Hanwha is taking a significant step towards building an AI and aerospace industry ecosystem in the southeastern region by partnering with national universities to develop local talent.
On August 12, Hanwha Aerospace, Hanwha Ocean, and Hanwha Engine announced the signing of a 'Southeastern Regional Talent Development Agreement' at the R&D center of Hanwha Aerospace in Changwon, Gyeongnam, in collaboration with Gyeongsang National University, Pusan National University, and National Changwon University.
This initiative is part of a 55 trillion won investment plan for the Yeongnam region's AI and aerospace sector, announced by Kim Dong-kwan, Vice Chairman of Hanwha Group, during a national report meeting on advanced industry development held in Jinju, Gyeongnam last month.
At that time, Kim stated, "The true industrial ecosystem envisioned by Hanwha is one where local talent learns in their region, local companies challenge the global market, and local industries lead the future of South Korea in a virtuous cycle."
Hanwha plans to create an AI and aerospace industry ecosystem based on three pillars: local talent development, enhancing the technological capabilities of partner companies, and fostering the growth of startups and research institutions.
Hanwha will establish a contract department at Pusan National University (tentatively named 'Department of Advanced Mechanical Systems Engineering') and expand R&D cooperation. Gyeongsang National University and Changwon University will operate a contract enrollment master's program focused on nurturing AI talent.
Selected students will work at Hanwha Aerospace, Hanwha Ocean, and Hanwha Engine after graduation, undergoing a separate selection process. During their studies, they will receive scholarships and living stipends, along with internship opportunities.
Additionally, Hanwha plans to implement industry-academia cooperation programs, including field-centered education, special lectures, and seminars, while promoting joint research and technology exchange. The company aims to enhance employment support for outstanding talent and jointly discover and promote support projects with local governments.
Changwon University will operate an exchange student program with a university in Vietnam, while Gyeongsang National University and Pusan National University plan to bid for the '10 Seoul National Universities' initiative. Existing industry-academia cooperation programs, such as the Hanwha Aerospace Hub, will also continue to expand.
Attending the event were Gyeongnam Governor Park Wan-soo, Busan Mayor Jeon Jae-soo, People Power Party lawmaker Seo Il-jun, Gyeongsang National University President Kwon Jin-hwa, Pusan National University President Choi Jae-won, Changwon University President Park Min-won, Hanwha Aerospace CEO Son Jae-il, Hanwha Ocean CEO Kim Hee-cheol, Hanwha Engine CEO Kim Jong-seo, and Hanwha Aerospace Director of Win-Win Cooperation Jeong In-seop, among over 100 attendees.
In his congratulatory speech, Governor Park Wan-soo emphasized that the agreement for local talent development in the southeastern region is significant as it prepares a future talent ecosystem in the region, a hub for advanced manufacturing innovation in South Korea, through collaboration among businesses, universities, and local governments.
Mayor Jeon Jae-soo stated, "We will vigorously support the actual education programs, joint research, and recruitment to create a new growth axis at the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula, paving the way for South Korea to advance into a bipolar and tripolar system."
Lawmaker Seo Il-jun expressed hope that the agreement would serve as a new opportunity for universities, businesses, and the region, providing a foundation for youth growth, and pledged to review and promote related systems and policies in the National Assembly to establish a sustainable talent development system.
Kim Hee-cheol, CEO of Hanwha Ocean, who delivered a welcoming speech on behalf of the three companies, expressed gratitude to the government, local authorities, and university officials for their commitment to nurturing talent responsible for the region's future, stating, "Hanwha will continue to be a reliable partner that grows together with the region and creates the future."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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