"World-Renowned Scholar Sends Congratulatory Message... 'Kwon Soonki's Educational Inspiration' Publication Celebration Draws Great Interest"

Over 1,900 Local Educators and Readers Gathered
An Event Charting the Course for Future Education

At 2 p.m. on November 29, a publication celebration for former Gyeongsang National University President Kwon Sungi's new book, "Kwon Sungi's Educational Inspiration," was held with great success at Gaon Hall, Changwon National University.

The event drew more than 1,900 participants, including local education officials, university faculty, and readers, reflecting a high level of interest.

Kwon Sungi, former president of Gyeongsang National University, is taking a commemorative photo with participants at the publication celebration of his new book, "Kwon Sungi's Educational Inspiration." Photo by Sharon Kang.

◆ Congratulatory Remarks and Messages: "A Book Alive with the Voices of the Field"

After a video introducing the book was shown, a series of congratulatory speeches followed from key figures in the education and political sectors.

In a recommendation, teacher Kim Jangha Namseong stated, "It has long been my dream to create a society where everyone can receive equal education according to their abilities, regardless of economic hardship," adding, "President Kwon Sungi, who rose from a boy in a poor mountain village to the president of a national university solely through public education, is committed to building such a community. I support his challenge and dream."

Following this, congratulatory messages were delivered by Minister of Science and ICT Lee Jongho, former Seoul National University President Oh Sejung, and many other prominent figures. Woo Donggi, former Chairman of the Regional Era Committee, Choi Gusik, former National Assembly member, Kim Jaekyung, former Chairman of the Special Committee on Budget and Accounts, and Ryu Suno, former President of Korea National Open University, took the stage to praise "Educational Inspiration."

Gyeongsangnam-do Governor Park Wansu sent a congratulatory message saying, "People lift up others, and people uplift the region," and expressed hope that this publication celebration would become a venue for sharing wisdom about the future of education in South Gyeongsang Province.

A video congratulatory message from Moungl G Gawendl, a professor at MIT School of Engineering in the United States who won the 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, is being delivered.

The event also featured a video congratulatory message from Moungi G. Bawendi, the 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry laureate and professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which drew significant attention.

The appearance of this world-renowned scholar was met with enthusiastic applause and further heightened the atmosphere at the venue.

In his video message, Professor Bawendi said, "'Educational Inspiration' is a book filled with inspiration, and I am confident it will be a fascinating work for anyone seeking a proper education." He also expressed deep trust in former President Kwon Sungi's longstanding educational philosophy and practical leadership.

◆ "Conversation with the Author": Lively Stories of Policy, Philosophy, and Real-World Experience

The highlight of the event, "Conversation with the Author," was moderated by Director Yoon Eunju.

Former President Kwon candidly answered questions about the educational philosophy presented in the book, the challenges encountered while implementing educational policies, and the value of public education.

He emphasized, "As someone who grew up thanks to the power of public education, I want to create an education system that enables students to pioneer their own lives. If you do your best in any position, you will experience results beyond your imagination."

He also introduced examples such as producing the first high school student as the lead author of an SCI paper, stories of growth with students during his tenure as a professor, and the challenges faced while promoting education policies, receiving a great response from the audience.

He added, "I want to make South Gyeongsang Province a place people come to for education, rather than a place they leave for it. Just as we remember those who dug the well when we drink water, I want to give back the grace of education to society."

Former President Kwon Sungki and his wife, Professor Kim Yoonhee, are holding a book talk together.

◆ "Restoring the Inspiration of Public Education": High Expectations from the Local Education Community

This publication celebration went beyond simply introducing a new book, establishing itself as a policy forum for sharing the current state and future strategies of education in South Gyeongsang Province.

The messages emphasized by former President Kwon-"the power of public education" and "future education starting in South Gyeongsang"-were said to have deeply resonated with education professionals and readers alike.

The event concluded with the author's pledge that "we need a stream that can raise dragons again by believing in public education."