Stony Brook University SUNY Korea

  SUNY Korea Professor Chihmao Hsieh won 2nd place in a nationwide competition at the 2024 Culture Communication Forum, hosted by the Corea Image Communication Institute (CICI). The CICI is a non-profit organization accredited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, dedicated to showcasing the essence of Korea’s image to the world. The theme of the competition was “New Korea Ideas Contest”, aimed at identifying new ways in which Korean culture could be shared with the rest of the world.  Out of 256 projects submitted to this competition, 15 finalists were showcased on the final day at the Grand Hyatt Seoul. Professor Hsieh won the “Excellence Award” for giving a presentation on how the “K-gestures,” including the finger heart and other well-known hand gestures in Korea’s informal communication culture, could be spread commercially around the world via logo design, as well as campaigns involving tailor-made animated characters or Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok reels. The judges for the competition included CJ Chairman Sohn Kyung-shik, Hyungji Group VP Choi Jun-Ho, Ambassador Hotel Group Seo Jung-ho, PMC CEO Song Seung-whan, Flitto CEO Lee Jung-Soo, and nearly a dozen National Ambassadors to Korea. The event and Professor Hsieh’s award were mentioned on Arirang TV and TV Chosun, as well as in a dozen newspapers.    

  On June 16th, 2024, in SUNY Korea's CDC office, I had the privilege of sitting down with Sunghyun Sean Lee, professor and team leader of Career Development Center (CDC), to uncover the essence of the Career Development Center and its pivotal role in shaping student careers. The CDC serves as a guide for students’ next chapter in life, offering tailored support in internships, job placements, and postgraduate paths aligned with their majors. It helps connect students with diverse opportunities—from webtoon and beauty companies to AI firms and international corporations—making summer internships readily accessible. According to Professor Sean Lee, preparation is key for securing a CDC’s summer internship programs. Fluency in both Korean and English, along with thorough interview readiness, is essential because the summer internship programs fill-up quickly. There have been many cases of successful outcomes from past students' internship experiences, as they were able to learn through real-world experiences that led to promising careers.  What sets apart a CDC summer internship? Beyond gaining hands-on experience in their field, students acquire practical skills and the chance to earn income, enriching their academic journey with invaluable workplace insights. Why pursue a CDC summer internship? Internships show employers that students are prepared and reliable. They help students learn life skills and develop a strong work ethic during summer breaks. Looking ahead, SUNY Korea's Career Development Center remains committed to empowering students with the tools needed to thrive in today's competitive job market. With diverse internship and volunteer opportunities, the CDC continues to shape the career path for SUNY Korea's students. These summer internship programs provided by CDC will not only offer you a diverse experience, but will also set a path for your future success.    Written by Student Reporter, Sean Keunho Kim (keunho.kim@stonybrook.edu)  

  SUNY Korea celebrated the illustrious career of Professor Emeritus James Larson on Wednesday, June 5th. The event, which commenced at noon in Academic Building A402, honored Dr. Larson’s significant contributions to the institution and the field of ICT4D (Information and Communication Technologies for Development).  Dr. Larson has been a distinguished faculty member at SUNY Korea since 2014. During his tenure, he served as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chair of the Department of Technology and Society, demonstrating exceptional leadership and dedication to academic excellence. His recognition as an Emeritus Professor marks a historic first for SUNY Korea.   Here is a short interview with Professor Larson.  Please introduce yourself. I first came to Korea in early 1971 at age 23 as an American Peace Corps Volunteer and taught English at Kangwon National University in Chuncheon. Over fifteen years later I returned to Korea as a Senior Fulbright Scholar at Yonsei University in the Department of Mass Communication. In 1996 I joined the staff of the Fulbright Commission (Korean-American Educational Commission) in Seoul and have been living and working in Korea continuously since then. How do you feel about your retirement as the first Emeritus Professor in SUNY Korea (and the Department of Technology and Society)? I am genuinely honored and humbled to be designated as SUNY Korea's first Professor Emeritus. It will allow me to continue my association with this history making venture in international education as I enter the retirement phase of my career. I know that others will follow as SUNY Korea continues to grow and thrive. Could you introduce some of your accomplishments while in SUNY Korea? The privilege of co-authoring the book Digital Development in Korea: Lessons for a Sustainable World 2nd ed., London: Routledge 2020 with SUNY Korea's founder and honorary president Dr. Oh Myung was my major achievement. Other main accomplishments included introduction of the ICT4D specialization in the curriculum of the DTS and establishment of strong working relationships with both the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) in Songdo and SafeNet Forum, Korea's multi-stakeholder organization dedicated to oversight of Korea's efforts to build the world's first nationwide public safety network. Finally, I've enjoyed teaching and developing several new courses, most recently EST 204 Modern Digital Technologies and Innovation, into which I've introduced critical use and understanding of generative AI models like ChatGPT and Gemini. I am confident to say Dr. Larson helped SUNY Korea to grow this much successfully. What are your thoughts on the future of SUNY Korea? I believe SUNY Korea has a bright future, based in part on the wisdom of its founders and the acknowledged excellence of its two schools, Stony Brook University and FIT. The departments represented here and the curriculum are particularly well-matched for Korea, given this nation's status as the only developing country in the world to so effectively harness the power of information and communications technology (ICT) for national development. Korea's digital transformation was accompanied by tremendous growth and change in the fashion industry, including global recognition. Could you speak about the future outlook of the Technological Systems Management field, especially ICT4D?  As to the technological systems management field, current changes including the arrival of generative artificial intelligence (AI) suggest that there will be new employment opportunities for graduates who are AI literate and equipped to deal with both the positive and negative aspects of this new technology. There will likely be future management challenges across many related technologies including, to name a few, robotics, quantum computing, biotech, and nuclear fusion. I believe that graduates of SUNY Korea will be well equipped to deal with the challenges of AI if indeed it turns out to be the next big wave of technology change. Lastly, do you have any words of advice for the students?  Always keep in mind the new imperative of global sustainability, as all of our best human efforts will be for nothing if life on planet earth cannot be nurtured and sustained.    Written by Student Reporter, Hyeonha Hwang (hyeonha.hwang@stonybrook.edu)  

