Dong-A University Awards Honorary Doctorate to Sung Young-jin, President of Cheonghak Family

Graduate of the Department of Economics and Graduate School of Business Administration

Dong-A University (President Lee Hae-woo) announced on the 13th that it awarded an honorary Doctorate in Business Administration to Sung Young-jin, chairman of Cheonghak Family, an alumnus of the Department of Economics and MBA program.

The degree conferral ceremony held on the 10th at Seunghak Campus Rein Hall was attended by President Lee Hae-woo, Chairman Sung Young-jin, Alumni Association President Shin Jeong-taek, Dong-A University Honorary Doctor Society Chairman Monk Seong-gak, the board of directors of the Dong-A Hak-suk Foundation, executives and staff of Cheonghak Family, and Chairman Sung’s family.

Born in 1955 in Yeongdo-gu, Busan, Chairman Sung Young-jin graduated from Dong-A University’s Department of Economics in 1978 and earned a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the Graduate School of Business in 1981. Starting with Cheonghak Gas Station, the cornerstone of Cheonghak Family in 1980, he founded many companies including Gyeongnam R&S Co., Ltd., K&K Co., Ltd., Cheonghak Energy Co., Ltd., Cheonghak C&D Co., Ltd., and Yongyeon Holdings Co., Ltd., contributing to economic growth and strengthening global competitiveness.

Dong-A University Awards Honorary Doctorate to Sung Young-jin, President of Cheonghak Family

Chairman Sung Young-jin is expressing his thoughts after receiving an honorary doctorate.

Chairman Sung has opened new horizons in various business sectors by establishing companies in energy, leisure, transportation, stone production, and AI medical diagnostics, and in 2024, he will assume the position of chairman of Cheonghak Development Co., Ltd.

Moreover, he has served in public offices such as a juvenile guidance committee member at the Busan District Prosecutors’ Office, an election commissioner for Busan Metropolitan City, and a member of the Busan Metropolitan City International Sister Cities Committee, playing a role as a model citizen in the local community. In 2005, he established Gallery Yeonhwarang in Yeongdo-gu, Busan, helping local residents enjoy a cultural life.

Besides corporate management, he has devoted himself to scholarship programs and social contribution activities. In April 2021, he signed a scholarship donation agreement between the Cheonghak Scholarship Foundation and Dong-A University’s Department of Economics, donating funds worth 2 billion KRW. The Cheonghak Scholarship Foundation provides about 34 million KRW annually in scholarships, supporting the growth of future scholars and the foundation for academic achievement.

Chairman Sung said, “I am honored to receive an honorary Doctorate in Business Administration from my alma mater. My connection with Dong-A University is very special in my life, so I feel deeply moved. I sincerely thank everyone who has supported me to reach this point.” He added, “Following my late father’s teachings and the values of frugality and sincerity learned at my alma mater, I have persevered and worked tirelessly despite difficulties.”

He continued, “If even one person can continue their studies and realize their potential without giving up due to financial reasons, I feel great fulfillment. That is why I support scholarships for juniors through the Cheonghak Scholarship Foundation.” He also said, “I aim to live a modest life and will continue to donate to contribute to society.”

President Lee Hae-woo said, “I am pleased to award an honorary Doctorate in Business Administration to Chairman Sung Young-jin, a proud alumnus. Chairman Sung’s commitment to advanced management contributing to regional economic development and his unwavering love for juniors align with Dong-A University’s educational goals. I hope all members of the Dong-A family remember that they are Chairman Sung’s strong support and backers.”

Alumni Association President Shin Jeong-taek said, “Congratulations on receiving the 92nd honorary doctorate from our alma mater with a 78-year tradition. Chairman Sung Young-jin’s love for his alma mater, demonstrated through 45 years of dedication to corporate management and social contribution, will be a great strength to the 300,000 Dong-A alumni.”