A delegation from the Tanzanian government, working to establish the Tanzania Aerospace University, visited Korea Aerospace University (KAU) on Nov. 4, at 1 PM. The delegation, comprising 15 government and private-sector representatives, including the Permanent Secretary of Finance and Planning in the President’s Office, Juma Malik Akil, met with KAU President Hee-young Hurr, along with the university’s deans and distinguished professors, for discussions. The delegation toured campus facilities, including the A300 aircraft, the Aerospace Museum, the simulated air traffic control training room, and various research laboratories.KAU has maintained ongoing cooperation with the Tanzanian government, working together to explore avenues for developing Tanzania’s aviation industry and training aviation professionals. This cooperation has included conferring an honorary doctorate on Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan when she visited Korea in June to attend the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit. With the recent agreement for Tanzania to receive USD 2.5 billion in concessional loans from Korea’s Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF), discussions between KAU and the Tanzanian government regarding the establishment of the Tanzania Aerospace University have gained remarkable momentum. The delegation’s visit to KAU was also aimed to set goals and directions for the project in preparation for the upcoming discussions on the disbursement plan for concessional loans from the Korean government. President Hurr welcomed the delegation, expressing KAU’s commitment, saying, “We will actively cooperate in fostering the development of Tanzania’s aviation industry and training skilled professionals in a nation with immense potential for aviation industry growth.” He further stated, “I hope this visit will mark the beginning of Tanzania’s full-scale collaboration projects with the Korean government and KAU.” Permanent Secretary Juma Malik Akil responded, “The establishment of the aerospace university is a critical project among the initiatives that our government is pursuing, and the Tanzanian government looks forward to close collaboration with KAU to achieve this goal.”
2024-11-18On Oct. 30, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM) hosted a special event and lecture in Korea Aerospace University’s (KAU) lecture hall to commemorate its 40th anniversary of service to Korea. As part of a series of events celebrating the 40th anniversary of its direct route to Korea on Oct. 31, KLM visited KAU to personally encourage future aviation professionals, while holding various events for Korean customers.The event featured Boris Darceaux, Regional President for Korea, Japan, and New Caledonia, and Moon-jung Lee, President of Air France-KLM Korea, who spent the afternoon with students, engaging in discussions about the present and future of the aviation industry with their Air France-KLM Korea colleagues. Lee Dong-myung, KAU’s Dean of the College of Aviation & Management, and Park Jin-woo, Dean of the School of Open Major and Global Aviation Studies, along with faculty from the Department of Aviation Management and the School of Open Major and Global Aviation Studies, extended a warm welcome to the Air France-KLM representatives. Over 200 students, including those from the Department of Aviation Management, participated in the event. During a special lecture titled Last 40 Years and Next 40 Years of KLM in Korea, Darceaux presented Air France-KLM’s vision and achievements in the Korean market, sharing experiences and insights as a leader of a global airline with KAU students, who are set to become the future leaders of the aviation industry. The students filled the hall with barely any space and remained engaged during the Q&A session, asking the Air France-KLM team profound questions about the future of the global aviation industry and their individual career paths. “Thanks to this event, I now have a clearer understanding of how to prepare for a career towards a global airline,” commented one participating student, expressing the hope for more similar opportunities in the future.After the lecture, Air France-KLM hosted a special event in the outdoor area in front of the lecture hall. Celebrating 40 years of service to Korea, Air France-KLM provided a coffee truck, offering students a refreshing break on campus. In particular, Air France-KLM, which operates the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Program to promote eco-friendly flights, provided free coffee to students who brought personal tumblers, encouraging environmental awareness and sustainability practices in daily life.Faculty members from the Department of Aviation Management, who co-hosted the event with Air France-KLM, stated, “It was a meaningful day to host a joint event with Air France-KLM, a global airline connecting Korea and Europe, on behalf of Korea’s aviation universities.” They added, “We will continue to offer diverse opportunities for students to grow into global talents who will lead the future aviation industry.”
