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Honorary degree reflects Korea’s gratitude to Ethiopia, a Korean War ally Ambassador Dukamo contributes to improving quality of life in Ethiopia through Saemaul Development initiatives Advancement of Korea–Ethiopia cooperation and broader Korea–Africa friendship Educational and public diplomacy achievements rooted in the global sharing of Saemaul Studies [February 23, 2026] Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) conferred an Honorary Doctorate in International Development on Dessie Dalkie Dukamo, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ethiopia to the Republic of Korea, at a ceremony held on February 20 at the Grand Hall of Cheonma Arts Center. The honorary degree recognizes Ambassador Dukamo’s distinguished diplomatic contributions to Ethiopia’s national development and human resource cultivation, as well as his efforts to strengthen bilateral friendship and cooperation between Korea and Ethiopia. During his tenure as Ambassador to Korea, Ambassador Dukamo has played a pivotal role in integrating Korea’s development experience and the Saemaul Development model into Ethiopia’s national development strategies. At both central and regional government levels, he has emphasized the importance of Saemaul Development and leadership training, serving as a key bridge in localizing and expanding Saemaul Studies in Ethiopia.Prior to his diplomatic appointment, Ambassador Dukamo served as Governor of Ethiopia’s Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR) and as Minister of Science and Technology. Since 2022, he has served as Ambassador of Ethiopia to the Republic of Korea, concurrently accredited to three Southeast Asian countries. For approximately 13 years—beginning during his governorship—he has engaged with Korea’s development experience and shared it with Ethiopia and other developing countries, leading initiatives in human resource development and Saemaul-based policy implementation to promote mutual growth and understanding between the two nations. In his acceptance remarks, Ambassador Dukamo stated, “It is a great honor and responsibility to receive an honorary doctorate from Yeungnam University, the cradle of institutionalizing the Saemaul Movement into Saemaul Studies and disseminating it worldwide.” He continued, “Through my training at Yeungnam University, I came to understand that the Saemaul Movement begins with a strong sense of ownership and community participation, which are essential for sustainable development. The Saemaul spirit—rooted in diligence, self-help, and cooperation, and expanded to include sharing, service, and creativity—deeply resonates with Ethiopia’s vision for national development.” He added that the degree symbolizes not only a personal honor but also the future partnership between Ethiopia and Korea, pledging continued efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation and promote sustainable development. Yeungnam University has sustained its cooperation with Ethiopia not merely as an exchange partnership, but as an expression of gratitude rooted in historical ties and a commitment to global contribution. Ethiopia was the only African nation to dispatch combat troops during the Korean War, beginning in 1950—prior to the establishment of formal diplomatic relations—standing in defense of the Republic of Korea’s freedom and peace. In the post-war period, Ethiopia continued humanitarian support, including the establishment of orphanages and medical assistance in Korea. In recognition of this historical bond, Yeungnam University has pursued educational cooperation centered on Saemaul Studies. Through the Park Chung Hee School of Policy and Saemaul (PSPS, established in 2011), the University has invited 44 young leaders from Ethiopia in fields such as community development, public policy, forestry resources, and water and environmental management, providing full scholarships and living expenses for master’s-level training grounded in Korea’s development experience.In addition, more than 600 civil servants from SNNPR have participated in local training programs, and to date approximately 1,000 Ethiopian participants have engaged in Saemaul Development theory and practice programs facilitated by YU. It was through these collaborative efforts that Yeungnam University’s partnership with Ambassador Dukamo began. In 2015, during his tenure as Governor of SNNPR, he personally visited Yeungnam University to participate in Saemaul training after recognizing its potential as a regional development strategy. He subsequently completed training programs alongside senior regional officials and incorporated Saemaul Development principles into local policy.In 2016, with support from KOICA, a large-scale policy training program for SNNPR officials was launched, later recognized as a best practice in KOICA’s global training initiatives. Ethiopia is regarded as one of the most proactive African countries in adopting and localizing the Saemaul Movement. Yeungnam University has provided Saemaul training programs for high-ranking officials and leaders from regions such as Amhara and SNNPR, supporting policy capacity building and regional development planning. This is regarded as a case demonstrating that Yeungnam University’s Saemaul Studies are being substantively integrated into local administration and regional development policies. More recently, cooperation has further expanded to include inter-university exchange. Concrete achievements have continued, including academic exchange and cooperation with Addis Ababa University, the