Full-spectrum collaboration in human resources, facilities, and programs to drive educational innovation and competitiveness

Nurturing talent to solve global challenges, leading regional innovation and national development

[April 30, 2025]

Yeungnam University (President CHOI Oe-chool) and Yeungnam University College (President LEE Jae-yong) signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen mutual development and enhance competitiveness. The agreement reflects a shared commitment to building a practical and sustainable cooperation system in response to the rapidly changing landscape of higher education.

 The signing ceremony took place on April 28 at YU’s Chunma Arts Center, with over 80 key representatives from both institutions in attendance, including HAN Jae-sook, Chairperson of the Yeungnam School Corporation, YU President CHOI Oe-chool, and YUC President LEE Jae-yong. The event underscored the strong bond and mutual commitment to collaboration between the two schools.

<(From left) LEE Jae-yong, President of Yeungnam University College; HAN Jae-sook, Chairperson of the Yeungnam School Corporation; CHOI Oe-chool, President of Yeungnam University>

 Both institutions have long worked together to seek solutions to challenges commonly faced by regional universities, such as declining student populations and financial constraints, while maintaining an ongoing dialogue on avenues for inter-university cooperation.This latest agreement focuses on the effective sharing of infrastructure and capabilities, aiming to generate tangible outcomes through the exchange of human and material resources. Through the agreement, the two institutions plan to actively collaborate across various areas, including:

▲ Friendship exchanges to promote mutual understanding and cooperation and support joint activities for university integration

▲ Strengthening collaboration between organizational units such as industry-academic cooperation offices and international departments (including international colleges)

▲ Exchange and mutual support for fostering talent, including sharing JA faculty and other personnel

▲ Project cooperation leveraging specialized knowledge, talent, and facilities from both universities

▲ Additional cooperative initiatives that contribute to the development of both institutions

<President CHOI Oe-chool delivers a welcome address at the YU–YUC cooperation MOU signing ceremony.>

 In her congratulatory remarks, Chairperson HAN Jae-sook of the Yeungnam School Corporation stated, “Today’s agreement marks the first step in educational innovation for future generations and a meaningful starting point for a new chapter of change and progress within Yeungnam School Corporation. Given the remarkable achievements and reputations both Yeungnam University and Yeungnam University College have built in their respective fields, and their contributions to national development through the cultivation of numerous talented individuals, I hope this agreement will serve as a strong foundation for their continued mutual growth.”

LEE Jae-yong, President of Yeungnam University College, commented, “In today’s fast-changing educational environment, collaboration between universities is no longer a choice but a necessity. If our two institutions can achieve substantial cooperation across various domains through this agreement, we can expect even greater outcomes. Yeungnam University College has led the way in dual-track learning and achieved one of the nation’s highest employment rates. To further boost our competitiveness, close cooperation with Yeungnam University is essential. I look forward to concrete and measurable results such as the sharing of educational infrastructure and the operation of joint programs.”

President CHOI Oe-chool of Yeungnam University remarked, “This agreement marks both a declaration and a new beginning as our two universities chart a shared future. It is especially significant in that we have established a platform for co-growth by effectively and efficiently sharing our human and physical resources.” He added, “In particular, this cooperation will enable us to nurture talent that will become a new driving force for the local community, while maximizing regional development potential, such as the upcoming opening of the new Daegu–Gyeongbuk (TK) airport. It will also present a new model for university advancement based on inter-university cooperation.” CHOI concluded by saying, “With close collaboration and mutual trust, we will also contribute to meeting the growing demand for education on Korea’s development experience in developing countries and do our utmost to cultivate talent that will contribute to humanity.”