President Park Promotes AI and Mind Science Research Support, Launches Monthly 2,050 Won Micro-Donation Campaign
UNIST to Open Goods Shop Next Month,
All Proceeds to Be Reinvested in Scholarships, Research, and Public Interest Projects
UNIST (President Park Jongrae) is launching a full-scale fundraising campaign to realize its mid- to long-term development strategy, 'Vision 2050.'
The first step was taken by President Park Jongrae himself.
On the 27th, during a donation ceremony held at the university headquarters, President Park donated 100 million won of his personal assets to the development fund. Inspired by the president's voluntary contribution, UNIST is initiating a small-scale regular donation campaign called 'Together U 2050.'
Anyone can contribute to the advancement of science and technology and the cultivation of outstanding talent with a monthly donation of 2,050 won. The campaign aims to achieve contributions to humanity and innovation at the national and local levels by gathering these small acts of giving.
President Park's donation is intended to support research in artificial intelligence (AI) and mind science. As he stated, "AI solves the problems of the world, while mind science solves the problems of people." This donation aligns with 'Vision 2050,' which aspires for UNIST to become a 'national strategic technology hub' and a 'global AI innovation nexus' that addresses humanity's grand challenges by 2050.
He stated, "This donation is a promise to future generations and a commitment both as president and as an individual," adding, "I hope this will be a starting point for UNIST to grow together with the local community by turning imagination into reality."
Recently, a donation relay has been taking place at UNIST. Lee Junho, Honorary Chairman of the Deoksan Group, donated stocks worth 30 billion won in full, and the Wundang Nanum Foundation contributed 1 billion won as a designated fund to support youth entrepreneurship. As local entrepreneurs and businesspeople join the donation movement, a culture of giving is spreading throughout the university.
Amidst this trend, UNIST will open its official souvenir shop, 'UNIQUE STORE,' on the first floor of the Academic Information Center on November 7.
The shop will feature more than 80 types of merchandise, including a plush toy of the university mascot 'Yooni,' as well as stationery and household goods. Proceeds will be used to improve the educational and research environment, including scholarships, research funding, and the expansion of welfare facilities.
Additionally, UNIST is strengthening its connection with the local community by incorporating regional symbols such as petroglyphs and whales from Ulsan into the merchandise designs and collaborating with local companies on product development. Part of the operating profits will also be reinvested in supporting youth entrepreneurship and regional public interest projects.
President Park commented, "Donation is not about making grand decisions, but about sharing in everyday life," and expressed his intention for "UNIST's research and achievements to be returned to the local community and the citizens of Ulsan, creating a virtuous cycle."
He further added, "The souvenir shop is not just a place for consumption, but will become a sustainable link that reinvests profits from products embodying UNIST's innovative DNA into the dreams and research of local youth. I hope this cycle will serve as the foundation for transforming Ulsan from an industrial city into a hub of science and technology innovation."
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