A Message from the 50th Anniversary Committee Chair
Covid-19 is vastly affecting the world as we struggle to adapt to the great transformation brought about by the Fourth Industrial Revolution. KAIST will be celebrating its 50th anniversary at this critical juncture in which a new national paradigm is called for. KAIST is now poised to envision its next 50 years, while reflecting on its past achievements.
Since 1971, KAIST has produced over 13,000 Ph.D. holders and 60,000 graduates, making a significant contribution to the nation and society. A number of countries that recognized KAIST’s contribution to academic research and industry have established educational institutions modeled on KAIST, which is still receiving a series of requests from many countries to help them establish their version of KAIST. KAIST’s enhanced reputation not only in Korea but also internationally has been recognized widely. Amidst the new crisis affecting the entire nation, KAIST now faces a difficult task of looking back on its history of the past five decades and envisioning the next five decades.
Some emphasize positive thinking, saying that opportunities come from crises. The world is now confronting not only crises, but also difficult, complicated, and chaotic problems. I propose that KAIST seek new opportunities in this challenging time and dream of a new leap forward for the future. Solving the most daunting challenges in the face of a national crisis is the mission bestowed upon KAIST and we all have to make this possible, just as we have always done.
The world’s economy is becoming stagnant in every sector. This is the time for us to daringly embrace new challenges. I believe not only KAIST itself, but all KAISTians and our alumni, should initiate internal innovation.
Most of all, we should take on a new mindset and attitude. A ‘sense of contribution’ is essential. It brings us together to confront the new missions and responsibilities of KAIST and proactively pushes us to realize them. KAIST’s leap forward will propel both the nation and our society. We need to deeply ponder what we can do to make such a phenomenal leap forward possible.
More importantly, KAIST should establish a more mature and positive relationship for both the nation and our society. Without piercing introspection and an appreciation of the past, we will not be able to prepare for the future. We should be grateful for the benefits and support that have made KAIST what it is today and develop a new sense of responsibility for giving back to society.
KAIST proposed a new vision for future innovation in the areas of education, research, globalization, technology commercialization, and globalization in its Vision 2031 in 2018. The white paper being published by the 50th Anniversary Commemorative Committee will more solidly direct the future vision of KAIST.
Let us ask ourselves if the strong passion we had 50 years ago still remains the same now. I am confident that this milestone will serve as momentum to re-ignite our passion toward KAIST. Passion begins when we share a vision. The passion that drove KAIST to help our nation and society develop over the past 50 years should carry on for another 50 years to come.
The Committee is preparing for a variety of events including the official anniversary ceremony scheduled for February 16, 2021. The success of these events calls for active participation and contributions from all of the members and alumni of KAIST, and I ask for your full cooperation and support.