Yeungnam University Achieves Third Consecutive 'Michael Porter Prize' Win, Inducted into 'Hall of Fame'

Yeungnam University (President Choi Woichul) was selected as the recipient in the university competitiveness category at the 12th Michael Porter Prize award ceremony, held at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul on December 4. Marking its third consecutive win following 2023 and 2024, the university was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

The Michael Porter Prize is a prestigious award based on the competitive strategy theory of Harvard University professor Michael Porter, a world-renowned management scholar. It recognizes institutions that simultaneously create economic and social value. The award is jointly hosted by the Institute for Industrial Policy Studies, Yoon Kyung Forum, The Dong-A Ilbo, and Channel A, and is sponsored by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Korea CEO Association of Multinational Corporations (KCMC). It selects institutions demonstrating outstanding competitiveness across various fields, including nation, city, industry, corporation, and university. Notably, this year saw the introduction of the new 'Competitiveness Category,' with Yeungnam University becoming its first recipient and setting a new standard for university innovation.

President Choi Woichul of Yeungnam University is receiving the Michael Porter Award.

This award drew attention to the fact that Yeungnam University's CSV and ESG management models have formed the foundation of its competitiveness. In particular, the integrated system comprising the Park Chung Hee School of Policy and Saemaul (PSPS), International Institute of Development Cooperation (IIDC), Social Contribution Group, ESG Committee, and ESG Innovation Center-established under the leadership of the university president-was highly praised. Through this system, the university has transformed its educational, research, and social contribution functions into social value, thereby strengthening its overall competitiveness in a tangible way.

The judging panel also commended Yeungnam University for establishing a social value creation system across education, research, and academia-industry cooperation, based on its accumulated glocal CSV capabilities and leading ESG governance. The university's data-driven operations and the international dissemination of its achievements, which have set a standard for university innovation, were also cited as reasons for the award.

Yeungnam University particularly stood out for its efforts to strengthen global capabilities based on Korean-style educational ODA. Over the past 14 years, the university has trained more than 1,000 master's students from 77 countries worldwide. Including short-term Saemaul Movement training programs, it has provided training and education to over 4,400 foreign government officials and experts from 94 countries, including those from international organizations, systematically sharing Korea's development experience and Saemaul studies.

The fact that government officials and experts from various countries have applied action plans developed at Yeungnam University to government policies, public development projects, and regional development plans after returning to their home countries was presented as a prime example of the effectiveness of the university's management. In addition, the university's collaborations with overseas institutions, expansion of its alumni network, and international volunteer and consulting programs were highly regarded. Yeungnam University has also institutionalized Saemaul Spirit 2.0-adding 'sharing, service, and creativity' to the original values of 'diligence, self-help, and cooperation'-into its university management and educational programs. This includes customized policy development education for leaders in developing countries, community-linked social contribution models, and a data-driven ESG disclosure system. Such systematic operations have not only enhanced the university's competitiveness but have also established it as a model for universities contributing to co-prosperity with the nation, local communities, and the world.

President Choi Woichul stated, "Yeungnam University has developed the Saemaul Movement, which realized the founding philosophy of Hongik Ingan in policy, into an academic discipline called Saemaul Studies. Based on this, we have operated practical programs encompassing education, research, and social contribution, making meaningful contributions to the international community. This award is a valuable recognition of the continuous efforts and achievements of Yeungnam University and its faculty in sharing and advancing Saemaul Studies."

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