operation of training programs at Werabe University, and the establishment of a Department of Saemaul Studies there. In parallel, collaboration in academic exchange and talent cultivation has been gradually systematized. The conferment of this honorary doctorate is viewed as the culmination of accumulated educational collaboration and mutual trust, and is expected to further elevate Korea–Ethiopia friendship and educational diplomacy. President CHOI Oe-chool stated, “The Republic of Korea has grown from a country that once received assistance from the international community into one that now repays the nations that defended its freedom and shares its development experience with the world.” He continued, “It is important that we express our gratitude in meaningful ways to the Ethiopian youth who sacrificed their lives for Korea even before diplomatic relations were established. Sharing the proven achievements of Saemaul Studies education and cooperation is one such way.” He concluded, “Helping improve people’s lives through the global sharing of Saemaul Studies is a true expression of gratitude and a core value of global contribution. Through this honorary doctorate, we convey our sincere appreciation to the Ethiopian government and people, and we will further expand cooperation across Africa to contribute to shared prosperity for humanity.”
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Degrees Conferred on February 20 at the Grand Hall of Cheonma Arts Center; Doctoral Graduates and Master’s Representative Attend 127 doctoral, 429 master’s, and 3,651 bachelor’s degrees awarded across colleges and graduate schools [February 20, 2026] Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) held its 2025 Spring Commencement Ceremony on February 20. At the ceremony, held at the Grand Hall of the Cheonma Arts Center, all doctoral graduates of the Graduate School and a representative of the master’s degree recipients were present. President CHOI Oe-chool and SHIN Seung-hoon, Dean of the Graduate School, personally conferred degrees upon the graduates and delivered congratulatory remarks. In addition to the main ceremony, each undergraduate college and graduate school—including the Law School and six professional graduate schools (Graduate School of Business Administration; Graduate School of Environment Health; Graduate School of Education; Graduate School of Engineering; Graduate School of Culture, Arts & Design; and the Park Chung-hee School of Policy and Saemaul)—held separate degree conferment ceremonies. At YU, a total of 3,651 bachelor’s, 429 master’s, and 127 doctoral degrees were awarded. Among the graduates were 185 international students (48 bachelor’s, 79 master’s, and 58 doctoral recipients). In addition, 372 undergraduate students completed two or more majors and received multiple degrees. On the same day, YU also conferred an Honorary Doctorate in International Development upon Dessie Dalkie Dukamo, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ethiopia to the Republic of Korea. <HAN Jae-sook, Chairperson of the Yeungnam School Corporation, delivers congratulatory remarks.> HAN Jae-sook, Chairperson of the Yeungnam School Corporation, extended her congratulations to the graduates, stating, “I sincerely congratulate all of you proud graduates receiving your honorable degrees today. This achievement is the fruit of your long-standing dedication and passion, made even more meaningful through the unwavering support and love of your families and professors.” She added, “Graduation marks both the conclusion of your academic journey and the beginning of a new chapter. I hope you will create positive change in your respective fields, grounded in intellectual responsibility and a spirit of challenge.” Referring to Ambassador Dukamo, who received the honorary doctorate, she remarked, “His dedicated efforts to promote friendship between Korea and Ethiopia and to strengthen international solidarity symbolically reflect the social responsibility of scholarship and the value of international cooperation that our university upholds.” She added, “I sincerely hope our proud graduates will continue to grow as global leaders, guiding the dreams and future of humanity.” <President CHOI Oe-chool delivers the commencement address.> In his commencement address, President CHOI stated, “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all graduates who have earned their degrees through continuous challenge and diligent effort.” He emphasized, “In an era defined by rapid transformation in advanced industries such as artificial intelligence, big data, and biotechnology, proactive preparation for change and a spirit of challenge are no longer optional but essential. I encourage you to move forward toward the future without fear, guided by the Cheonma spirit.”He further urged graduates to take responsible roles in addressing global challenges such as climate change, poverty alleviation, and world peace, and to grow into global leaders contributing to the shared prosperity of humanity. Congratulating Ambassador Dukamo on receiving the honorary doctorate, President CHOI added, “Ethiopia is a cherished ally that stood in defense of the Republic of Korea’s freedom during the Korean War, and we hold deep gratitude for that noble sacrifice.” He continued, “The Ambassador’s efforts to apply Korea’s Saemaul Development experience and Saemaul Studies to Ethiopia’s national development—thereby improving the quality of life for its people and promoting Korea–Africa friendship—carry profound meaning as an expression of gratitude and reciprocity.”
