"2025 SME Convergence Expo" Held in Daejeon
On November 4, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced that it held the opening ceremony of the "2025 SME Convergence Expo" at the Daejeon Convention Center (DCC). This event, now in its 12th year, is a flagship festival that fosters a culture of collaboration among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by exhibiting innovative achievements created through inter-company exchange, cooperation, and technological convergence, and by recognizing outstanding contributors. Held under the theme "Opening the Future of SMEs through Convergence and Innovation," the event aimed to share the results of innovation achieved through cooperation and exchange among companies and to honor those who have made significant contributions.
At the opening ceremony, a total of 20 government awards were presented to individuals who contributed to revitalizing the regional economy through inter-company exchange, cooperation, and technological convergence. These included one Order of Industrial Service Merit, Gold Tower; one Order of Industrial Service Merit, Bronze Tower; two Industrial Medals; seven Presidential Citations; and nine Prime Minister's Citations. Sungwoo Jung, CEO of Gmax, who received the Order of Industrial Service Merit, Gold Tower, was recognized for contributing to industrial development by developing and commercializing new technologies for automotive interior and exterior materials, sound-absorbing materials, and adhesives through open innovation and continuous collaboration.
Sungwoo Jung, CEO of Gmax
Jaejin Lee, CEO of ATS, who received the Order of Industrial Service Merit, Bronze Tower, was acknowledged for his active support and efforts to promote collaboration among local SMEs during his tenure as president of the Chungbuk Association. As a result, he achieved five successful cases of collaboration, including the development of recyclable, eco-friendly export foldable boxes.
The Industrial Medals were awarded to Juwon Choi, CEO of KOTEC, and Hyunsik Kim, CEO of GFS. Juwon Choi contributed to industrial development by applying proprietary special surface treatment technology to parts used in the aerospace, defense, automotive, and industrial machinery sectors. Hyunsik Kim was recognized for his technological innovation in fire safety, including emergency guidance systems, fire receivers, and detectors.
The event featured participation from over 150 companies, which showcased their collaborative achievements and products. The "Scale-up IR Day" program also provided one-on-one investment mentoring by matching venture capitalists with companies seeking investment. In addition, a variety of side programs were offered, such as export consultation sessions with invited overseas buyers and a policy seminar on public rental knowledge industry centers.
Yongsun Park, Director General for SME Policy at the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, who attended the event, stated, "A collaborative ecosystem that connects, converges, and shares innovation together is becoming a new competitive edge for SMEs," adding, "The government will do its utmost to create an environment where SMEs can cooperate and take on challenges to their fullest potential."
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