Citizens' Debate Held on the Transfer of Management Rights of Geoje University's Only College, Geoje University

Before the public debate on the transfer of operational rights of Geoje University, Geoje Mayor Byeon Gwang-yong is delivering a greeting.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Ju Cheol-in] As the operating rights of Geoje University, the only university in Geoje City, Gyeongnam Province, are being transferred from Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering to a construction company in the Busan area, a public forum on the transfer of Geoje University’s operating rights was held on the 7th at Geoje City Hall Blue City Hall.

The forum was attended by about 50 people, including Byeon Gwang-yong, Mayor of Geoje, Ok Young-moon, Chairman of the City Council, Seo Il-jun, National Assembly member, as well as city and provincial council members. Panelists included Ahn Ho-gyun, Head of Management Strategy Headquarters at Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, Park Jae-woo, Head of Strategic Planning Team at Geoje University, City Councilor Choi Yang-hee, Kang Hak-do, Executive Director of Geoje Gyeong Economy and Society Research Institute, and Professor Choi Nyeon-sik of Silla University.

In his opening remarks, Mayor Byeon Gwang-yong said, "It is concerning that even a university is being handled as easily as a company’s assets," adding, "I hope Daewoo Shipbuilding will fulfill its social responsibility by continuing to develop Geoje University, which shares the region and history, as a specialized university in shipbuilding and marine fields."

Seo Il-jun, National Assembly member from the People Power Party, emphasized the significance of Geoje University by saying, "There are provincial universities in Namhae County and Geochang County as well. Geoje University in Geoje City, with a population of 250,000, is a source of local pride."

Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering explained the situation of wanting to withdraw from operating Geoje University.

Ahn Ho-gyun, Head of Management Strategy Headquarters at Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, stated, "This year, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering suffered a loss of 1.2 trillion won in just the first half, making it very difficult to provide financial support to Geoje University," and added, "We have proceeded with the process of transferring operating rights as a way to save Geoje University."

The panelists expressed concerns about the construction company’s intention to acquire Geoje University.

City Councilor Choi Yang-hee said, "Geoje University is located in a place with beautiful scenery," and questioned, "I doubt whether a profit-seeking business operator will truly engage in scholarship projects."

Kang Hak-do, Executive Director of Geoje Gyeong Economy and Society Research Institute, said, "There is a possibility that the site could be sold off by relocating Geoje University elsewhere," and added, "I agree with a healthy company passionate about education acquiring it, but I am absolutely opposed to a construction company taking over."

The Geoje University panelist did not outright oppose the transfer of operating rights.

Park Jae-woo, Head of Strategic Planning Team at Geoje University, said, "Although we have considered converting Geoje University to a provincial university or a four-year university for several years, it has not been realized," and added, "Currently, there are mixed opinions among members, but it is understood that the majority are in favor of transferring the operating rights."

Geoje University was established in 1990 by the former Daewoo Academy under the old Daewoo Group.

After the dissolution of the Daewoo Group, the school corporation Seyoung Academy, established by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, a former Daewoo Group affiliate with a shipyard in Geoje City, acquired Geoje University in 2008.

As the shipbuilding industry continued to face difficulties, including a loss of over 1 trillion won in the first half of this year, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering has felt the burden of operating Geoje University.

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