2024-11-18On the morning of Oct. 16, the Korea Aerospace University (KAU) held a ceremony at the school’s Space Lounge to present school jumpers to the students participating in the ICAO Fellowship Program on Global Aviation Policy.This program is a newly launched master’s degree course for aviation officials from developing countries, organized by KAU with the support of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. The trainees will spend one and a half years at KAU, gaining specialized knowledge and practical skills in the aviation field. On the day of the event, KAU President Hee-young Hurr, Dean of the Office of International Affairs Woon-kyung Song, Program Director Professor Jin-ki Kim, and other members of the faculty and staff warmly welcomed the twenty-five trainees from 24 developing countries, including Tanzania, Rwanda, and Mongolia, encouraging them as they embark on their studies in a foreign state far from their homelands. The ceremony began with trainee representatives personally presenting President Hurr with a school jumper, featuring the university logo and the ICAO program name. In return, the president dressed the representatives in their school jumpers, earning applause from the attendees. President Hurr stated, “ICAO Fellowship Program on Global Aviation Policy has garnered significant attention from the Korean government, including the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. The program’s schedule will surely be demanding, but this experience will broaden your perspectives and assist you as you build your global network.” He further encouraged the trainees to continue playing crucial roles in maintaining and fostering relationships with their respective governments, as each one of them are recognized experts representing their countries in aviation. All faculty members and school staff at the event pledged their full support to ensure the success of the trainees throughout the program. The trainees, in turn, expressed their gratitude to President Hurr and the university for their enthusiastic support and vowed to push ahead with their best efforts in the upcoming training program
2024-10-22On Sep. 25, the Korea Aerospace University (KAU) held the 2024 Aviation Safety Culture Forum at the Grand Hyatt Incheon. Hosted by KAU and sponsored by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT), Korean Air, Jeju Air, T’way Air, Jin Air, Delta Air Lines, Airbus SE, and Boeing, the forum was held under the theme of establishing a culture for aviation safety. The event aimed to improve aviation safety and lay the foundation for fairness in the Republic of Korea through cooperation between industry entities, government organizations, and academic parties. The forum was attended by over 230 participants from 11 domestic airlines, including Korean Air, as well as aviation-related government agencies and academia from within and abroad. Significant stakeholders in the global aviation industry, such as Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, Airbus SE, and Boeing, also participated. In his opening remarks, President Hee-young Hurr said, “This forum, which brings together industry, government, and academia representing Korea’s aviation sector, will serve as an opportunity to further strengthen the safety of Korea’s aviation industry, which is recovering rapidly post-COVID-19. I believe this forum aligns with the mission of KAU, the nation’s only comprehensive university for aerospace.” President Hurr’s remarks were followed by a welcoming speech from Jong-wan Joo, Deputy Minister of Korea Office of Civil Aviation (KOCA). He emphasized, “The signing of the ‘Aviation Safety Culture Leadership Charter’ by domestic airlines at today’s forum signifies a strong commitment to spreading safety awareness throughout the aviation industry. The government will also support aviation safety by continuing to provide policy support.” On the same day, 11 domestic airlines, including Korean Air, along with our university, announced the “Aviation Safety Culture Leadership Charter.” Korean Air CEO Kee-hong Woo and President Hurr personally signed the charter, which consists of five resolutions: 1. Make [L1] aviation safety the top management priority and do one’s best to deliver this value to customers. 2. Recognize the gravity of building a positive safety culture and affirm leadership’s commitment to safety. 3. Consistently strive to improve safety culture and create an environment where all aviation personnel are treated fairly and clearly understand acceptable and unacceptable behavior. 4. Foster a trustworthy environment for active exchanges of information and reports without fear of retaliation; and equip employees with the knowledge and competencies needed for safe operations. 5. Flexibly respond to changing environments and foster a culture of sharing and spreading safety information. A discussion was held in Session 1, chaired by Professor Ho-won Hwang from KAU’s Department of Air Transportation and Logistics, with panels including Professor Jang-ryong Lee from KAU’s Department of Aeronautical Science and Flight Operations, addressing the current state of aviation safety culture in Korea and exploring potential improvement measures. Session 2 was chaired by Bennett Walsh, the Senior Vice President of Korean Air, focusing on various case studies of aviation safety culture. Session 3 featured a panel discussion exploring the directions for improving aviation safety, moderated by Professor Yeon-cheol Choi from Hanseo University, with presentations by Professor In-gi Na from KAU’s Global Aviation Studies. A Korean Air representative at the forum stated, “We will establish a proactive safety management paradigm based on safety culture partnerships and secure a leading position in the global aviation industry by solidifying aviation safety.” [L1]원문에서는 △표시로 작성되어있던 부분이나, 영어에서는 해당표시를 사용하지 않아 대신 넘버링으로 처리하였습니다. 확인부탁드립니다.
