Hanwha Group Chairman Kim Seung-yeon marked the company's 74th anniversary by stating, "There is no place for optimism" and emphasized the need to confront the harsh realities of ongoing geopolitical conflicts and rapid changes in the domestic and international industrial environment.
In his founding anniversary speech delivered to employees on October 9, Kim urged, "We must secure a path to overcome many obstacles and respond directly to prepare Hanwha for the next 100 or 200 years."
According to Hanwha Group, Kim reflected on the company's origins, saying, "74 years ago, Hanwha started with the determination to cultivate essential industries for our country ourselves," and expressed gratitude to employees, customers, shareholders, and partners worldwide who contributed to the current success of Hanwha.
He noted that Hanwha has expanded its business from explosives to machinery, petrochemicals, finance, services, energy, defense, marine, and even aerospace, stating, "Through this journey of success, Hanwha has become the fifth-largest conglomerate in Korea," and set the goal of becoming a leader in creating the future across all business sectors.
Kim highlighted three essential attitudes for leaders who aim to create the future: a sense of ownership, focus and concentration, and a spirit of challenge.
He stated, "When a business is in trouble and an organization faces a crisis, we can only entrust our future to leaders who do not evade responsibility and actively seek solutions."
Kim also pointed out the need for precise targeting and rapid mobilization of resources in the increasingly complex international landscape and multi-layered competition and cooperation, urging a focus on key objectives.
He identified the indomitable spirit of challenge, referred to as 'Hanwha DNA,' as the driving force behind the company's ability to surpass existing limitations in the defense and marine sectors.
Kim emphasized that securing AI-based technological competitiveness is essential for becoming a lasting leader, stating, "In finance, machinery, and services, AI-based technology must support our efforts to become a true leader."
He also addressed workplace safety, asserting, "Great achievements start with safety, and there is no future without safety." He stressed that creating a workplace where employees and their families can feel secure is a fundamental quality and priority for leaders, adding, "No value can precede safety and life."
In closing, Kim expressed confidence that, together with employees, Hanwha can create a future that guarantees a better life for humanity at the center of the world, urging, "Let us continue to shine Hanwha, which we have built together over the past 74 years."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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