[Interview] Kim Donghwan, President of SeoulTech: "Creative Talent Emerges When Technology Meets Humanities"

Reappointed at Seoul National University of Science and Technology since 1998
Introducing AI Education in Line with the Times
Exchange with Kazakhstan, Fostering Global Talent

Leaders who realize change have a distinct attitude from the start. Such leaders look not just a year or two ahead, but envision 10 years into the future. The immediate results are merely passing stages. They remain wary of complacency in reality and listen attentively to others' thoughts with an open perspective. When such efforts accumulate layer by layer, the foundation for a leap forward naturally forms. As this spreads throughout the organization, sharing trust, confidence inevitably wells up with the belief that "we can do it" and "we will succeed."

Over the past decade, Seoul National University of Science and Technology has maintained an upward curve of progress. As the cultivation of AI (Artificial Intelligence) convergence talents has become important, the university’s strengths in this area may be a natural outcome of its leap forward. The successful smooth transition following the university’s name change in 2010 also contributed to raising its status. However, if the leader had not properly held the center, the momentum for progress could not have been sustained. This is why the philosophy of leadership is crucial in an era of change. Curiosity about the background of Seoul National University of Science and Technology’s growth and leap was resolved through an interview with President Kim Dong-hwan. It was an opportunity to confirm what educational philosophy a university leader should have to guide the academic community.

"Innovation that opens a new era is not enough with technology alone. True creative talents emerge at the intersection where technology meets the humanities."

Kim Dong-hwan, President of Seoul National University of Science and Technology, is being interviewed by Asia Economy in the university headquarters office in Nowon-gu, Seoul. Photo by Heo Young-han

On the 17th, President Kim conveyed this in an interview with Asia Economy. The keyword running through that interview was the humanities. A renowned domestic engineer who holds a Ph.D. from Georgia Tech in the U.S. and serves as the president of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers. It was unexpected that such a scholar would focus on humanistic imagination. President Kim’s next move regarding the future of Seoul National University of Science and Technology, that is, the placement (着點), aligns with his educational philosophy. Like in the game of Baduk (Go), each stone placed has its own reason, and the harmony of multiple stones reveals the direction of the future one aims to reach.

President Kim has 30 years of experience guiding a robotics club at the university, interacting with numerous young students. It was a period of realizing that education which helps students find answers on their own rather than providing them directly is more important. The experience of brainstorming and discussing together to find answers helped him as president to gather the will of the university members. Even if the president suggests the right direction, if the members do not follow, the goal cannot be achieved. President Kim emphasized that professors, students, and staff are united in finding the way forward. This concern resonates with the entire university community.

President Kim focused on the school-age population entering universities 10 years from now. Considering that the number of university entrants is expected to be about 200,000 in 2035, even metropolitan area universities cannot be complacent. "In this unprecedented crisis of population decline, it will be difficult to survive unless we become a top-tier university."

What efforts is Seoul National University of Science and Technology making to become a top-tier university? In line with changing times, it is providing customized education such as mandatory AI education, convergence of humanities and engineering, and building a creative learning environment. It is also focusing on securing foreign talents from key Central Asian countries like Kazakhstan to strengthen South Korea’s industrial value chain. President Kim is well aware of what society expects from universities and what role Seoul National University of Science and Technology should play. Celebrating its 114th anniversary, the only comprehensive national university in Seoul, Seoul National University of Science and Technology has advanced for a better tomorrow through times of change and development. Now, it is boldly continuing its journey toward a 200-year history beyond its 100-year legacy. At the center of this is President Kim, who lays the stepping stones for change and development while preparing for tomorrow.

Below is the full Q&A with President Kim Dong-hwan.

Kim Dong-hwan, President of Seoul National University of Science and Technology, is being interviewed by Asia Economy in the university headquarters office in Nowon-gu, Seoul. Photo by Heo Young-han

- In your inauguration speech last December, you expressed your ambition to create a future-oriented global research-centered institution. Could you elaborate?

▲ The year since my inauguration has been physically busy and challenging. Especially, the responsibility as an elected president is heavy. Many members trusted and chose me, so I have no choice but to constantly think and act for the university’s development. The biggest concern was the population decline issue. The number of births dropped to the 300,000 range in 2017, and these children will enter university around 2035. Since only about 70%, roughly 200,000, will attend university, it will be difficult to accommodate the insufficient university capacity. We had to prepare a strategy for the next 10 years. We aimed to create a vision for the short term of 10 years and beyond.

- AI and big data education are being emphasized in line with changing times. Does Seoul National University of Science and Technology have any specialized educational programs?

▲ An important question when talking about education is, "Who are the beneficiaries, that is, the consumers of education?" The first is students, and the second is companies. Therefore, education must be provided according to the demands of students and companies. Keeping pace with the times, we have made AI education mandatory for all students. AI is not limited to engineering but essential in all fields. For example, when using conversational AI like ChatGPT, writing precise prompts is necessary to get the desired results. This process also requires humanistic literacy. AI education is attended not only by students but also by professors and staff. Especially, staff are required to take the courses, and professors voluntarily attend lectures.

Kim Dong-hwan, President of Seoul National University of Science and Technology, is being interviewed by Ryu Jeong-min, Head of the Social Affairs Department at Asia Economy, in the university headquarters office in Nowon-gu, Seoul. Photo by Heo Young-han

- Despite being a science and technology-focused university, why do you emphasize humanistic literacy?

▲ I keep mentioning humanistic literacy because of 'creativity.' Creativity does not come from technology alone. It is possible only when technology combines with human sensitivity, history, and cultural understanding. The same applies in the industrial field. Nowadays, creating new concepts is more important than engineering improvements. We need ideas that humans can feel and empathize with.

- With the continuous decline in birth rates, global talent cultivation has become a necessity rather than a choice. What is your view?

▲ To solve the population decline problem, cultivating global talents is essential. Kazakhstan, in particular, is a good partner country. The Kazakh government is pursuing a national policy to benchmark South Korea’s education system. Accordingly, our university has established a dual degree program with Kazakhstan to nurture IT talents. Every year, 40 students enter Seoul National University of Science and Technology through this program. We aim to supply them as advanced technical personnel to medium-sized and small enterprises. If global students focus on research and development (R&D) in small and medium enterprises, the entire Korean industry can become more robust.

Kim Dong-hwan, President of Seoul National University of Science and Technology, is being interviewed by Asia Economy in his office at the university headquarters in Nowon-gu, Seoul. Photo by Heo Young-han

- What kind of talents are needed in our era going forward?

▲ Talents with creative ideas. Creativity does not simply come from genius but from diverse experiences and inquiry. For this, students need an 'open space' where they can think and discuss freely. Students should be able to think outside the box through play and experiments. The robotics club I guided for 30 years is a good example. I told students to create the robots they wanted. I did not set directions but let them come up with ideas and present them, allowing them to grow. Many say that experience was a turning point in their lives.

- Why should prospective students choose Seoul National University of Science and Technology?

▲ As a national university, tuition is affordable. More importantly, the educational infrastructure and experimental and practical environments are well established. Our university is continuously growing and changing, so if you watch for just 10 years, Seoul National University of Science and Technology will become a prestigious university. What matters is setting your vision and goals and doing your best there. Seoul National University of Science and Technology is a university that provides such opportunities.

Interview by Ryu Jeong-min, Head of Social Affairs Department

Compiled by Reporter Yeom Da-yeon