Keimyung University President Shin Ilhee Receives Honorary Doctorate from Uzbekistan National University of Physical Education and Sports

Shin Ilhee, President of Keimyung University, was awarded an honorary doctorate at a conferral ceremony held at 10 a.m. on April 22 at Uzbekistan National University of Physical Education and Sports.

The ceremony was attended by Matkarimov Rashid Masharipovich, President of the National University of Physical Education and Sports, Baek Moonjong, Vice President, and other university officials. From Keimyung University, five representatives attended, including Kim Sunjeong, Vice President for International Affairs, and Lee Seonjang, Dean of the College of Physical Education. President Shin Ilhee expressed his gratitude through a video message instead of attending in person, and Kim Sunjeong, Vice President for International Affairs, received the honorary doctorate certificate and gown on his behalf.

Shin Ilhee, President of Keimyung University

President Matkarimov explained the background of the award, stating, "Since 2001, President Shin Ilhee has promoted exchanges with 20 universities and institutions in Uzbekistan, greatly contributing to friendship and cultural exchange between the two countries. In particular, his activities as the head of the athletes' village at the Daegu World Championships in Athletics and as chairman of the Daegu Cultural Citizens' Movement Council, as well as his contributions to nurturing talent in sports such as archery and Taekwondo, have been recognized. In addition, the honorary doctorate is awarded in recognition of his efforts to strengthen cooperation in sports between the two countries, especially centered on Taekwondo."

In his video message, President Shin Ilhee stated, "This honorary doctorate is not for me personally, but for the entire Keimyung University, and it is a great honor to accept it as its representative. The fact that this exchange through sports took place in Tashkent, a central city of the Silk Road, is symbolic, and this occasion holds great significance as it puts into practice mutual understanding and respect between the two countries."

President Shin Ilhee went on to say, "I would like to thank the president, faculty, and students of the National University of Physical Education and Sports for organizing this meaningful event, and I look forward to continuing our exchange at Keimyung University in the future."

Through this visit, Keimyung University strengthened academic exchange and program development cooperation with the National University of Physical Education and Sports in the fields of Taekwondo and sports. In addition, since April 18, Keimyung University has participated in the 'International Festival of Fine and Applied Arts' organized by the Uzbekistan National Academy of Arts, further enhancing exchanges in the fields of art, academics, and sports. Through various activities such as participation in the art festival, scholarship awards, and the signing of agreements, the cultural and academic ties between the two countries have become even stronger.

Keimyung University has maintained a close relationship with Uzbekistan, with President Shin Ilhee being appointed an honorary member of the Uzbekistan National Academy of Arts in 2018 and awarding an honorary doctorate in fine arts to Chairman Nuriddinov in 2022. In 2024, President Shin Ilhee was also awarded an honorary doctorate by Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, once again being recognized for his contributions to academic exchange between the two countries.

This honorary doctorate conferral has become an opportunity for continued and in-depth exchange between Keimyung University and Uzbekistan. Keimyung University plans to further expand its global education and research cooperation, thereby deepening mutual understanding and collaboration between the two countries.