  SUNY Korea held its Spring 2024 Commencement Ceremony and the AAS Exhibition for FIT’s graduating class of 2024 Fashion Design students on June 14th. Spring 2024 Commencement  A total of 158 people graduated, including 81 from five departments from Stony Brook University – Computer Science, Technology & Society, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mathematics & Statistics, and Business Management – and 77 from the Fashion Design and Fashion Business Management Departments of the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). During the commencement ceremony, Arthur H. Lee, President of SUNY Korea, sincerely congratulated the graduates. He emphasized the SUNY Korea spirit to the graduates, urging them to put into action the knowledge acquired during their university years, execute their plans, and share these efforts with those around them to contribute to making a better world. Deborah Klesenski, FIT’s Associate Vice President for Faculty and Student Academic Support Programs, gave a congratulatory speech. She praised the students for their hard work and advised the graduates to be artists who always question their own perspectives, emphasizing that what makes an individual's life special is their story. She encouraged them to never abandon three essential elements – art, passion, and friends – in order to better endure the various chapters of life. Klesenski reminded the graduates that their efforts and perseverance can lead to significant achievements in the future. Carl Lejuez, Chairman of SUNY Korea LLC, also attended the graduation ceremony. He stated, "There is no predetermined correct path in life; I hope you walk a journey that is meaningful to you." He expressed gratitude for the students' dedication, which has enabled SUNY Korea to become a more advanced educational institution. AAS Exhibition The AAS Exhibition, organized by the graduates of FIT's Fashion Design Department, featured the theme of "Thierry Mugler." All garments on display were designed and produced by the graduating class of 2024 in remembrance of Thierry Mugler's design legacy. Mark-Evan Blackman, Fashion Design Chair, praised all the students for their hard work these past two years, and said, “This event allows you to appreciate a variety of skills, including illustration and color analysis, as well as the high-quality draping, flat patterns, and advanced sewing techniques that FIT is renowned for.” The exhibition will be open free of charge from June 14 to September 7. To watch the Commencement Video, CLICK HERE To watch the AAS Exhibition Video, CLICK HERE  

  As the semester draws to a close, SUNY Korea's Student Services hosted the Spring 2024 Finals Countdown Dinner on June 5th at the SUNY Korea Quad. Before the final exams, 300 students gathered in a fun and relaxing atmosphere. The goal of this dinner was to provide students with a break from preparation for final exams so they could relax and spend time with each other. Participants were served a wide variety of food including chips, coffee, drinks, fruits, kimbap, and ramen, ensuring there was enough dinner for everyone. In order to improve the outdoor experience, picnic mats were supplied to enable attendees to comfortably enjoy their meals in a natural environment. Additionally, by bringing their own bags to carry the food, students expressed dedication to sustainability which effectively reduced waste and promoted environmental responsibility. The Spring 2024 Finals Countdown Dinner was an enjoyable event that united the SUNY Korea community and offered a refreshing break before the final exam period. This event not only helped to reduce stress but also strengthened the bonds between students. The participants were reminded of the supportive and active community they are part of, which surely contributes to their overall academic experience.  Written by Student Reporter, Amirbek Zokirov (Amirbek.Zokirov@stonybrook.edu)  

