Latest news with #KyungHeeUniversity
Straits Times
27-05-2025
- Straits Times
More than a vacation: Jeju's new educational retreats to revitalise regional communities
At the heart of the programme is a simple but powerful idea: education doesn't have to be confined to traditional classrooms. PHOTO: THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK SEOGWIPO, Jeju Island - 'I'm earning credits, gaining real-world experience and spending my semester by the ocean. What's not to love?' said Ms Kim Seung-ju, a 20-year-old university student taking pictures in Seogwipo on the southern coast of Jeju Island. 'This is nothing like school back in Seoul.' What began as a global shift toward workcations — blending work with leisure in picturesque settings — is evolving in South Korea into something more academic: the learncation, a fusion of learning and vacation. On Jeju Island, a place long romanticised as a holiday haven, education is now part of the itinerary. Launched as a full-scale initiative in 2024, Jeju's Learncation program is redefining what it means to study, especially for university students, researchers and lifelong learners. At the heart of the programme is a simple but powerful idea: education doesn't have to be confined to traditional classrooms. Through partnerships with universities and local institutions, students can now participate in credit-bearing projects that are deeply rooted in community engagement and place-based learning. On the southwestern tip of Jeju Island, the quiet town of Daejeong-eup is becoming a testing ground for a bold experiment: Can students save a village? Kyung Hee University's Social Innovation School project, a collaboration with the Jeju provincial government, has been quietly diving into this question over the past few years. Launched under the national Regional Innovation System & Education initiative, the programme offers 15 college credits and requires students to live and work in the area while tackling local challenges through hands-on projects. In Daejeong-eup, the stakes are real. Once a vibrant hub of agriculture and local commerce, the town is now marked by a rapidly declining population and a vanishing youth presence. As young people continue to leave for cities and rural businesses struggle to stay afloat, the program aims to revitalise the region by embedding young energy at the heart of its challenges. 'Daejeong is on the edge,' said Professor Woo Dae-sik, professor at Kyung Hee's Humanitas College, during a conversation with reporters at a cafe built in line with the programme. 'But we believe education can be a lever for community survival. Our students are here not just to observe, but to intervene creatively, sensitively and collaboratively.' Past outcomes include everything from regional promotional videos and community art installations to locally branded products and even village theme songs. One team worked on branding a local tangerine farm, designing practical scarves for farmers and helping reimagine local products. Another group explored how food and beverage businesses could better connect with young travelers by designing and selling original menu items at a local cafe. 'We're not just here to learn,' said 24-year-old Kang Ah-hyun, carefully folding a hand-printed scarf she designed for the local farmers of Daejeong-eup. 'We're here to help a place that's fading and maybe bring some of it back to life.' Locals, too, are embracing the experiment. Daejeong boasts 13 nationally registered cultural properties and Yang Chi-woo, a village cooperative leader, said student projects have helped residents view the historical assets with fresh eyes. 'What the students saw, we hadn't even noticed. Their creativity is something we deeply appreciate,' he said. Jeju's Learncations aren't just for university students. Last winter, the Jeju Institute for Lifelong Education and Scholarship piloted a series of adult education programmes under the theme 'Jeju, Reimagined'. Over 60 adults from across the country participated in short-term academic retreats that blended online learning with in-person experiences in nature, history and culture. This included a literary tour through the history of the Jeju April 3 Uprising, inspired by author Han Kang's 'I Do Not Bid Farewell', and guided geologic walks through Jeju's volcanic landscapes. 'Most people have already been to Jeju two or three times,' said Ms Koh Mi-young, director of the institute. 'Now, we want to offer something more meaningful — an opportunity to dive deeper into the island's identity through carefully curated themes that last two or three days.' This year, Jeju Island plans to expand the program to 2,000 participants. New themes include 'Falling Deep for Jeju's Haenyeo', which brings learners face-to-face with the island's famed woman divers, while discussions with public institutions and overseas universities are underway to tailor more specialised programs. Tea, too, is taking on a new role. As part of efforts to elevate local resources into premium cultural assets, Jeju-grown green tea is being rebranded as both distinctive and refined. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Korea Herald
26-05-2025
- Korea Herald
More than a vacation: Jeju's new educational retreats to revitalize regional communities