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YU ranks 6th nationwide and 1st outside the Seoul metropolitan area in number of student entrepreneurs Sharing youth startup achievements and expanding investment linkages; Demo Day validates business and technological competitiveness Strengthening its role as a regional startup hub platform AI startup trends lecture and MOUs reinforce structured entrepreneurship support system [February 13, 2026] Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) held the “2025 YUnicorn IMPACT RISE” event on February 12 at the Lee Si-won Global Convention Hall of the Cheonma Arts Center, providing a platform to share the outcomes of its entrepreneurship support programs and expand investment linkages. According to the 2025 Higher Education Disclosure data, YU recorded 58 student entrepreneurs, ranking 6th nationwide and 1st among universities outside the Seoul metropolitan area, demonstrating its outstanding entrepreneurial capacity. Building on these achievements, YU has expanded entrepreneurship education and field-oriented support programs. The event was organized to comprehensively share the University’s startup support outcomes and to validate them from market and investment perspectives.The event showcased the results of phased startup support programs implemented by the YUnicorn Startup Support Group under the RISE Project, including entrepreneurship education, mentoring, commercialization assistance, and prototype development.Approximately 100 participants, including university students interested in entrepreneurship, attended to share startup achievements and explore the latest startup trends. Distinguished guests in attendance included President CHOI Oe-chool of YU, Gyeongsan Mayor CHO Hyun-il, Chairperson AHN Moon-gil of the Gyeongsan City Council, and JEONG Ki-hwan, Head of the Daegu-Gyeongbuk Regional Office of SMEs and Startups, who offered encouragement for the University’s entrepreneurial accomplishments. <Startup prototypes are introduced at the exhibition booth.> The program began with an opening ceremony and performance report, followed by the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with external investment institutions such as venture capital (VC) firms and accelerators (ACs), as well as ceremonies for the delivery of Letters of Intent for investment and Investment Commitment Agreements. These initiatives provided an opportunity to gain external recognition of YU’s startup achievements and to strengthen cooperative foundations with investment partners. During the Demo Day session, five student startup teams from universities in the Gyeongsan area presented their business ideas and engaged in Q&A sessions, undergoing comprehensive evaluation of business feasibility, technological capability, and market potential.In addition, LEE Jae-hoon, CEO of Ecopro Partners Co., Ltd., delivered a special lecture titled “Startup Trends Utilizing AI,” sharing insights into emerging technology-driven startup trends and practical cases. An “Idea Startup Valley” exhibition booth was also operated as a side event, presenting key programs and prototype outcomes of the YUnicorn Startup Support Group. <President CHOI Oe-chool delivers the welcome address.> In his welcome remarks, President CHOI stated, “As universities look toward the global market, they must provide young entrepreneurs with an environment that does not fear failure and with a practical support system.” He added, “We are now in an era where professional expertise must be combined with AI utilization capabilities to secure competitiveness. YU will actively leverage its global network to connect entrepreneurship education, research, and industry–academia cooperation, enabling students to grow into entrepreneurial leaders who understand both technology and the market.” He further emphasized, “Together with the region, we will build an innovative startup ecosystem and develop into a leading startup hub worthy of being called Korea’s new growth engine, ‘Y-Valley.’” Meanwhile, the event was conducted as part of the Gyeongsangbuk-do Regional Innovation System & Education (RISE) Project and served as a structured startup performance platform centered on the YUnicorn Startup Support Group, aimed at systematically organizing and disseminating YU’s entrepreneurship outcomes while strengthening linkages with regional investment institutions.
