GIST Welcomes Choi Eunmo as New 5th Chairman of the Development Foundation

4th Chairman Kim Haemyung, Dedicated to Social Contribution Education
New Chairman Choi Eunmo, a 'Global Industry Leader'
"Creating a Greater Future Together with the Local Community"

On the 6th, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology held the 4th and 5th chairman inauguration and retirement ceremony of the GIST Development Foundation. Provided by Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology

On November 7, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) announced that it had held the inauguration and retirement ceremony for the 4th and 5th chairmen of the GIST Development Foundation.

The event took place on November 6 at the Oryong Hall of GIST and was attended by more than 50 people, including GIST executives, faculty and staff, and foundation board members. The ceremony expressed gratitude to outgoing 4th Chairman Kim Haemyung, Chairman of MSL Co., Ltd., for his dedicated service and celebrated the inauguration of the 5th Chairman, Choi Eunmo, Chairman of Mujin Service Co., Ltd.

The GIST Development Foundation, established in 2016, is a key partner that supports GIST’s education and research activities, promotes a culture of giving, fosters industry-academia cooperation, and contributes to the local community, thereby underpinning the sustainable growth of GIST. In addition to supporting the enhancement of national research and development capabilities, the foundation also addresses local community issues and consistently engages in social contribution activities such as donating books to children in underserved areas and providing scholarships to outstanding students, embodying the spirit of 'sharing and mutual growth.'

During his tenure as the 4th chairman, Kim Haemyung elevated the foundation’s stature and strengthened its donation base through a variety of initiatives, including: hosting the 'Night of Supporters' to promote a culture of giving; organizing a music concert commemorating GIST’s 30th anniversary and planning the outdoor exhibition of the installation art piece 'A Whale Swimming through the Universe'; promoting a science book donation project; and supporting the GIST Technology Management Academy (GTMBA) alumni association and social contribution education.

He made significant contributions to the university’s development by donating a total of 460 million won to the foundation-160 million won before his inauguration and 300 million won after. These donations have been used to improve student welfare and provide a foundation for the foundation’s continued growth, such as supporting the stable operation of the campus souvenir shop 'Genius Coop' and the '1,000-Won Breakfast' program for students.

Additionally, the foundation allocated 100 million won from Chairman Kim’s donations to GIST as a fund for establishing the GIST Graduate School of Technology Management and developing its curriculum, thereby supporting the realization of the university’s future educational vision.

Choi Eunmo, the new 5th chairman and Chairman of Mujin Service Co., Ltd., is recognized as an industry leader who has grown the domestic battery manufacturing equipment industry to a global top-three level since founding his company in 1988. He has received numerous honors, including being named 'Trade Person of the Month Who Shined Korea' and the 'Order of Industrial Service Merit.' As a GTMBA alumnus and a founding member of the development foundation, he has maintained a longstanding relationship with GIST.

GIST President Lim Ki Cheol stated, "The GIST Development Foundation has been a core partner driving the growth of GIST and mutual prosperity with the local community. I deeply appreciate Chairman Kim Haemyung’s devoted leadership, and I look forward to Chairman Choi Eunmo leading the foundation’s new leap forward with entrepreneurial spirit and warm leadership."

Outgoing 4th Chairman Kim Haemyung remarked, "It has been deeply rewarding to witness GIST’s growth and transformation through the foundation. Thanks to the passion and support of donors and the GIST family, the foundation has achieved great growth. I now entrust the foundation to the capable new chairman, Choi Eunmo, and will continue to sincerely support the university’s development."

New Chairman Choi Eunmo stated, "Together with donors, supporters, and the local community, I will help create a greater future for GIST. By facing reality, putting people at the center, and maintaining sincerity in management philosophy, I will further advance the foundation."

Meanwhile, at the event, plaques of appreciation were presented to Park Hwaseok, Chairman of Woosung Junggong Co., Ltd., and the late Na Seungjong, former Chairman of Hyojin Co., Ltd., whose terms as board members had ended. In addition, new board members were appointed: Jung Jisung, CEO of SOS Lab Co., Ltd.; Kim Wonman, Chairman of Saehan Plus LLC; and Lee Yonggi, CEO of Sungil Livestock Farming Cooperative Corporation, each receiving their certificates of appointment.