Gwangju Chamber of Commerce and Industry: "Prolonged Vacancy in KENTECH Presidency... Swift Appointment Needed"

Petition Submitted to the Office for Government Policy Coordination and the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment

Exterior view of Gwangju Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The Gwangju Chamber of Commerce and Industry announced on January 14 that it had submitted a petition to the Office for Government Policy Coordination and the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, urging the swift initiation of the presidential appointment process for Korea Institute of Energy Technology, citing the prolonged vacancy in the university’s presidency.

Korea Institute of Energy Technology is a specialized engineering university established in Naju, Jeollanam-do in 2022 under the Korea Institute of Energy Technology Act, with the aim of advancing national science and technology and cultivating highly skilled talent. It is an energy-focused research university that conducts education and research based on national energy research and industry-academia collaboration.

However, since the resignation of the inaugural president, Yoon Euijoon, in December 2023, the university has continued to operate under an acting president, leaving the presidency vacant. The Gwangju Chamber of Commerce and Industry explained that this leadership vacuum is increasing uncertainty not only in the establishment of the university’s mid- to long-term vision as an energy research-focused institution but also in the overall management of the university.

In its petition, the Gwangju Chamber of Commerce and Industry stated, “The prolonged vacancy in the presidency is not merely a personnel issue, but a matter of great significance that affects the university’s entire future strategic direction. In particular, strong and consistent leadership from the president is essential to firmly establish Korea Institute of Energy Technology’s innovative educational model, such as project-based education and the fostering of new energy industries.”

The petition also pointed out, “If the leadership vacuum continues, externally, the university’s competitiveness in securing national research projects and attracting top talent will be weakened, while internally, the establishment of the university’s identity and the stabilization of its systems may be delayed. This could pose a major obstacle to the growth of Korea Institute of Energy Technology, which needs to secure a stable foundation in its early stages.”

The statement continued, “Korea Institute of Energy Technology operates under the system of coordination, supervision, support,·and development by the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment in accordance with relevant laws, and the university’s board of directors-composed of government and public institution representatives-makes key decisions for the university. Therefore, responsible action by the relevant authorities is required.” It added, “We urge the Office for Government Policy Coordination and the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment to recognize the seriousness and urgency of the presidential vacancy at Korea Institute of Energy Technology, and to work closely with the university’s board of directors to promptly finalize the appointment process.”

Han Sangwon, Chairman of the Gwangju Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated, “Normalizing Korea Institute of Energy Technology is not just an issue for a single university, but is directly linked to supporting Korea’s energy transition strategy and strengthening the nation’s energy research capabilities. We hope that the Office for Government Policy Coordination and the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment will take special interest and play an active role so that the stability of university operations and policy coherence can be restored through the swift appointment of a new president.”