2024-10-14Korea Aerospace University (KAU) organized a social dining event on September 12 at Eunik Hall with the Goyang Council for Sustainable Development's Sustainable Society Committee. The event was held for participants of the ICAO Global Aviation Policy Fellowship. Attendees from diverse cultural backgrounds came together to share a meaningful meal, fostering cultural exchange and understanding.◌ Social dining, a platform for building connections and cultural exchangesSocial dining is an activity that fosters communication and interaction over a shared meal, serving as a vital means of enhancing social engagement and promoting cultural exchange beyond the act of eating. This event embraced the concept of social dining, bringing together 25 ICAO Fellowship participants and five Korean KAU students. They discussed various topics while sharing their cultures and personal experiences.In his welcoming speech, a representative from the Goyang Council for Sustainable Development likened social dining to “two wings that connect lives through food and conversation,” explaining that one wing represents "cooking" and the other "talking." He highlighted how the event would expand participants' social networks and offer a meaningful experience. Originally launched as a program for individuals living alone during the COVID-19 pandemic, the initiative has since evolved into a cultural dining experience for international students. Since last year, it has been regularly held for international students at universities in Goyang.◌ Making songpyeon and baramtteok, a traditional Korean food experienceA highlight of this social dining event was the hands-on activity where participants crafted their own songpyeon and baramtteok rice cakes. Organized in celebration of Chuseok, Korea's signature holiday, this program allowed attendees to engage with traditional Korean cuisine firsthand. Songpyeon, an iconic dish for Chuseok, was personalized by participants who kneaded rice cake base and added fillings.Baramtteok, another beloved Korean rice cake, was made collaboratively, deepening participants' understanding of Korean culture and culinary traditions. Throughout the process, Korean students shared the significance and customs surrounding songpyeon and baramtteok, fostering a space for cultural exchange through food. . This activity offered more than just a culinary experience; it provided participants with the chance to bond and appreciate cultural diversity◌ Time of conversation, sharing global stories of Chuseok and the holiday seasonAn integral part of the event was time set aside for conversation, where participants from various countries shared their stories about Chuseok, introduced their own festivals, and explored each other's cultures. Discussions included the origins and significance of Chuseok, as well as insights into Korea's family-oriented culture and traditions. Participants exchanged details about their own holiday customs and special foods, fostering a rich space for cultural exchange.In particular, ICAO Fellowship participants recounted how they celebrate holidays, traditional foods, and family gatherings in their home countries, highlighting both differences and commonalities. This conversation provided a meaningful moment for participants to grasp the true essence of social dining, as they listened to each other’s stories rather than merely enjoying the meal. This event not only offered international students at KAU a chance to experience Korean holidays and traditional cuisine, but also exemplified efforts to strengthen social ties and respect cultural diversity as part of the Goyang Council for Sustainable Development's commitment to building a sustainable society.
2024-09-20Korea Aerospace University (KAU) held a holiday festival for international students on September 11 at Vision Hall ahead of the Chuseok holiday. Over 100 international students from countries such as China, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia gathered to experience Korean holiday traditions. The event aimed to introduce the significance and customs of Chuseok to students unfamiliar with Korean holidays, enhancing their interest in and understanding of Korean culture. In attendance were key faculty members, including Dean Lee Dong-myung of the College of Aviation and Management, Director Song Woon-kyung of the Office of International Affairs, Dean Park Jin-woo of the School of Global Aviation Studies, and Chair Professor Lee Jin-sang, who encouraged the students throughout the event. Faculty members demonstrated traditional Korean games like jegichagi and biseokchigi, providing students with an opportunity to engage in these cultural experiences.The students were divided into teams to play traditional games, such as tuho, yut-nori, and more. For lunch, participants enjoyed a variety of traditional Korean dishes, including bibimbap, songpyeon, and sikhye. “We hope that international students unable to return home for Chuseok could feel the warmth of Korea through this event,” said a representative from KAU International Exchange Team, adding that they plan to continue offering opportunities for international students to explore different aspects of Korean culture.