SEOGWIPO, Jeju Island — 'I'm earning credits, gaining real-world experience and spending my semester by the ocean. What's not to love?' said Kim Seung-ju, a 20-year-old university student taking pictures in Seogwipo on the southern coast of Jeju Island. 'This is nothing like school back in Seoul.' What began as a global shift toward workcations — blending work with leisure in picturesque settings — is evolving in South Korea into something more academic: the learncation, a fusion of learning and vacation. On Jeju Island, a place long romanticized as a holiday haven, education is now part of the itinerary. Launched as a full-scale initiative in 2024, Jeju's Learncation program is redefining what it means to study, especially for university students, researchers and lifelong learners. At the heart of the program is a simple but powerful idea: education doesn't have to be confined to traditional classrooms. Through partnerships with universities and local institutions, students can now participate in credit-bearing projects that are deeply rooted in community engagement and place-based learning. On the southwestern tip of Jeju Island, the quiet town of Daejeong-eup is becoming a testing ground for a bold experiment: Can students save a village? Kyung Hee University's Social Innovation School project, a collaboration with the Jeju provincial government, has been quietly diving into this question over the past few years. Launched under the national Regional Innovation System & Education initiative, the program offers 15 college credits and requires students to live and work in the area while tackling local challenges through hands-on projects. In Daejeong-eup, the stakes are real. Once a vibrant hub of agriculture and local commerce, the town is now marked by a rapidly declining population and a vanishing youth presence. As young people continue to leave for cities and rural businesses struggle to stay afloat, the program aims to revitalize the region by embedding young energy at the heart of its challenges. 'Daejeong is on the edge,' said Woo Dae-sik, professor at Kyung Hee's Humanitas College, during a conversation with reporters at a cafe built in line with the program. 'But we believe education can be a lever for community survival. Our students are here not just to observe, but to intervene creatively, sensitively and collaboratively.' Past outcomes include everything from regional promotional videos and community art installations to locally branded products and even village theme songs. One team worked on branding a local tangerine farm, designing practical scarves for farmers and helping reimagine local products. Another group explored how food and beverage businesses could better connect with young travelers by designing and selling original menu items at a local cafe. 'We're not just here to learn,' said 24-year-old Kang Ah-hyun, carefully folding a hand-printed scarf she designed for the local farmers of Daejeong-eup. 'We're here to help a place that's fading and maybe bring some of it back to life.' Locals, too, are embracing the experiment. Daejeong boasts 13 nationally registered cultural properties and Yang Chi-woo, a village cooperative leader, said student projects have helped residents view the historical assets with fresh eyes. 'What the students saw, we hadn't even noticed. Their creativity is something we deeply appreciate,' he said. Jeju's Learncations aren't just for university students. Last winter, the Jeju Institute for Lifelong Education and Scholarship piloted a series of adult education programs under the theme 'Jeju, Reimagined.' Over 60 adults from across the country participated in short-term academic retreats that blended online learning with in-person experiences in nature, history and culture. This included a literary tour through the history of the Jeju April 3 Uprising, inspired by author Han Kang's "I Do Not Bid Farewell," and guided geologic walks through Jeju's volcanic landscapes. 'Most people have already been to Jeju two or three times,' said Koh Mi-young, director of the institute. 'Now, we want to offer something more meaningful — an opportunity to dive deeper into the island's identity through carefully curated themes that last two or three days.' This year, Jeju Island plans to expand the program to 2,000 participants. New themes include 'Falling Deep for Jeju's Haenyeo,' which brings learners face-to-face with the island's famed woman divers, while discussions with public institutions and overseas universities are underway to tailor more specialized programs. Tea, too, is taking on a new role. As part of efforts to elevate local resources into premium cultural assets, Jeju-grown green tea is being rebranded as both distinctive and refined. jychoi@
Korea Herald
26-05-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
[From the Scene] More than a vacation: Jeju's new educational retreats to revitalize regional communities
SEOGWIPO, Jeju Island — 'I'm earning credits, gaining real-world experience and spending my semester by the ocean. What's not to love?' said Kim Seung-ju, a 20-year-old university student taking pictures in Seogwipo, on the southern coast of Jeju Island. 'This is nothing like school back in Seoul.' What began as a global shift toward workcations — blending work with leisure in picturesque settings — is evolving in South Korea into something more academic: learncation, the fusion of learning and vacation. On Jeju Island, a place long romanticized as a holiday haven, education is now part of the itinerary. Launched as a full-scale initiative in 2024, Jeju's Learncation program is redefining what it means to study, especially for university students, researchers and lifelong learners. At the heart of the program is a simple but powerful idea: education doesn't have to be confined to traditional classrooms. Through partnerships with universities and local institutions, students can now participate in credit-bearing projects that are deeply rooted in community engagement and place-based learning. On the southwestern tip of Jeju Island, the quiet town of Daejeong-eup is becoming a testing ground for a bold experiment: Can students save a village? Kyung Hee University's Social Innovation School project, a collaboration with the Jeju provincial government, has been quietly diving into this question over the past few years. Launched under the national Regional Innovation System & Education initiative, the program offers 15 college credits and requires students to live and work in the area while tackling local challenges through hands-on projects. In Daejeong-eup, the stakes are real. Once a vibrant hub of agriculture and local commerce, the town is now marked by a rapidly declining population and a vanishing youth presence. As young people continue to leave for cities, and rural businesses struggle to stay afloat, the program aims to revitalize the region by embedding young energy at the heart of its challenges. 