    On Wednesday, June 5, 2024, the SUNY Korea Mechanical Engineering Final Project Showcase was successfully held at the Incheon Global Campus. The event provided a platform for students to present their creative and innovative projects. The event began with an open viewing of the Doosan Dream Makerspace. Participants had the opportunity to explore various mechanical equipment and view the projects created by the students. The opening remarks were given by Dr. Hamid Hefazi, chair of the Mechanical Engineering department. Dr. Hefazi commended the students for their hard work and emphasized the importance of the showcase as a significant opportunity for academic growth. Students from three Mechanical Engineering classes were able to present their projects with a focus on real-world industrial applications, sharing in-dept research and experimental results. The ME classes include: the MEC 101 project presentations, the MEC 530: Applied Stress Analysis project presentations, and the MEC 440 project presentations. The projects presented were not only a display of academic prowess but also highlighted the practical application of engineering principles to solve real-world problems.  Through this event, students were able to gain invaluable experience in presenting their work, receiving constructive feedback, and engaging in intellectual discourse with their audience. The showcase underscored the importance of innovation and collaboration in engineering, encouraging students to push the boundaries of their knowledge and skills. SUNY Korea's Mechanical Engineering Department remains committed to fostering an environment that nurtures academic excellence and practical expertise. By continuing to hold such events, the department aims to equip students with the necessary tools to excel in their future careers, drive technological advancements, and contribute meaningfully to society.     Written by Student Reporter, Suhyun Kim (suhyun.kim@stonybrook.edu)

      On Saturday, June 1st, the Business Management Department hosted the BM Open House for enrolled students’ parents. Around 70 attendees, including SUNY Korea parents, professors, and staff joined the event. The BM Open House aims to provide an opportunity for the parents of current students to learn more about the offerings of the Business Management Department and the university, as well as to foster networking among the parents.   Provost Hamid Hefazi and BM Chair Jeehong Kim gave the opening remarks. Provost Hefazi emphasized the importance of parental support in managing academic stress faced by students in today’s modern society. Chair Kim then welcomed the guests and elaborated on the school's vision and the strengths of the Business Management Department. He also discussed the faculty and their contributions to the program.    Following this, Professor Sunghyun Lee, the Team Leader of the Career Development Center, detailed the career opportunities available to students, highlighting their success and placements in elite companies and graduate schools. Additionally, current undergraduate Hyeonik Park shared insights into campus life at SUNY Korea from a student's perspective.   The event concluded with a mingling session where professors and parents engaged in more detailed discussions about the BM department. The BM Open House provided a comprehensive insight into the Business Management Department for the parents of current students, helping them understand their children's academic journey and how they can support their children's academic and career success.    

  Each semester, SUNY Korea's student club “MATE” prepares a theatrical performance for students, faculty, and staff at the Incheon Global Campus. This semester, the club hosted a two-day performance on May 28th and 29th, running from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM each night, with a total runtime of approximately two hours. Around 100 people attended each performance. As a part of the Incheon Global Campus Union of Clubs, this semester’s MATE consists of 23 members.  This semester’s production was “How Are You,” a musical theater piece featuring several musical numbers aimed at captivating the audience’s attention. The storyline revolves around a main character who regrets hearing about his past love’s news of marriage. An angel appears to offer him a chance to revisit the past and change his future. In the end, altering the past proves to be no easy task. Despite the main character’s inability to win back his love, he discovers valuable insights throughout the journey; similarly, the female protagonist also achieves a happy ending. Sooyeon Lim from FIT, the director for this semester, concluded the production with a message for the audience, emphasizing the significance of the present moment. She remarked, “The past is behind us, and the future remains unknown, making the present crucial. It is our past that shapes our present existence, supporting us to live every moment carefully, without wasting a single one.”   Written by Student Reporter, Hyeonha Hwang (hyeonha.hwang@stonybrook.edu)  