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Seven Trans Art majors participate in producing three large-scale (2m) sculptures of the official character “Pruma” Installed at the Central Library, Cheonma Art Center, and Yeungnam University Station… expected to serve as campus landmarks and photo zones Practical creative opportunities and “Art Creation Scholarship” support to strengthen student competencies [February 13, 2026] <The Yeungnam University character “Pruma” sculpture and Trans Art students who participated in its production, along with Professor SHIN Gi-woon> Yeungnam University (President CHOI Oe-chool) has installed large-scale sculptures embodying the University’s official character, “Peuruma,” at key locations across campus, drawing significant attention. The project is particularly meaningful in that the sculptures were created not by established artists, but through the direct participation of current students from the College of Art and Design’s Department of Trans Art. The University launched the “Pruma Sculpture Production Project” to strengthen the symbolic identity of major campus spaces and to convey a friendly institutional image to visitors, completing installation on the 20th. Seven students from the Department of Trans Art (advised by Professor SHIN Gi-woon) in the College of Art and Design participated in the project. Over a period of approximately five months beginning in September of last year, the students were directly involved in the entire production process—from design planning and material selection to fabrication and painting—thereby enhancing their practical competencies as emerging artists. Each sculpture measures approximately 2 meters in height and 1.2 meters in width. They were produced by integrating FRP (fiber-reinforced plastic), known for its durability and lightweight properties, with 3D printing technology. The works vividly depict “Pruma,” a friendly character reinterpretation of the University’s symbolic “Cheonma” (Heavenly Horse). <Trans Art students producing the “Pruma” sculpture> The sculptures have been installed at three high-traffic and easily accessible locations: ▲the Central Library ▲the Cheonma Art Center ▲near Exit 3 of Yeungnam University Station on Daegu Metro Line 2.NOH Hye-rim (Class of ’21, Department of Trans Art), who led the project, stated, “It was a valuable opportunity to apply what we learned in the classroom to a real-world project. Although there were technical challenges, we overcame them through teamwork and were able to grow to the next level as emerging artists. I hope this work will provide joyful memories not only to members of Yeungnam University but also to local residents.” Professor SHIN Gi-woon of the Department of Trans Art, who supervised the project, commented, “This case enhances both educational value and school pride, as students directly created a symbol of the University and contributed to the campus environment. I hope the newly installed Peuruma sculptures will serve as a medium conveying Yeungnam University’s vibrant and friendly image to both members and visitors.” In addition, as part of the project, the students carried out repair work on deteriorated sections of the large-scale “Cheonma” sculpture previously installed at the Cheonma Jimum Gate. They removed rust from the sculpture’s surface and repainted it in blue, the symbolic color of Yeungnam University, thereby contributing to further enhancement of the campus landscape. <Trans Art students conducting repair work on the large “Cheonma” sculpture located at the entrance of Cheonma Jimum Gate> Meanwhile, YU awarded the President’s Special Scholarship for Artistic Creation (“Art Creation Scholarship”) to the students who participated in the project in recognition of their efforts. The University also plans to continue promoting various initiatives that integrate students’ disciplinary competencies into campus environment improvement and institutional brand enhancement.