'Daejeong is on the edge,' said Woo Dae-sik, professor at Kyung Hee's Humanitas College, during a conversation with reporters at a cafe built in line with the program. 'But we believe education can be a lever for community survival. Our students are here not just to observe, but to intervene creatively, sensitively and collaboratively.' Past outcomes include everything from regional promotional videos and community art installations to locally branded products and even village theme songs. One team worked on branding a local tangerine farm, designing practical scarves for farmers and helping reimagine local products. Another group explored how food and beverage businesses could better connect with young travelers by designing and selling original menu items at a local cafe. 'We're not just here to learn,' said 24-year-old Kang Ah-hyun, carefully folding a hand-printed scarf she had designed for the local farmers of Daejeong-eup. 'We're here to help a place that's fading and maybe bring some of it back to life.' Locals, too, are embracing the experiment. Dajeong boasts 13 nationally registered cultural properties and Yang Chi-woo, a village cooperative leader, said student projects have helped residents to view the historical assets with fresh eyes. 'What the students saw, we hadn't even noticed. Their creativity is something we deeply appreciate,' he said. Jeju's Learncation isn't just for university students. Last winter, the Jeju Institute for Lifelong Education and Scholarship piloted a series of adult education programs under the theme 'Jeju, Reimagined.' Over 60 adults from across the country participated in short-term academic retreats that blended online learning with in-person experiences in nature, history and culture. This included a literary tour through the history of the Jeju April 3 Uprising, inspired by author Han Kang's "I Do Not Bid Farewell," and guided geologic walks through Jeju's volcanic landscapes. 'Most people have already been to Jeju two or three times,' said Koh Mi-young, director of the institute. 'Now, we want to offer something more meaningful — an opportunity to dive deeper into the island's identity through carefully curated themes that last two to three days.' This year, Jeju Island plans to expand the program to 2,000 participants. New themes include 'Falling Deep for Jeju's Haenyeo,' which brings learners face-to-face with the island's famed woman divers, while discussions with public institutions and overseas universities are underway to tailor more specialized programs. Tea, too, is taking on a new role. As part of efforts to elevate local resources into premium cultural assets, Jeju-grown green tea is being rebranded as both distinctive and refined.
Gulf Today
13-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Dewa, Korean delegation discuss sustainable energy collaboration
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa), welcomed a delegation from the Republic of Korea, headed by Prof Won-Soo Kim, Rector of the Global Academy for Future Civilisation at Kyung Hee University, and Prof Yeo Hwasoo from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST). The meeting explored ways to strengthen collaboration in future energy strategies, emerging technologies and the hydrogen economy, aligning with Dubai's vision to drive global sustainability efforts. Discussions centred on Dubai's pioneering initiatives in clean energy and technology, including the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050, which aim to ensure 100 per cent of the emirate's total power capacity comes from clean sources by 2050. Collaboration with Kyung Hee University and KAIST is intended to bolster knowledge exchange in AI, smart grids and policy frameworks, cementing Dubai's position as a hub for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The meeting was attended by representatives of Korean universities and research centres, as well as DEWA officials including Waleed bin Salman, Executive Vice President of Business Development and Excellence; Dr Yousef Al Akraf, Executive Vice President of Business Support and Human Resources; and Marwan bin Haidar, Executive Vice President of Innovation and the Future. Meanwhile Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa), reported its first quarter 2025 consolidated financial results, recording quarterly revenue of Dhs5.96 billion. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (Ebitda) amounted to Dhs2.43 billion, with an operating profit of Dhs838 million and a net profit of Dhs496 million. The company also generated a record net cash from operations of Dhs3.85 billion resulting in closing cash and cash equivalents of Dhs8.17 billion, which is Dhs2.07 billion higher than the balance as at year-end 2024. 'Dewa is committed to be an innovative and sustainable corporation inspired by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, and the directives of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, and Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. Under their guidance, we are progressing in our journey to Net Zero by 2050 and will continue to play a decisive role in Dubai's rapid progress,' said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman and MD & CEO of Dewa. 