Advancing Yeungnam University’s Global Leadership in Sustainable Development
- Since becoming President of Yeungnam University (YU) in 2021, Dr. Choi has significantly expanded YU’s role in global education, sustainable development, and Creating Shared Value (CSV). His leadership has driven major institutional advancements, including:
- Strengthening YU’s international reputation, with the university ranking 3rd domestically and 35th globally in Leadership, and 3rd domestically and 37th globally in Social Responsibility in the 2024 World University Ranking for Innovation (WURI).
- Enhancing YU’s participation in Official Development Assistance (ODA) and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), reinforcing its position as a leading institution in global development education.
- Expanding PSPS (Park Chung Hee School of Policy and Saemaul) as an international training hub, strengthening Saemaul-based policies, research collaborations, and capacity-building programs worldwide.
- Establishing the Office of Social Contribution and the ESG Innovation Center, promoting responsible governance, ethical leadership, and global citizenship education.
- Initiating new academic programs and global partnerships, including the expansion of Saemaul Economic Development departments in universities across over ten countries, such as the Philippines, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Tanzania.
- In addition to his work at YU, Dr. Choi has held key leadership positions in various organizations dedicated to sustainable development. He currently serves as:
- President of the Global Saemaul Development Network (GSDN) (since 2015), leading global knowledge-sharing efforts on Saemaul-based rural development.
- Chairman of the Yeungnam University Academic Promotion Foundation (since 2021), fostering research and academic growth.
- Chairman of the Global Village Development Foundation (since 2020), advancing international development initiatives.
- Through these efforts, Dr. Choi has helped enhance Yeungnam University's role in sustainable development education, contributing to advancements in policy, research, and capacity-building for future leaders in the field.
The Function of YU’s ESG Innovation Center
President Choi at YU's Training Program for Malawi OfficialsAfter delivering a presentation at YU's IIDC-organized invitational training program for Malawi government officials, President Choi poses for a photo with his audience.