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80 faculty members selected as Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers and Elsevier’s World’s Top 2% Scientists Sharing and dissemination of research excellence boost faculty pride and institutional reputation President CHOI Oe-chool: “I am proud that our creative and challenging research achievements have been recognized globally” [January 27, 2026] Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) held the 2025 Academic Year Outstanding Research Faculty Award Ceremony on January 23 at the Cheonma Art Center, honoring faculty members whose outstanding research achievements have contributed significantly to enhancing the University’s research competitiveness and global standing. <President CHOI Oe-chool presents an Award of Merit to an outstanding research faculty member.> The ceremony was organized to recognize outstanding researchers, foster faculty pride, and strengthen the University’s overall research capacity through the sharing and dissemination of exemplary research outcomes.Award recipients were selected based on internationally recognized and authoritative researcher evaluation results. Among the honorees were Professors LEE Yong-rok (School of Chemical Engineering), CHOI In-ho (Department of Biomedical Engineering), SUMANTA Sahoo (School of Chemical Engineering), and RAJACHUDAN (School of Chemical Engineering), who were named Highly Cited Researchers (HCR) in the 2025 list released by Clarivate Plc. In addition, faculty members selected as World’s Top 2% Scientists (2025) by Elsevier were also included, bringing the total number of award recipients to 80. <Professors selected as Highly Cited Researchers (from left): RAJACHUDAN, SUMANTA Sahoo, CHOI In-ho, and LEE Yong-rok.> In his congratulatory remarks, President CHOI stated, “In an era marked by unprecedentedly rapid technological change—driven by artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced materials, and biotechnology—the competitiveness of a university ultimately stems from research. I am extremely proud of our faculty members who have been recognized as outstanding researchers through globally respected evaluations.” He added, “Your dedication and willingness to take on challenges are shaping both the present and future of Yeungnam University. We will continue to expand research infrastructure and strengthen administrative and financial support so that our researchers can fully devote themselves to creative and challenging research endeavors.” YU has continued to secure major government- and local government-funded initiatives, expanding strategic investments aimed at nurturing talent and strengthening research capacity in next-generation growth sectors. These investments have translated into qualitative advancements across education and research, yielding tangible results in major domestic and international university rankings. Backed by sustained strategic public funding, YU has steadily enhanced its research capabilities, achieving notable distinctions such as Top 5 nationwide for two consecutive years in the Leiden Ranking, joint 15th place domestically in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, No. 1 among regional private universities in the 2025 INUE–Hankyung University Evaluation, 3rd nationwide in SCI publications per faculty member, and entry into the global top tier of the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI). Building on these accumulated research achievements, YU aims to further advance as a world-class research-oriented university.
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Recognition for in silico- and AI-based development of food-grade materials for cultivated meat culture media Next-generation culture medium technology ensures human safety and cost competitiveness, demonstrating strong commercialization potential Professor CHOI In-ho continues momentum following selection as a “2025 Highly Cited Researcher” [February 3, 2026] <Professor CHOI In-ho of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Yeungnam University (Director, Cell Culture Research Institute)> Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) announced that the research team led by Professor CHOI In-ho of the Department of Biomedical Engineering (Director, Cell Culture Research Institute) has been selected in the Life and Marine Sciences category of the “2025 National R&D Top 100 Achievements,” an honor awarded by the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT). Professor CHOI’s team attended the 2025 National R&D Top 100 Achievements Award Ceremony, held on January 30 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Seoul, where they received an official certificate and commemorative plaque presented in the name of the Minister of Science and ICT. The National R&D Top 100 Achievements program annually selects and honors the top 100 projects from approximately 70,000 government-funded national R&D projects, following a comprehensive evaluation of excellence and societal and industrial impact. Around 1,000 projects recommended by relevant ministries undergo a rigorous review process before final selection.Launched in 2006, the program has become the government’s flagship initiative for recognizing outstanding research achievements and enhancing researchers’ professional pride. The selected research was highly praised for addressing one of the key barriers to the commercialization of the cultivated meat industry—the high cost of cell culture media—through the development of culture media formulations based on food-grade materials. Using proprietary in silico and artificial intelligence (AI)-based analytical platforms, Professor CHOI’s team identified natural compound-based media additives capable of significantly improving culture efficiency. The research outcomes have been published in international academic journals, secured related patents, and successfully transferred to industry, demonstrating strong commercialization viability.The project was supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and carried out through an industry–academia–research collaboration led by Professor CHOI In-ho, with participation from Professor HUH Sun-jin (Chung-Ang University), HAN Ki-soo, CEO of Neo Crema Co., Ltd., Dr. MOON Ik-jae of T-Ribose Co., Ltd., and Professor KIM Ji-hoe of Yeungnam University’s Department of Biomedical Engineering. The collaborative framework underscores the project’s significance as a successful model of cross-sector innovation. Professor CHOI commented, “Following my selection as one of Elsevier and Stanford University’s World’s Top 2% Scientists (2025) and Clarivate’s Highly Cited Researchers (2025), it is especially meaningful to be recognized among the National R&D Top 100 Achievements.” He added, “This accomplishment is the result of the collective efforts of all participating researchers and industry partners. Moving forward, I will continue striving to link fundamental research with industry applications to contribute to the advancement of regional communities and the national bioindustry.”
