Minister Lim Hye-sook's Farewell Address from the Ministry of Science and ICT... Emphasis on 'Field-Centered Policy'

Minister Lim Hye-sook of the Ministry of Science and ICT is delivering opening remarks at the party-government meeting for the promotion of space development held at the National Assembly on the 10th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] Minister of Science and ICT Im Hye-sook, who is leaving her post with the end of the Moon Jae-in administration, shared her reflections on the past year. She cited the response to COVID-19, the first launch of Nuriho, and the promotion of the Digital New Deal as memorable achievements, and urged the staff to lead change and innovation and implement field-centered policies.

At the farewell ceremony held on the afternoon of the 9th at the Ministry of Science and ICT building in Sejong City, Minister Im said, "Although it was a short period, it was a time of special experiences that are not easily encountered, and I believe it was the most challenging yet rewarding year of my life. The experience of working together with you all to establish and implement science, technology, and ICT policies was a great fortune and honor for me."

Regarding the past year, Minister Im reflected, "During the national crisis of COVID-19, it was a time when we deeply considered and worked hard to use science, technology, and information and communication technology to alleviate the difficulties of our people and, furthermore, to show hope for the future."

She then spoke about the first launch of Nuriho in October last year, saying, "There was a moving moment when Nuriho, developed purely with our own technology, soared powerfully into space. I hope to see the second launch scheduled for June this year overcome previous limitations and successfully complete its final mission." She also cited as achievements the continuation of the Digital New Deal baton to lay the foundation for responding to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the selection and nurturing of ten national essential strategic technologies such as semiconductors, space, and artificial intelligence in response to the global technology hegemony competition sparked by the US-China semiconductor conflict, and the establishment of youth support policies.

Minister Im also left a message for the Ministry of Science and ICT staff. She said, "Although I am leaving today, you are the true owners of the Ministry of Science and ICT. As a ministry with the mission to prepare for and lead the future, you must always break existing frameworks and lead change and innovation." She added, "Please continuously strive to become the leading figures of convergence and innovation equipped with proactiveness and expertise." She continued, "I expect you to perform well as proactive coordinators who lead inter-ministerial collaboration and work closely with the private sector," and urged, "Please continue to strengthen field-centered policies. Always consider once more from the perspective of the final customers, the people, when establishing policies."

Minister Im concluded with a final request for the development of harmony among staff and a work culture where they can enjoy their work.

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