  On May 24, 2024, the SUNY Korea quad became the vibrant stage for the NDGC Spring Fashion Show, inaugurating the Spring Festival with a stunning display of student innovation and artistry. The Natural Dyeing Garden Club (NDGC), operated by FIT students, presented its annual showcase featuring garments dyed with natural pigments and minerals. This year’s theme, “Futuristic Florals,” brought a unique twist to the traditional concept of spring florals, blending natural beauty with forward-thinking design. At 5 PM, the fashion show commenced, drawing an eager crowd to witness the creative efforts of the students. Fourteen models took to the runway, each donning outfits that combined the organic charm of florals with modern, futuristic elements. The color palette was a standout feature, with vibrant tones of pinks, purples, and yellows dominating the collection. These colors, derived from natural dyes, highlighted the students' commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness in fashion. The runway was thoughtfully arranged: a chiffon fabric curtain marked the entrance for the models, while the paths were lined with delicate chiffon fabric and adorned with scattered floral arrangements, enhancing the thematic essence of the show and adding an ethereal touch as the models made their way onto the runway. As the models walked along the SUNY Korea quad paths, they paused to pose on a glass pedestal, allowing the audience to take in the intricate details and craftsmanship of each garment. The juxtaposition of natural elements with futuristic design principles was evident in the flowing dresses and structured pieces, each telling a story of creativity and innovation. The show reached its peak with a celebratory finale, where the designers joined their models on the runway. The group received enthusiastic applause from the audience, marking the end of a successful event that highlighted the talents and hard work of the FIT students. This walk-off moment symbolized the collective effort and collaborative spirit that went into creating the show. The NDGC Spring Fashion Show, with its “Futuristic Florals” theme, not only showcased the extraordinary talents of FIT students but also emphasized the importance of sustainable practices in the fashion industry. It was a fitting start to the Spring Festival, setting a high standard for the events to follow and leaving the audience in awe of the innovative fusion of nature and futuristic design.   To watch the Spring Festival video, CLICK HERE Written by Maxine Cochanco of IVY Magazine

  SUNY Korea's Undergraduate Student Council (USC) and Student Services organized the 2024 Spring Festival on Friday, May 24, 2024, at the SUNY Korea Quad. The event was open for all to attend and welcomed more than a thousand students from all IGC universities. The festival featured a variety of events such as club booths, a fashion show, student performances, lucky draws, and special guests. In addition, there were food trucks with various traditional Korean foods for students to enjoy, in addition to the festival itself. The festival’s club booths were a distinctive part of the event, involving students in a variety of activities where they collected stamps. Booths were set up by the university departments and student clubs, providing services such as photo sessions, paint-by-numbers, leadership quizzes, free coupons, perfume-making, and other engaging activities. Once participants collected stamps from different booths, they were eligible for prizes, enhancing their enjoyment.  The Spring Festival of course could not be complete without student performances, the range of which was varied, from dances to performances consisting of both Korean and classical instruments. Numerous students won cash prizes in a lucky draw that raised excitement and enriched the joyful atmosphere of the evening. The main part of the festival was a fantastic musical event, headlined by an impressive line-up of special guests including BOL4, EPEX, fromis_9, Kid Milli, and Younha. Every performer brought their unique style to the stage, and each of them captivated the audience with cheerful performances.  Special guests offered participants dynamic musical singing, vibrant and fiery songs, rap, and powerful captivating duets. The diverse performances created an amazing musical night for all attendees. Reflecting on the event, the Spring Festival was a huge success, giving attendees an unforgettable opportunity to take part in a highly anticipated night. The festival offered an enjoyable break before students' final exams, leaving them excited and thrilled about upcoming activities. The 2024 Spring Festival demonstrated the active campus life at SUNY Korea alongside creating a strong sense of community and friendship among participants. The efforts of the USC and Students Services with the sponsorship of the IGC Foundation to create such an anticipated event ensure the Spring Festival’s continued success in years ahead.   To watch the Spring Festival video, CLICK HERE   Written by Student Reporter, Amirbek Zokirov (Amibek.Zokirov@stonybrook.edu)   

      On May 25, 2024, SUNY Korea successfully held an Experience Day for prospective parents. This briefing session was an important opportunity to connect prospective parents and their children's academic futures. The event was organized as a venue where faculty and staff members participated in person to provide detailed information on the university entrance process, as well as information by departments and student support programs. The session kicked off with a welcoming speech and proceeded with department explanations, guidance on admission screening, and introduction of student support programs. In addition, it played a big role in solving the questions of prospective parents through the Q&A session. This event was attended by faculty members of each department and provided in-depth explanations for each department. In particular, the explanation of the characteristics of each department and career prospects received great attention from prospective parents. In addition, the admissions department staff provided detailed information on the admission process, documents to be submitted, and official grade information, which helped prospective parents with practical aspects when preparing for admission. The parents-to-be who attended evaluated the presentation as very informative. One participant expressed her feelings, saying, "It was good to get much more specific and practical information than I vaguely knew about SUNY Korea." Another participant said, "The preparation process for admission was very difficult, and I received a lot of help through today's presentation." SUNY Korea plans to regularly hold briefing sessions for prospective parents in the future. A staff from the admissions office said, "We know that many prospective parents have a lot of interest and concern about entering college. We will continue to provide various information to ease the anxiety of prospective parents." The Experience Day was an important opportunity to raise interest in SUNY Korea and help prospective parents prepare for college entrance in a more systematic manner. In the future, SUNY Korea plans to strengthen communication with prospective parents to provide more information and support.   Written by Student Reporter, Suhyun Kim (suhyun.kim@stonybrook.edu)