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Forum held to review and share first-year outcomes of Phase 3 of the University Innovation Support Program Innovative cases and participating students’ experiences in education, research, and student support shared Keynote address explores trends in academic data- and AI-based educational innovation [February 9, 2026] Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) held the “2025 University Innovation Support Program Innovation Outcomes Dissemination Forum” on February 5 at the Lee Si-won Global Convention Hall of the Cheonma Arts Center, providing a platform to share the first-year outcomes of Phase 3 of the University Innovation Support Program. The forum was organized to review major achievements in the areas of education, research, and student support promoted through the University Innovation Support Program and to disseminate best practices both within and beyond the university. Approximately 70 participants, including LEE Byeong-jun, Vice President for Educational Innovation at Yeungnam University, LEE Hee-yong, Director of the University Innovation Support Program, internal university members, and external stakeholders, attended the event. The forum was also live-streamed on YouTube, enabling university officials nationwide to engage with and share the outcomes. During the forum, JUNG Kwang-hoon, Director at the Korea Education and Research Information Service (KERIS), delivered a keynote address titled “Trends in Academic Data Services for Researcher Support.” His presentation drew strong interest as he highlighted changes in research support environments driven by academic data and outlined strategic responses universities should adopt going forward. Subsequent innovation outcome case presentations showcased concrete examples of educational innovation initiatives currently being implemented at Yeungnam University, including: ▲Operation of an AI Smart Education Innovation Platform (Smart Education Content Team) ▲Customized student counseling support for adaptation and growth (Student Counseling Center) ▲Implementation of an advanced integrated management system for student success-oriented extracurricular programs (Center for Educational Innovation) ▲Outcomes of AI-based teaching and learning innovation programs (Center for Teaching and Learning Development) A student case-sharing session further enriched the forum, with students who had directly participated in the University Innovation Support Program taking the stage to share their experiences and outcomes.Presentations such as “YU&EYE: Connecting the University and Students, and Students with One Another” and “Standing at the Threshold of Our Majors: Finding Answers through the University Innovation Support Program” vividly conveyed the program’s on-the-ground impact and tangible benefits, receiving enthusiastic responses from attendees. LEE Hee-yong, Director of the University Innovation Support Program, commented, “This Innovation Outcomes Dissemination Forum provided a meaningful opportunity to jointly review the direction of Yeungnam University’s innovation efforts and the changes occurring in practice,” adding, “We will continue to pursue innovation across education, research, and student support to further strengthen the university’s overall competitiveness.”
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Professor KWON Sung-jin’s research team wins both the Grand Prize and the AI Innovation Award AI-based detection of road blind-spot hazards demonstrates strong capacity for solving real-world social problems Consecutive wins in the Idea and Solution categories highlight both technical excellence and public value [January 28, 2026] <Professor KWON Sung-jin’s research team from Yeungnam University, winner of two major awards at the KEIT AI Life Challenge> Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) announced that a research team led by Professor KWON Sung-jin of the Department of Future Automotive Engineering captured two major awards at the “AI Life Challenge,” hosted by the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KEIT). The team won the Grand Prize in the AI Life Idea category and the AI Innovation Award in the AI Life Solution category. The AI Life Challenge is a nationwide, citizen-participatory AI innovation program designed to identify AI-based solutions to everyday social problems proposed by the public. The competition was conducted over approximately 100 days, from September to December of last year, progressing step by step from idea development to the actual implementation of AI technologies. At the competition, Professor Kwon’s team presented a project titled “AI-Based Detection and Alert Service for Road Blind-Spot Hazards.” The project received high evaluations for its practicality and social impact. The technology analyzes road CCTV footage and in-vehicle dashcam video using AI models to detect hazards—such as potholes and fallen objects—located in blind spots outside the visual range of drivers and pedestrians. The system then accurately extracts the geographical coordinates of detected hazards and delivers real-time accident-prevention alerts by linking with vehicle and smartphone navigation systems. Led by Professor KWON, the research team consisted of LEE Je-ho, CHA Jun-hyung (third-year), SEO Min-gwon (second-year) from the Department of Future Automotive Engineering, and KIM Seol-bin (fourth-year) from the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The team first received the Grand Prize in the Idea category for its strong social ripple effect and feasibility, and subsequently secured the AI Innovation Award in the Solution category by successfully implementing the AI technology—demonstrating excellence in both conceptual design and technical execution. Professor KWON commented, “This achievement is particularly meaningful in that the students were able to connect AI and mobility technologies developed through coursework and research to the resolution of real social issues,” adding, “The experience of independently defining on-site problems and realizing solutions through technology will serve as a valuable asset in the students’ future growth.” Meanwhile, this achievement represents the culmination of research and educational activities supported by Yeungnam University’s Regional Innovation System & Education (RISE) Project. Moving forward, the university plans to continue producing practice-oriented talent and technology-driven solutions to social challenges through the RISE project’s Autonomous Mobility Demonstration Innovation Lab, in close alignment with regional and industrial needs.
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CES Innovation Award–winning startups demonstrate global technological competitiveness Hands-on exposure to future industries deepens academic strengths and provides practical opportunities for cultivating global talent President CHOI Oe-chool strengthens cooperation networks through an MOU with the LA Korean American Chamber of Commerce and special lectures for U.S.-based alumni [January 15, 2025] <Visitors touring Yeungnam University’s booth at CES 2026> Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) has reaffirmed its global technological competitiveness at CES 2026, the world’s largest IT and consumer electronics exhibition held recently in Las Vegas, while accelerating the expansion of its global network through strengthened cooperation with alumni and institutions across the Americas. <YU delegation visiting the booth of HUMANICS, a YU faculty-founded startup> At CES 2026, startups that have grown through YU’s industry–academic cooperation ecosystem showcased their technologies on the global stage.DeepFusion AI, a YU industry–academia collaborative startup, drew international attention by winning the Highest Innovation Award at CES 2026 for its autonomous driving technology based on 4D imaging radar. In addition, HUMANICS, an AI healthcare and fitness robotics company founded by Prof. CHOI Jeong-soo of Department of Robotics Engineering, won a CES Innovation Award for the second consecutive year, emerging as a representative success story of faculty entrepreneurship, technology commercialization, and global market entry. These achievements highlight YU’s full-cycle industry–academia cooperation system, in which outstanding research capabilities are effectively translated into market-ready innovations. <YU delegation visiting the YU booth operated by the RLRC> YU’s research and educational presence was also prominent at CES 2026.The Regional Leading Research Center (RLRC) for Blue Technologies in Autonomous Vehicle Parts and Materials operated an independent booth, introducing global industry and research leaders to its achievements in passive material technologies, active component technologies, and driving environment recognition and control technologies for autonomous vehicles, while exploring opportunities for international collaboration. In particular, YU enhanced the educational value of the CES visit by dispatching a large-scale delegation of faculty and students.More than 40 participants, including members from the Software-Centered University Project Group, the RISE Future Aut omotive Innovation Parts Project Group, the Leading Research Center for Multimodal Untact Sensing for Lifelogging, and the SME Joint Research Support Program Group, attended the exhibition. Through first-hand exposure to cutting-edge developments in artificial intelligence, robotics, mobility, and digital healthcare, participants benchmarked global best practices and reflected on how universities should adapt their educational content and teaching methods in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.The visit reaffirmed that, even in an era defined by AI and robotics, university education must ultimately remain people-centered, nurturing warm, ethical, and socially responsible talent alongside advanced technical expertise. <Special lecture and alumni night event with the US General Alumni Association> <President CHOI Oe-chool delivering a special lecture to U.S.