DGIST Awards First Honorary Doctorate to Former Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Yoon Jong-yong... "Fostering Science and Technology Talent Is My Final Mission"

DGIST (President Geonwoo Lee) awarded an honorary doctorate degree for the first time since its founding on the 22nd to Yoon Jong-yong (80), former Vice Chairman and CEO of Samsung Electronics.

After being appointed as the inaugural chairman of DGIST in 2004, former Vice Chairman Yoon Jong-yong took the lead in advancing science and technology and creating a creative research environment, making significant contributions to the development of Korea's industry and technology. He dedicated himself to nurturing scientific and technological talent and establishing an innovative research environment at DGIST, playing a leading role in growing DGIST into a world-class research and educational institution and enhancing South Korea's competitiveness in science and technology.

Yoon Jong-yong, former Vice Chairman of Samsung Electronics

Since Geonwoo Lee took office as the 5th president of DGIST in December 2023, DGIST has been actively pursuing five major new projects in line with its 20th anniversary, including the DGIST Global Campus, Graduate School of Business, and Graduate School of Medical Science. On this day, Yoon Jong-yong, the inaugural chairman who received the honorary doctorate, said, “It is a great honor to receive the first honorary doctorate degree at DGIST, which I have held dear as the inaugural chairman,” adding, “Believing that the advancement of science and technology is the core of national competitiveness, I accepted the position of inaugural chairman of DGIST, and since nurturing scientific and technological talent is my final mission, I will strive to contribute further to DGIST’s development as a world-class university.”

Yoon Jong-yong was recognized for his contributions to the early development of DGIST by being selected as a distinguished contributor to science and technology in 2017, and in 2022, he received the ‘Special Contribution Award in Information and Communications’ from the Ministry of Science and ICT, continuously acknowledging his achievements. Following his management achievements leading semiconductor technology innovation and strengthening global competitiveness at Samsung Electronics, he devoted his leadership to nurturing excellent talent and creating a global research environment at DGIST, dedicating his life to the advancement of science and technology in South Korea.

During his tenure at Samsung Group, former Vice Chairman Yoon made significant contributions to Samsung Electronics’ growth into a global brand with his distinctive leadership. Joining Samsung Group in 1966, he served as Vice President of the Electronics Division, CEO, and Vice Chairman of Samsung Electronics, leading core technology development and management innovation in semiconductors, displays, and mobile communications. In particular, he played a crucial role in leading the development of DRAM and flash memory, helping South Korea become the world’s number one semiconductor powerhouse, and contributed to Samsung Electronics securing global competitiveness and establishing itself as a global leader in semiconductors and home appliances.

DGIST President Geonwoo Lee said, “We are pleased to award the first honorary doctorate degree since our founding to Yoon Jong-yong, the inaugural chairman who has greatly contributed to DGIST’s rapid growth over the past 20 years,” adding, “Going forward, DGIST will lead regional development and national science and technology through innovative educational programs and research, and we will do our best to advance as a world-class university together with our members, unafraid of change and innovation.”

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