Sharing the Latest in Advanced Biopharmaceutical Research
with Busan Citizens' Coalition, Citizens' Coalition for Economic Justice, and YWCA
The Busan Institute for Science and Technology Promotion (BISTEP, President Kim Youngbu) announced that on July 15, it held the "2025 3rd Regional R&D Field Empathy Tour with Civic Groups" at Prestige Biopharma IDC, a leading center for advanced biopharmaceutical research and development in Busan.
Starting this year, BISTEP has been operating the "Empathy Tour" program, which involves visiting research sites related to the region's key industries and new growth sectors together with civic groups. Through this initiative, the institute aims to raise awareness of the social value and impact of science and technology and to deepen field-based understanding of local industries.
This third Empathy Tour was organized to share the current status of R&D in the biopharmaceutical sector with the local community and to explore the potential for science and technology-based regional economic revitalization and improvements in health and welfare. In particular, it served as an opportunity to lay the foundation for public-private cooperation to attract national R&D projects and to establish effective science and technology policies.
The event was attended by Ko Sangseok, CEO of Prestige Biopharma IDC, along with executives and staff, Kim Youngbu, President of BISTEP, and its staff, as well as members of civic groups such as the Busan Citizens' Coalition for Decentralization and Balanced Development, the Citizens' Coalition for Economic Justice, and YWCA.
The event began with a presentation on the current status of research and development at the New Drug Planning Office of Prestige Biopharma IDC, followed by a Q&A session, a roundtable discussion, and a tour of non-clinical laboratories and shared facilities. Participants were able to directly experience how advanced biopharmaceutical technologies can contribute to the local economy and public welfare.
Ko Sangseok, CEO of Prestige Biopharma IDC, stated, "We aim to address unmet medical needs through the development of innovative antibody pharmaceuticals and diagnostic technologies," adding, "I hope this Empathy Tour serves as a meaningful opportunity for citizens and the local community to experience the value and potential of the bioindustry."
Kim Youngbu, President of BISTEP, said, "Through innovative local bio companies like Prestige Biopharma IDC, we have confirmed the growth potential of the bioindustry based on regional R&D," and added, "We will continue to discuss the direction for the development of local industries with citizens and reflect these discussions in policies and new R&D projects."
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