-based alumni> An alumni gathering held in conjunction with the CES visit underscored the strength of YU’s global alumni network. Approximately 60 alumni, including LEE Don, President of the US General Alumni Association, joined President CHOI and university officials for an LA Alumni Night, fostering deeper exchange and solidarity among alumni.In his special lecture, President CHOI shared YU’s recent achievements, including strong performances in university evaluations and rising admissions competitiveness, and outlined the university’s strategies for educational and research innovation and enhanced student support. He emphasized YU’s sustainable growth model, in which the university, alumni, local communities, and industries grow together, highlighting YU’s vision of becoming a globally recognized private university. <LEE Don, President of the US General Alumni Association, delivering a welcome address> LEE Don (Architecture, Class of ’73) stated, “We sincerely welcome President CHOI’s visit to Los Angeles. The positive developments at our alma mater are truly encouraging and meaningful to alumni abroad.” He added that alumni across the Americas would continue to actively support YU’s growth. YU’s U.S.-based alumni have collectively donated over KRW 5 billion in scholarships, providing strong support for students’ academic pursuits and global engagement. This robust global alumni network serves as a key foundation for YU’s efforts to cultivate world-class talent. <YU signs an MOU with the LA Korean American Chamber of Commerce (from the middle left: JUNG Sang-bong, President of the LAKACC; President CHOI Oe-chool)> YU also achieved a significant milestone in expanding its global industry–academia cooperation network by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the LA Korean American Chamber of Commerce (LAKACC), led by President JUNG Sang-bong. The agreement establishes a strategic platform for expanding Korea–U.S. cooperation in education and industry.Under the MOU, the two organizations agreed to collaborate on ▲education and talent exchange ▲joint career development and internship programs for students and young professionals ▲exchange and cooperation between Korean and U.S. companies and institutions ▲joint promotion and network-building activities ▲mutual support for events and key initiatives. President CHOI commented, “CES 2026 provided a valuable opportunity to confirm how Yeungnam University’s achievements in industry–academia cooperation, research, education, and entrepreneurship are being evaluated and can expand on the global stage.” He added, “When our startups’ innovation, students’ vivid global experiences, and cooperation with overseas institutions and alumni are organically connected, the university’s competitiveness is maximized.” He concluded, “YU will continue to expand opportunities for faculty and students to gain global perspectives and experiences through internships and participation in international exhibitions.Through global industry–academia cooperation and educational innovation, we will remain committed to cultivating talent that meets the demands of the times and contributes to the shared prosperity of humanity.”
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Stronger in times of challenge: All 20 examinees pass through robust and well-structured medical education A testament to the educational competitiveness of YU College of Medicine and its role in cultivating future physicians Demonstrates the strength of a prestigious medical school through educational normalization and enhanced customized training [January 22, 2026] Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) announced that all 20 examinees from its College of Medicine passed the 90th National Medical Licensing Examination, achieving a 100% pass rate, according to results released by the Korea Health Personnel Licensing Examination Institute. This year’s examination was conducted amid a significant nationwide decline in the number of examinees. A total of 1,078 candidates took the exam, of whom 818 passed, marking a notable decrease in both examinees and successful candidates compared to previous years. Despite this challenging environment, YU College of Medicine distinguished itself by recording a perfect pass rate, once again demonstrating the strength and substance of its medical education. YU College of Medicine has remained focused on maintaining academic stability and educational quality, even under difficult circumstances. The university attributes this achievement to its systematic, customized education framework, including courses designed to strengthen clinical competence, intensive training programs, and student-centered learning support, all of which have consistently enhanced students’ preparedness for the national licensing examination. President CHOI stated, “This 100% pass rate in the National Medical Licensing Examination is a truly meaningful achievement made possible by the dedication of our students, who remained fully committed to their studies despite challenging conditions, the faculty members who devoted themselves to education in the field, and all members of the university who worked together to normalize academic operations.” He added, “YU will continue to support our students so that they may grow into professional medical practitioners who contribute to humanity, grounded in a systematic and high-quality medical education.” Meanwhile, YU College of Medicine is accelerating its efforts to cultivate future-oriented medical professionals capable of responding proactively to a rapidly changing healthcare environment, through continuous curriculum improvement and the strengthening of clinical education.
- PR team
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- 2026. 01. 22
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