I intend
to prioritize and promote the following initiatives to increase the
autonomy and ingenuity of universities, strengthen their public trust
and sense of duty, and help them actively execute their role as leaders
in social development.
First, I will strengthen cooperation
among universities, government, and businesses to keep universities
faithful to their essential function of leading social change in the
21st century. One of the key missions of a university is the leading of
national development and world peace by developing creative talent. In
the midst of fierce international competition, I will pool resources to
turn universities into engines to transform South Korea into a mature,
knowledge-based society and into sources of newly-developed power by
strengthening inter-university cooperation.
Second, we are currently facing
challenges requiring wise resolution if we are to increase autonomy and
thereby establish a foundation for the sound development of
universities. I will concentrate on consolidating the willpower and
policies needed to ensure autonomy and on creating an environment of
efficient inter-university cooperation and coordination. I will also
devote my utmost efforts to securing stable funding for university
education as expanding universities’ financial base is a key issue in
the higher education community that is directly linked to the issue of
competitiveness.
Third, internationalization in higher
education is a global trend that is connected to national
competitiveness. Universities must become grounds of multiculturalism
and birthplaces of students wielding global competence and ingenuity in
a world of economic crisis and rapid change. To fulfill this call of
the times, the KCUE will work for a “Global Forum of University
Leaders” and strengthen internationalization and international
exchanges in universities, establish global partnerships, and build
international networks to jointly develop individual universities’
capacity and experience.
The KCUE will in the days to come
strive to gather a wide range of opinions and determine precisely the
path universities should pursue while paying attention to society’s
expectations and concerns. We will work to strengthen the education of
upright students with intellect and character and increase universities
global competitiveness while opening schools to greater diversity. With
both quantitative and qualitative growth, we hope to lead efforts to
cultivate passion in pursuing the truths that guide civilization and
developing an upright, honest world through subtle strength and
influence.
Universities have many similarities
in the goals they are pursuing, and they also have differences in
institutional characteristics. By maintaining open minds and seeking
mutual understanding, respect, and trust, however, I believe the KCUE
can be a unique forum for knowledge-sharing, communication, and
harmony. I will dedicate myself to collecting the ideas and strength of
member universities nationwide to raise the profile and public
confidence of the KCUE to lead the development of universities and, in
turn, the development of the country.
Bae Yong Lee
Chairwoman of the Korean Council for University Education
June 27, 2009 |