2024-09-20Korea Aerospace University (KAU) is holding the 2024 KAU International Academic Exchange Program in Uzbekistan with KAU students engaging in summer volunteering activities from July 22 to August 1 The volunteer group built friendships with local students, sharing educational programs based on aerospace knowledge and Korean culture.This year, a group of fifteen volunteers, including thirteen attending students and two school staff members, visited Tashkent State Transport University (TSTU) and the local Korean Education Center to conduct four programs: ground paragliding training, DIY drone race, creating supersized planetariums, and Korean food experience. “I heard paragliding was rare in Uzbekistan due to the low winds and flat terrain, so I prepared the equipment in advance from Korea. I felt my work was worthwhile thanks to the joy it brought to the Uzbek students,” said Kim Do-ha (Dept. of Aerospace Electronics and Information Engineering; enrolled in 2021), who participated in the paragliding experience volunteer program.Local students also showed great interest in other programs, including autonomous flight drills with hand-made drones and the Korean food experience, where they cooked and shared tteokbokki and rice balls.After completing the academic exchange program, the volunteer group visited Uzbekistan’s most notable tourist sites, such as Samarkand and Bukhara, before returning safely to Korea. The group leader Cho Eun-jae (Dept. of Aeronautical Science & Flight Operation; enrolled in 2019) commented, “We were thrilled to see local students show their love for Korea and enthusiastically participate in our programs. I am grateful for my fellow members who gave their everything despite the hot weather, local students who greeted us with sincere hearts, and officials of both universities who gave us this priceless opportunity.”
2024-08-20Korea Aerospace University (KAU) will operate the International Summer Program (ISP) for the staff and students of Tashkent State Transport University (TSTU) in Uzbekistan from August 11 to 17. Five members of TSTU delegation, including Vice Rector Omonov Otajon Juraqulovich, and eighteen TSTU students majoring in aviation transportation will attend this year's ISP. Vice Rector Juraqulovich and his delegation initiated their official schedule by meeting and receiving the welcoming ceremony of KAU President Hurr Hee-young and his fellow staff. “As this session will be KAU's first IPS with TSTU, our staff are very excited as well,” stated President Hurr as he greeted the TSTU delegation. He added, “We promise to do our best in operations to ensure this program benefits the professors and students who have traveled from afar and becomes an exemplary case for international cooperation between our institutions.” Chair Professor Hong Nam-gi commented, “I have always been interested in advancing the economic cooperation between Korea and Uzbekistan, which is why I am thrilled to see our university build a close relationship with TSTU,” adding, “I hope you use this ISP to your advantage and enjoy Korean culture as well as learning as much as you can.” Chair Professor Lee Jin-sang, who will oversee the ISP, along with Director Song Woon-gyeong of the International Exchange Office, Director Hwang Wan-sik of the Student Affairs Office, and Director Kim In-gyu of the Flight Training Center, also welcomed the members of TSTU. TSTU is a national university located in Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital, which focuses on areas related to aerospace and transportation. TSTU signed its first memorandum of understanding with KAU during the March visit of the Uzbekistani President’s Office’s Aerospace Cooperation Group and agreed to cooperate on various agendas, including academic research and staff and student exchanges. The two schools have since established their close relationship, as the KAU Summer International Volunteer Group, consisting of KAU students, personally visited TSTU since last year’s summer vacation to offer educational volunteering services on knowledge regarding drones, rockets, and other similar areas. Vice Rector Juraqulovich showed his gratitude for the warm hospitality received from our university since the previous day, stating, “KAU is the most prominent institution in Uzbekistan’s international aviation cooperation, with high interest from the Uzbek Ministry of Education and Ministry of Transport in our collaborative projects.” He added, “I hope for increased academic exchanges between KAU and TSTU and wish to gather as much necessary information as possible during this visit.” President Hurr acknowledged his gratitude, responding, “We will spare no effort in sharing the capabilities our university has accumulated for 70 years in Korea’s private aerospace fields.” TSUT faculty, staff, and students will take special courses prepared by KAU during the week-long ISP period. These courses will be accompanied by on-site field trip programs, during which they will tour the Incheon International Airport and Korean Airlines’ facilities and experience Korean culture by visiting attractions such as Wolmi Island and Nami Island. During the program, TSTU staff will meet with the KAU International Exchange Office to discuss matters related to the joint diploma course, which is being implemented as a collaboration between the two schools.