'With consistent growth in demand for electricity, water and cooling services, our revenue grew by 2.83 per cent to Dhs5.96 billion in the quarter and more notably our net cash flow from operations grew to Dhs3.85 billion, which is 17.86 per cent higher than the amount in the same period of the previous year. Our financials reflect a healthy operating profit of Dhs838 million in the quarter, and an Ebitda of Dhs2.43 billion. We invested Dhs2.26 billion in infrastructur, mainly related to our energy transition strategy. By 2030 we expect total installed generation capacity to reach 22 GW, out of which 7.5 GW, representing 34 per cent of generation mix, will be sourced from clean energy sources, up from the original target of 25 per cent. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa), welcomed Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer, the Federal Minister of Economy, Energy and Tourism of Austria, and Etienne Berchtold, the Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to the UAE. The meeting was attended by Waleed bin Salman, Executive Vice President of Business Development and Excellence at Dewa; Dr. Yousef Al Akraf, Executive Vice President of Business Support and Human Resources; and Marwan Bin Haidar, Executive Vice President of Innovation and the Future at Dewa. The discussions focused on Dewa's efforts to foster global partnerships in sustainability, renewable energy and climate action, in line with the UAE's vision to spearhead the transition to a green economy. Talks also covered measures to strengthen co-operation to accelerate the green energy transition, address climate challenges and exchange best practice in environmental sustainability. Both sides emphasised the crucial role of technology and knowledge sharing in advancing innovative solutions to global environmental issues. Al Tayer highlighted Dubai's strategic clean energy objectives, aligned with the UAE Net Zero Strategy 2050, as well as the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050, which aim to meet 100 per cent of the emirate's energy needs from clean sources by 2050.
Zawya
13-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
DEWA, Kyung Hee University and KAIST discuss sustainable energy collaboration
Dubai, UAE: HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), welcomed a high-level delegation from the Republic of Korea, headed by Prof Won-Soo Kim, Rector of the Global Academy for Future Civilisation at Kyung Hee University, and Prof Yeo Hwasoo from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST). The meeting was attended by representatives of Korean universities and research centres, as well as DEWA officials including Waleed bin Salman, Executive Vice President of Business Development and Excellence; Dr Yousef Al Akraf, Executive Vice President of Business Support and Human Resources; and Marwan Bin Haidar, Executive Vice President of Innovation and the Future. Al Tayer underscored DEWA's alignment with the visionary leadership of HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in driving sustainable innovation and global excellence. The meeting explored ways to strengthen collaboration in future energy strategies, emerging technologies and the hydrogen economy, aligning with Dubai's vision to drive global sustainability efforts. Discussions centred on Dubai's pioneering initiatives in clean energy and technology, including the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050, which aim to ensure 100% of the emirate's total power capacity comes from clean sources by 2050. Al Tayer underscored DEWA's pivotal role in advancing Dubai's energy transition. At the heart of this transformation lies the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park – a flagship initiative that stands as the world's largest single-site solar park. With an ambitious target capacity of 7,260 megawatts (MW) by 2030, the solar park symbolises the UAE's unwavering commitment to a sustainable future. Al Tayer highlighted the solar park's structured expansion, beginning with the successful implementation of the first phase until today using Photovoltaic (PV) and Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) technologies. The solar park's capacity has reached 3,760MW, bringing Dubai's clean energy share to 21%. Al Tayer also highlighted Phase 6, set for completion in 2026, and Phase 7, which is being tendered and expected to commence in 2027. He further highlighted DEWA's Green Hydrogen plant – the region's first project using PEM electrolysers to produce up to 400kg a day of hydrogen using solar energy. Additional milestones include the groundbreaking Hatta Pumped-Storage Hydroelectric Power Station, the first of its kind in the GCC, which delivers full grid power within 90 seconds, and Al-Sheraa, DEWA's net-positive headquarters, the world's largest and smartest government building, integrating cutting-edge artificial intelligence and robotics. Al Tayer reiterated DEWA's global leadership in 12 key performance indicators, including electricity and water line losses which have been reduced to new global record levels, and indicated that DEWA's total installed power capacity reached 17,879 MW, with clean energy currently accounting for 21% – a figure set to rise to 34% by 2030, exceeding the target. Collaboration with Kyung Hee University and KAIST is intended to bolster knowledge exchange in AI, smart grids and policy frameworks, cementing Dubai's position as a hub for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
