Goh Han-seung, Chairman of the Bio Association, "At the Heart of the Transition... Strengthening Win-Win Cooperation and Playing a Central Role in Unity"

Goh Han-seung, Chairman of the Korea Bio Association (CEO of Samsung Bioepis), expressed his determination for the new year, stating that "the bio industry is in the midst of a new turning point" and that "this year, we will play a pivotal role in strengthening coexistence and fostering unity within the industry."

Koh Han-seung, President of the Korea Bio Association [Photo by Korea Bio Association]

In his New Year's address on the 1st, Chairman Goh reflected on the past year in the bio industry as "truly a difficult year," saying, "amid the continued burden of high interest rates, the industry went through a tough period due to external factors such as uncertainty stemming from the global economic downturn, supply chain instability, clinical trial suspensions caused by decreased investment in the stock market, and workforce reductions.

He added, "this year is also expected to be challenging. The bio industry is clearly in the middle of a new turning point. Although uncertainty remains, it is precisely during such times that we must unite and endure a little longer."

Regarding the Korea Bio Association’s activities over the past year, he recalled, "despite difficulties, we made significant efforts to support startup investment attraction and workforce development necessary for the industry, and to activate a sustainable bio-industry ecosystem through the integration of industry, academia, and research sectors." He also noted, "From a policy perspective, the association played a major role in expanding tax benefits for the biopharmaceutical sector and ensuring that the bio industry was included as a national advanced strategic industry." Additionally, collaboration with overseas companies, support for global expansion, and international bio conventions such as BioPlus-InterPhex Korea (BIX) were also key focus areas throughout the year.

Currently, the Korea Bio Association encompasses not only large and mid-sized companies but also venture and startup firms. In terms of sectors, it includes a total of 630 member companies spanning not only red bio such as pharmaceuticals but also green, white, and convergence bio fields.

Chairman Goh stated, "We are forming an ecosystem that covers the entire bio industry," and expressed his ambition, "This year, based on solidarity and cooperation among bio industries, we aim to strengthen coexistence, promote the growth of member companies, and play a central role in fostering unity within the bio industry." He continued, "Through collaboration and coexistence, we will support companies in every possible way to become leaders in new technologies in the rapidly changing global bio industry. In particular, we will focus on enhancing synergy through cooperation among member companies."

In closing, Chairman Goh said, "Although it is difficult right now, there is hope that the macroeconomy will improve," and added, "This year as well, as the association representing Korea’s bio industry, we will do our best to communicate with member companies and contribute to the development of the industry."

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