Tag: Chonnam National University

CNU and Amkor Technology Launch Joint Research Center to Advance Semiconductor Packaging Innovation

GWANGJU, South Korea – Chonnam National University (CNU), led by President Lee Keun-bae, and Amkor Technology Korea, headed by President & CEO Jin-an Lee, have officially inaugurated the CNU-Amkor Semiconductor Packaging Technology Joint Research Center. The opening ceremony, held on January 12 at CNU’s Advanced Campus in Buk-gu, Gwangju, marks a significant milestone in university-industry collaboration aimed at mastering critical back-end semiconductor processes.

The event was attended by high-profile dignitaries, including CNU President Lee Keun-bae, Amkor Technology Korea CEO Jin-an Lee (Honorary Doctorate in Engineering from CNU), National Assembly Member Min Hyung-bae, and Gwangju City Vice Mayor for Culture and Economy Kim Young-moon.

A Hub for Practical Innovation and Talent Cultivation

The new research center is designed as a strategic hub for empirical research and talent development in semiconductor packaging—a field increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of the high-performance, high-density semiconductor era. By integrating CNU’s academic excellence with Amkor’s global industrial expertise, the center ensures that research outcomes are directly applicable to the production floor.

The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art semiconductor packaging machinery, allowing students and researchers to work in an environment identical to actual industrial sites. Key research initiatives will focus on national strategic fields, including:

Advanced Packaging for Automotive and AI Semiconductors

AI-driven Intelligent Process Optimization

Fostering Regional Ecosystems and National Competitiveness

This partnership serves as a benchmark for South Korea’s balanced national development policy, demonstrating how regional flagship universities and global enterprises can collaborate to nurture strategic industries. It is expected to enhance the local talent pool, strengthen the regional industrial ecosystem, and ultimately bolster South Korea’s global standing in the semiconductor sector.

President Lee Keun-bae emphasized his commitment to student career paths, stating: “Since my inauguration last February, I have focused on creating practical opportunities for our students. Recognizing Amkor’s global presence in Gwangju, I personally reached out to CEO Jin-an Lee to establish this partnership, believing that industry-linked, empirical education is the key to enhancing our students’ competitiveness.”

CEO Jin-an Lee highlighted the synergistic nature of the center: “This center represents the convergence of Amkor’s global experience and CNU’s research capabilities. As advanced packaging becomes the heart of the semiconductor industry’s reorganization due to rising demand for AI and high-performance computing, we expect this facility to be a ‘win-win cradle’—a living classroom for students and an innovation engine for the company.”

Honoring Leadership and Vision

Following the opening ceremony, CNU conferred an Honorary Doctorate in Engineering upon CEO Jin-an Lee in recognition of his contributions to the industry and academia. Dr. Lee then delivered a special lecture titled “The AI Era: Evolution of Semiconductor Packaging Technology,” sharing insights on future industry trends and the vital role of university-industry synergy.

GWANGJU, South Korea – On January 16, Chonnam National University (President Lee Keun-bae) conferred an Honorary Doctorate in Philosophy upon Woo Won-shik, Speaker of the National Assembly, at Yongbong Hall. The degree recognizes Speaker Woo’s lifelong commitment to upholding the constitutional order, advancing democracy, and his practical political leadership for the underprivileged.

The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including National Assembly members, local government leaders, and CNU alumni representatives. Following a formal reception by CNU staff, President Lee Keun-bae and Graduate School Dean Joo Jeong-min jointly presented the degree.

Leadership Rooted in the “Gwangju Spirit”

In his congratulatory remarks, President Lee Keun-bae drew a parallel between the historical struggle of CNU students against the 1980 military regime and the recent defense of the constitutional order led by the National Assembly. “As a member of the CNU community, I am proud to confer this degree on Speaker Woo, who protected our democracy with unwavering decisiveness and responsibility during a time of national crisis,” President Lee stated.

Accepting the honor, Speaker Woo Won-shik attributed his political resolve to the legacy of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising. “The path opened by Gwangju has strengthened both myself and our community,” said Speaker Woo. “Receiving this degree from CNU—a symbol of democratic history—is a profound honor. I will continue to realize and expand the values of democracy.”

A Model of Philosophical Leadership

CNU cited Speaker Woo’s leadership as a prime example of “philosophical leadership,” extending beyond politics into the realms of public interest, justice, and humanistic reflection. This conferral highlights CNU’s role in honoring leaders who translate intellectual values into social action.

GWANGJU, South Korea – On September 16, Chonnam National University (President Lee Keun-bae) successfully hosted the 2nd Yongbong Forum under the theme, “Transforming Democratic Values into Opportunities for Growth.”

Gwangju Mayor Kang Gi-jung, a CNU alumnus, served as the keynote speaker, outlining a future strategy for Gwangju rooted in its democratic spirit. Mayor Kang identified three historical periods of “isolation” for the city:

The May 18th Democratization Movement in 1980

The three-party merger in 1991

The current “employment isolation” caused by a changing industrial landscape.

