Dear Sungkyun Family!
The eventful year of 2016 that saw many issues and changes within the country, has passed and the year of 2017 has come.
Even in the middle of those difficult times, SKKU achieved many important national research projects including the 'Initiative for College of Humanities' Research and Education (CORE)', 'Social Science Korea (SKK)', 'Scientific Research Center (SRC)' and 'Medical Research Center (MRC)', 'Global Research Lab (GRL)', 'Basic Research Lab (BRL)', 'Future Material Discovery Business', 'Ultra High Performance Computing Core Technology Development Business', and 'K-Startup Business'. Also, 170 projects in SKKU were selected for the 'Global Ph.D. Fellowship Business', 'Research Fellow Business', and 'Undergraduate Research Program Supporting Business' which are projects for cultivating the next generation's scholars. Furthermore, SKKU achieved great accolades remaining first in NCSI for ten consecutive years, as well as No.1 in graduate employment rate.
SKKU has also expanded its brand value as a global leading university by receiving high rankings in various evaluations; placing 106th in QS world university rankings and 137th in THE. These elevated rankings helped to expand our exchange and joint research with world-renowned universities and have set the benchmark for SKKU's development.
I believe the outstanding results that SKKU has shown were achieved by our three-in-one university system combining our foundation and alumni who have given their best efforts. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to everyone in SKKU's community including professors, staff members, students, the university foundation, and alumni who gave their dedication and passion for the development of the university.
In recent years, the environment for Korean universities has changed rapidly. Especially, due to the sharp decrease in education population, the 4th industrial revolution, and low economic growth rate in the world, the educational environment has become more difficult. In response to the current era of uncertainty, we need to keep an eye on changes and actively follow the trends so we can lead the stream and carry forward changes and innovation by awakening innovative DNA in SKKU.
It has already been two years since I began as President of SKKU. I will focus on the visualization of the concept of 'Truly, Global Leading University' based on the performance we have developed. Therefore, I would like to introduce the SKKU's basic management policies for 2017.
I would like to ask for passion, active participation, and continuous innovation of all members in order to become a world top institution beyond the limits and crisis that our university is confronting.
Again, thank you very much for all the support and dedication; and I wish all of you good health, happiness, and success in the coming year.
January 1st, 2017
Kyu Sang Chung, Ph.D.
President
Sungkyunkwan University