History Makers. We Change the World!
Business Management Professor Younggeun Lee of the State University of New York, Korea delivered a keynote address on December 9, 2025, in Phuket, Thailand, at the U.S. Department of State–hosted Entrepreneurship in the Age of AI forum. The event convened 50 delegates from 16 countries, including government officials, NGO executives, AI startup founders, and academic experts, to discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping entrepreneurial ecosystems worldwide. In his keynote, Teaching Entrepreneurship in the Era of the AI Renaissance, Professor Lee examined how AI is transforming entrepreneurial learning, decision-making, and venture creation. Drawing on his research and recent case studies, he outlined seven core themes that characterize contemporary AI-driven entrepreneurship. Three themes generated particular discussion. AI Coach vs. Human Mentor highlighted the potential of hybrid human × AI coaching models, especially when AI systems are trained on deep institutional knowledge bases such as Y Combinator’s archival materials. The Rise of the AI Co-Founder described how entrepreneurs increasingly rely on AI stacks for market research, financial modeling, and early-stage validation, marking a shift toward “learning-with-AI” as a foundational entrepreneurial skill. AI-as-a-Judge examined the use of large language models to evaluate startup pitches with high consistency, while still requiring bias monitoring and human oversight for final decisions. Professor Lee also addressed broader trends shaping the entrepreneurial landscape. These included the growing importance of AI literacy as a societal baseline, the emergence of AI-native universities, debates over AI weaponization in competitive markets, and the accelerating demand for governance frameworks that define responsible AI-driven venture creation. The forum concluded with delegates outlining the AI and Entrepreneurship Strategic White Paper, a confidential U.S.–Indo-Pacific framework focused on AI education, SME innovation, and cross-border digital collaboration. The initiative aims to enhance geopolitical competitiveness while establishing practical pathways for shared and sustainable growth. Reflecting on the discussions, Professor Lee noted: “AI sovereignty is emerging as a key determinant of global competitiveness. Governments face a fundamental decision regarding whether AI literacy and infrastructure should function as widely accessible public goods or remain concentrated within a limited number of countries and corporations. Unequal access to AI capabilities risks intensifying geopolitical competition and generating new forms of global instability. Addressing these risks will require sustained multilateral coordination, potentially through UN-level frameworks that establish shared infrastructure, governance standards, and mechanisms of accountability. Such coordination is essential to ensure that AI-driven innovation advances in ways that are transparent, secure, and broadly beneficial rather than reinforcing existing power asymmetries.”
SUNY Korea held its 2025 Commencement Ceremony on December 12th at the Incheon Global Campus (IGC) Auditorium, bringing together graduates, families, faculty, and guests from Stony Brook University to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2025. The ceremony was hosted by Dr. Amos Omandi, Dean of Academic and Faculty Affairs, and opened with a congratulatory address by President Arthur Lee, who recognized the dedication, resilience, and academic accomplishments of the graduating students. This year’s commencement honored over 81 graduates, including approximately 30 students from SUNY Korea and others completing their studies at the Stony Brook University main campus. The graduating class included undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral candidates, including a Ph.D. graduate in Mechanical Engineering. The Valedictorian Award was presented to Joonhyeong Kim, a Mechanical Engineering student, in recognition of his outstanding academic performance. The ceremony also featured the announcement of outstanding honors – cum laude, magna cum laude, and summa cum laude – with recipients from departments across Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Business Management, Applied Mathematics and Statistics, and Technology Systems and Management. The Commencement Ceremony concluded with the conferral of graduation diplomas, marking the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. SUNY Korea proudly celebrates the Class of 2025 and looks forward to their future achievements as history makers shaping the world ahead. Written by Student Reporter, Onyinyechi Achi (onyinyechi.achi@stonybrook.edu)
This semester, the Business Management Department organized two field trips that offered students meaningful exposure to innovation, industry trends, and professional career paths. On October 24, students visited the NAVER 1784 Building in Seongnam, where they explored NAVER’s next-generation smart office environment. The tour introduced students to AI-driven robotics, autonomous delivery systems, digital twin technologies, and other cutting-edge tools used to enhance workplace efficiency and collaboration. Many participants explained that the visit expanded their understanding of digital transformation and emerging business technologies. On November 28, the department’s US CPA Study Group visited KPMG Korea at the Gangnam Finance Center. Students learned about the firm’s structure, recruitment pathways, and the real career experiences of junior professionals. A special talk by Mr. Geun Gu Leem, Partner at KPMG Korea, offered insight into the firm’s growth and the evolving role of accounting professionals in the global market. Together, these two field trips provided valuable real-world perspectives, helping students connect classroom learning with industry practice. The BM Department looks forward to offering more experiential opportunities that support student growth and career readiness. Written by Student Reporter, Onyinyechi Achi (onyinyechi.achi@stonybrook.edu)
On December 5, SUNY Korea warmly welcomed Spring 2026 admitted students and their families to the campus for a special program designed to introduce them to the academic community they will soon join. The event began at 2:00 PM in the Banquet Hall, where President Arthur Lee delivered an inspiring welcoming speech, followed by an overview of SUNY Korea’s academic programs and general campus experience. The session also featured a direct Q&A segment with President Lee, giving families a unique opportunity to address their questions personally to the university leadership. At 3:00 PM, guests were guided to designated classrooms, where faculty members offered brief introductions to each major and discussed real-world applications of their fields. Parents and students then engaged in a Q&A session with professors and current students, gaining valuable insight into academic life and student experiences at SUNY Korea. To conclude the visit, attendees enjoyed small gifts and refreshments as they connected with faculty, staff, and future classmates. The event provided an encouraging and informative first step for newly admitted students as they prepare for their journey at SUNY Korea. Written by Student Reporter, Temirlan Gubashev (Temirlan.gubashev@stonybrook.edu)
On December 4, SUNY Korea Student Affairs hosted the Finals Countdown Dinner to help students prepare for their upcoming finals. During this event, students were provided with a meal to enjoy and a place to relax with friends and classmates in the SUNY Korea Lounge. This Dinner was a time when the students were uplifted and encouraged with a delicious meal, snacks, and drinks, along with words of encouragement from the staff and faculty at SUNY Korea. Students were given the option of eating in the SUNY Korea Lounge or taking their meals back to their residence halls. During a time of heightened stress as they prepare for finals, this event provided students with not only a healthy meal, but also an opportunity to connect with others, share in the joys of community, and be supportive of one another's efforts. The Countdown Dinner also illustrates SUNY Korea’s commitment to supporting student health and wellness, as well as academic achievement. Students were able to share a meal, receive encouragement from faculty, staff, and peers, take a break from their studies, and support one another during the most hectic time of the academic year. Written by Student Reporter, Moldir Salim (moldir.salim@stonybrook.edu)
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