Hanwha Partners with Southeastern Universities to Foster AI and Aerospace Talent

New Contract Department at Pusan National University

Master's Programs at Gyeongsang National and Changwon National Universities

Part of 55 Trillion Won Yeongnam Region Investment Plan

Building a Virtuous Cycle Ecosystem for Local Talent and Companies

Hanwha has joined hands with key national universities in the southeastern region to foster talent as part of its efforts to build an ecosystem for the AI and aerospace industries in the region.

On the 12th, attendees are taking a commemorative photo at the 'Southeast Region Talent Development Agreement Ceremony' held at Hanwha Aerospace in Changwon. From the left, Kim Jongseo, CEO of Hanwha Engine; Kim Heecheol, CEO of Hanwha Ocean; Choi Jaewon, President of Pusan National University; Jeon Jaesu, Mayor of Busan; Park Wansu, Governor of Gyeongsangnam-do; Kwon Jinhwe, President of Gyeongsang National University; Park Minwon, President of Changwon National University; Son Jaeil, CEO of Hanwha Aerospace. Hanwha

On the 12th, Hanwha Aerospace, Hanwha Ocean, and Hanwha Engine signed a “Southeast Region Talent Development Agreement” with Gyeongsang National University, Pusan National University, and Changwon National University at the R&D Center of Hanwha Aerospace’s Plant 3 in Changwon, Gyeongsangnam-do.

This agreement is part of a 55 trillion won AI and aerospace investment plan for the Yeongnam region, announced last month by Kim Dongkwan, Senior Vice Chairman of Hanwha Group, during the Yeongnam Region Advanced Industry Development Vision National Briefing held in Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do.

At the time, Senior Vice Chairman Kim stated, "A true industrial ecosystem, as envisioned by Hanwha, is a virtuous cycle where local talent learns in their region, local companies take on the global market, and regional industry leads the future of South Korea." Hanwha’s plan is to build an AI and aerospace industry ecosystem by focusing on nurturing local talent, enhancing the technological capabilities of partner companies, and driving the growth of startups and research institutes.

First, Pusan National University will establish a new contract department (tentatively named) "Advanced Mechanical Systems Engineering" dedicated to Hanwha and expand R&D collaboration. Gyeongsang National University and Changwon National University will operate contracted quota master’s programs to develop talent in the AI field.

Selected students will receive tuition and living stipends during their studies and be offered internship opportunities. Upon graduation, after a separate screening process, they will be eligible to work at Hanwha Aerospace, Hanwha Ocean, or Hanwha Engine.

Hanwha plans to operate field-oriented education programs with these universities, as well as industry-academia collaboration initiatives such as special lectures and seminars. The company will expand joint research and technology exchanges, support job placement of outstanding talent, and cooperate with local governments to discover supporting projects.

Changwon National University will operate student exchange programs with Vietnamese universities; Gyeongsang National University and Pusan National University also plan to participate in the “Establishing 10 Seoul National Universities” project. Existing industry-academia cooperation programs, such as the Hanwha Aerospace Hub, will also be expanded.

Over 100 people attended the agreement ceremony, including Park Wansoo, Governor of Gyeongsangnam-do; Jeon Jaesoo, Mayor of Busan; Seo Iljun, Assemblyman from the People Power Party; Kwon Jinhoi, President of Gyeongsang National University; Choi Jaewon, President of Pusan National University; Park Minwon, President of Changwon National University; Son Jaeil, CEO of Hanwha Aerospace; Kim Heecheol, CEO of Hanwha Ocean; Kim Jongseo, CEO of Hanwha Engine; and Chung Inseop, Head of Shared Growth at Hanwha Aerospace.

Governor Park Wansoo of Gyeongsangnam-do said, “This agreement means more than collaboration among businesses, universities, and local governments for expanding employment; it is significant in that the public, private, and academic sectors are jointly preparing the future talent ecosystem in the southeastern region, the center of Korea’s advanced manufacturing innovation.”

Busan Mayor Jeon Jaesoo remarked, “The city of Busan will actively support the curriculum, joint research, and recruitment to create a new growth axis at the southern end of the Korean Peninsula and serve as a stepping stone for Korea’s transition to a dual or triple economic system.”

Assemblyman Seo Iljun added, “I hope this agreement will become a new leap forward for universities, companies, and the region, laying the foundation for young people to grow. The National Assembly will review and pursue relevant systems and policies to establish a sustainable talent development framework.”

Kim Heecheol, CEO of Hanwha Ocean, said, “I would like to thank government, local government, and university stakeholders for working together to nurture talent responsible for the region’s future. Hanwha will continue to grow together with the region and become a partner in shaping the future.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.