“The same DNA that allowed Gwangju to overcome the challenges of May 1980 will empower us to break through today’s job isolation,” Mayor Kang stated. He emphasized that Gwangju is already overcoming its third isolation by spearheading new industries, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI).

AI, Mobility, and Energy: The Pillars of Growth

Citing 2024 Nobel Laureate James A. Robinson, Mayor Kang noted that “democratic societies lead in economic development.” He presented AI, Mobility, and Energy as the three core opportunities for Gwangju’s growth.

Reflecting on his tenure as Senior Secretary for Political Affairs under the Moon Jae-in administration, he highlighted his role in securing the AI Phase 1 preliminary feasibility study exemption. As Mayor, he continues to push for:

Exemption for AI Phase 2 (scheduled for 2025)

Hosting the National AI Computing Center

The “Golden Triangle” Innovation Hub: Connecting the AX Verification Valley (Chumdan District), AI Mobility City (Future Auto Industrial Complex), and “Y-Park” (former military airport site).

Interactive Dialogue with the Community

The forum drew over 300 participants, including students and local residents. The event featured an interactive Q&A session where Mayor Kang addressed community concerns, ranging from solving power shortages in new AI cities to mitigating inconveniences from Subway Line 2 construction.

Cho Jin-hyung, Vice President of External Cooperation at CNU, remarked: “The Yongbong Forum is an open platform for sharing the university’s intellectual assets and communicating with regional leaders. We will continue to invite experts from various fields to explore ways for the university and the region to grow together.”

GWANGJU, South Korea – On October 14, Chonnam National University (President Lee Keun-bae) successfully hosted the 3rd Yongbong Forum of 2025 at Yongbong Hall. The keynote speaker, Woong-ki Kim, Chairman of Global Sae-A Group, delivered an inspiring lecture on “Trust” and “Challenge” as the core values driving global corporate success.

Before the lecture, President Lee Keun-bae introduced Chairman Kim’s book, The World is My Treasure Island, highlighting key philosophies such as:

“Be the one to plant the flag first.”

“When the wind doesn’t blow, run with your pinwheel.”

“The miracle of people and business creating a ‘Forest of Abundance.'”

“Chairman Kim’s business philosophy—defined by challenge and human-centric values—perfectly aligns with the DNA that CNU has long upheld,” President Lee remarked.

Turning Crisis into Opportunity through Principles

During the forum, Chairman Kim emphasized that choosing a meaningful path over comfort and building irreplaceable “Trust” are essential for corporate survival. He explained that maintaining principles during a crisis transforms trust into capital that creates unforeseen opportunities, while proactive “Challenge” shifts the market tide in one’s favor.

He inspired the youth with poignant messages, stating, “Victory comes to those who are prepared, though others may call it luck,” and “If there is such a thing as destiny, it is the result of the choices I have made.”

Future Talent: The “Continuous Learner”

In a vibrant Q&A session covering AI-era talent and crisis management, Chairman Kim stressed the importance of “Continuous Learners” (acquisition-oriented talent).

“The future belongs to those who strive to learn and grow, rather than those who merely try to prove their past,” he advised. He cited goal-setting, self-development, creative execution, crisis awareness, and trust-based sacrifice for colleagues as fundamental qualities for the next generation of leaders.

Cho Jin-hyung, Vice President of External Cooperation at CNU, concluded: “The Yongbong Forum is evolving into a platform for practical discourse connecting academia, industry, and the global stage. We will continue to expand collaborations that enhance the future competitiveness of our region and nation.”

GWANGJU, South Korea – Chonnam National University (CNU), led by President Lee Keun-bae, officially conferred an Honorary Doctorate in Economics upon Oh Hyung-seok, Chairman of TopSolar Co., Ltd., on October 1. The degree recognizes Chairman Oh’s pioneering role in the renewable energy industry and his unwavering commitment to regional social responsibility.

A Pioneer in Renewable Energy and Carbon Neutrality

Since founding TopSolar in 1994, Chairman Oh has been at the forefront of the solar energy sector. Through independent technological development, he elevated South Korea’s renewable energy competitiveness to a global level. His proactive response to the shifting energy paradigm has been instrumental in supporting the government’s “2050 Carbon Neutrality” goal, establishing a sustainable foundation for the nation’s energy transition.

Aligning Corporate Success with Regional Growth

Beyond business achievements, CNU highly evaluated Chairman Oh’s philosophy that “corporate growth must be shared with society.” His continuous efforts in creating local jobs, establishing scholarship programs, and leading social contribution activities exemplify the “Regional Win-Win” value that CNU actively pursues.

A Model for Future Generations

During the ceremony, President Lee Keun-bae stated, “Chairman Oh’s journey of challenge and innovation serves as a profound inspiration for our students. This honorary degree is a tribute to his remarkable contributions to both the industry and the community.”

In his acceptance speech, Chairman Oh remarked, “It is a great honor to receive this recognition from Chonnam National University. I remain dedicated to advancing the renewable energy sector and fostering mutual growth with the local community.”