  On Thursday, May 23rd, SUNY Korea signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with FGC Partners. FGC Partners is a startup accelerating company headquartered in Incheon, led by CEO Jeonglim Lee. FGC Partners specializes in guiding and advising emerging companies. CEO Lee, also a prominent professor at Seoul Venture University where President Emeritus Choon-ho Kim serves as president, has been actively mentoring SUNY Korea students and alumni, a role suggested by Dr. Choon-ho Kim. CEO Lee, whose illustrious career includes a tenure at Shinsegye before venturing into entrepreneurship with FGC Partners, is keen on fostering talent and providing enriching opportunities for students. In light of this, this partnership aims to facilitate collaboration in several key areas: discovering industry-academic research projects, providing internship opportunities for SUNY Korea students, and allowing for on-site company visits and mentoring sessions.   

    On May 22nd, 2024, the Career Development Center (CDC) at SUNY Korea hosted a workshop on crafting effective resumes. David Choi, the Founder of DCHOI Global, delivered a lecture titled “Resume: Let's Fill in the Blanks,” aimed at helping students prepare for employment after graduation. As the final event of the semester, it attracted a large number of students eager to enhance their job application skills. The CDC, a unique department at SUNY Korea, is dedicated to supporting students' employment and career development. Many students utilize CDC services to secure internships during vacations, and the center has a strong track record of helping students find internships and jobs. This special lecture focused on writing a compelling self-introduction letter for job applications. During the session, students learned how to articulate their academic and extracurricular achievements and tailor their resumes to specific job opportunities. David Choi emphasized the importance of strategic formatting and filling in each section of the resume effectively. The goal of the lecture was to empower students to navigate the job market confidently and make a strong impression on potential employers.   Written by Student Reporter, Sean Keunho Kim (keunho.kim@stonybrook.edu)

  On May 22nd, President Arthur Lee and the Vice President of Administration and External Relations Pyungryun Yu at SUNY Korea attended the Republic of Azerbaijan's Independence Day ceremony at the Grand Hyatt in Seoul. This event commemorated independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan, first declared in 1918, and saw participation from numerous representatives of embassies and organizations in Korea. The attendance of President Lee and VP Yu highlights SUNY Korea’s commitment to fostering and enhancing international relationships. The event provided a great platform for the university’s leadership to interact with global counterparts and explore potential areas for cooperation and partnership. SUNY Korea’s involvement in this event underscores its dedication to global engagement and its proactive approach in seeking new opportunities for academic and cultural collaboration. As the university continues to grow and evolve, such initiatives are meaningful in establishing SUNY Korea as a leading institution with a strong international presence.  

    On May 10th, the IGC Research Showcase was held at the Incheon Global Campus. The day was packed with students and faculty, featuring a total of 104 posters. The event was a vibrant platform for sharing research findings, where faculty and students presented their work through posters and oral presentations. The IGC Research Showcase featured categories for faculty and graduate students, undergraduate students, and creative arts and demonstrations. SUNY Korea made a significant impact at the event, contributing 25 posters: 20 from undergraduate students and 5 from faculty and graduate students. At the end of the event, the celebratory award-giving ceremony was held and this year’s first place was awarded to SUNY Korea students Eun Jae Lee, DaeRyeon Choi, Jungmin Lee, Mijin Lee, and Hyobin Shin, all from the Mechanical Engineering Department. Their research topic focused on an AI Smart Farm for Households with Growth Optimization. Their project showcased the forward-thinking and practical applications of AI in everyday life, particularly in optimizing household farming. The annual IGC Research Showcase serves as an academic forum for students and faculty to present their research topics to fellow colleagues, gain exposure for their work, and network with peers. With participation from all four universities, a diverse array of unique projects was presented throughout the day, providing attendees with ample learning opportunities.