

During his tenure at Samsung, Yoon’s distinctive leadership greatly contributed to Samsung Electronics’ growth into a global brand. 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. In particular, he led the development of DRAM and flash memory, playing a crucial role in making Korea the world’s number one semiconductor powerhouse.

He was selected as a Science and Technology Merit Awardee in 2017 and received the Special Contribution Award in Information and Communications from the Ministry of Science and ICT in 2022. He was also recognized for his significant role in laying the foundation for domestic patent assets as the inaugural Chairman of the National Intellectual Property Committee and received the KAIST Intellectual Property Award.

Below is the full text of Yoon’s honorary doctorate acceptance speech.

Respected Chairman Roh Jeong-hye, President Lee Geon-woo, and all school officials!

First, I sincerely congratulate DGIST on its 20th anniversary. Seeing DGIST’s remarkable progress today fills me with great joy and deep emotion. Above all, I deeply thank the Chairman, the President, and all DGIST members for preparing this precious occasion for me on the 20th anniversary of DGIST’s founding.

DGIST is a place very special to me. As the inaugural chairman of DGIST, that position was not merely a title. Looking back, it was a time spent constantly contemplating the development of science and technology and nurturing talent in Korea, starting from nothing. Being able to lay the foundation of DGIST as the first chairman was undoubtedly a great experience and pride in my life. However, all these achievements were thanks to the dedication of many who worked together.

I graduated from university in 1966 and joined Samsung, dedicating 55 years of my life as a Samsung man. Samsung Electronics worked tirelessly in research, development, and production sites to become a leader in various fields, from home appliances to semiconductors worldwide. While at Samsung, I always believed that ‘if you are not world-class, you cannot survive in global competition,’ and I constantly thought about the path to becoming world-class.

In many ways, DGIST’s history resembles Samsung’s. Samsung Electronics started as a small company with little investment money or talent but grew into a global company through relentless challenges and passion. DGIST also started as a latecomer with many deficiencies but has now grown into a competitive university. I am confident that with continuous challenges, innovation, and the passion of its members, DGIST will soon become a world-class university.

I would like to take this opportunity to share a few words with the juniors present today.

First, become talents with ‘insight capable of leading change and empathetic leadership.’ You are the people who must develop into global leaders in science and technology. To do so, you must read changes not only in Korean society but worldwide and make efforts in Gyeokmulchiji (格物致知) to understand the essence and insight to lead those changes and reforms. For this, understanding and empathy toward others must come first.

Second, ‘have dreams and passion.’ Samsung was able to grow into a global company because of its dreams and passion for innovation. To grow into the best scientific and technological talents, I hope you broaden your academic horizons and interests and have dreams and passion for pursuing innovation.

I hope DGIST continues to develop into a world-class research and educational institution and plays a leading role in the global science and technology field.

Once again, I share the honor of receiving this honorary doctorate with you all and deeply thank everyone present here today.

Thank you.