2024-08-20OOV-CUBE, a nanosatellite developed by Korea Aerospace University (KAU) Professor Zizung Yoon (Dept. of Smart Drone Engineering) succeeded its first transmission after six days of launch via Ariane 6, a rocket of the European Space Agency (ESA). On July 9 at 4 PM (local time; July 10 at 4 AM KST), OOV-CUBE was launched into space at the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana, loaded onto the Ariane 6, Europe’s next-generation launch vehicle. Ariane 6, a new rocket that the ESA showcased as an ambitious project after 28 years, included NASA’s nanosatellite and nine other satellites as well as OOV-Cube. The satellites successfully separated themselves from the top of the projectile one hour and six minutes after launch and entered the target orbit. However, the research team had to anxiously wait as they took a few more days to return their transmissions to Earth. The reason was that batteries inside the satellites became discharged due to the delay in the launch of Ariane 6, which prevented them from operating immediately after stabilizing their orbit, taking several more days to recharge in orbit using their solar cells. OOV-Cube, a cube-shaped satellite, required even more time to recharge as it had a relatively smaller solar panel area. Despite the difficulties, the satellite finally returned its first transmission with the Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin) ground station on July 15 at 6 PM (local time; July 16 at 1 AM KST), delivering the news of its successful operation. Professor Yoon and the research team plan to run a detailed checkup on the satellite’s status for a week or two and carry out its mission of examining advanced technologies in space. This includes demonstrating a highly efficient communication protocol where the ground IoT device communicates directly with the satellite and a data processing assessment through the AI neural network e x e cuted within the satellite’s onboard computer. The accomplishment of OOV-Cube’s mission is expected to solidify Korea’s position in the European space market by verifying the nanosatellite platform technology that harnesses high reliability at a low cost and expand the opportunities to carry out additional technology examination missions in the future. Also, the team has prospects of demonstrating the core technology required for IoT services, the elements that will play a crucial role in the 6G telecommunications market, which will bring the convergence of ground and satellite communications, as well as enabling environment monitoring by connecting countless mobile IoT devices and the satellite constellation by demonstrating ultra-low-power IoT communication technology. The satellite control centers at KAU and TU Berlin will be responsible for the satellite’s operations. As a head researcher at TU Berlin, Professor Yoon developed and designed “TUBiX10,” the satellite platform utilized by OOV-CUBE. From 2018 to 2020, five satellites were created using the TUBiX10 platform to successfully operate in a low-orbit environment. OOV-CUBE took the honor of winning the contest in 2022 hosted by the ESA before the first flight of its new projectile Ariane 6, and thus earned the opportunity to verify its advanced technology in space without any launching costs. Professor Yoon stated, “There were risks, as succeeding in the first launch of a satellite is far from easy. However, I put myself to the challenge because I was confident I could develop and produce the satellite faster and more efficiently. I am grateful to the ESA for allowing me to launch the satellite and the Korea Aerospace University for establishing the satellite’s ground station within the school area as a part of the Convergence and Open Sharing System’s next-generation communication program. I will focus on the international cooperation in aerospace areas between KAU and European parties.” Based on OOV-Cube’s achievement, Professor Yoon plans to push forward in his development of the IoT technology-loaded constellation satellite.
2024-07-25OOV-CUBE, the nanosatellite developed by Zizung Yoon, a professor at Korea Aerospace University’s Department of Smart Drone Engineering, will be launched on July 9. OOV-CUBE is currently loaded on Ariane 6, the new projectile stationed at the Guiana Space Centre, which is the launching grounds of the European Space Agency (ESA). The critical mission of the nanosatellite is to verify advanced technologies, such as AI and IoT, in a space environment to enhance their technology readiness level (TRL); “OOV” from this satellite’s name is also the abbreviation of “On-Orbit Verification.” The advanced technologies OOV-CUBE will verify on this mission include highly efficient IoT protocol receivers, next-generation Perovskite solar cell experiments, a highly efficient AI processor and onboard cloud detection neural networks, L-band transceivers for stationary inter-satellite communication on low orbit, and two optical cameras. In particular, the plan is to secure a competitive edge in advanced technology by demonstrating the IoT technology that allows miniature IoT devices to communicate directly with the satellite and verifying the AI technology on the nanosatellite. As a head researcher at the Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin), Professor Zizung Yoon developed and designed “TUBiX10,” the satellite platform utilized by OOV-CUBE. From 2018 to 2020, five satellites were developed using the TUBiX10 platform to successfully operate in a low-orbit environment. TU Berlin and Rapid Cubes, a nanosatellite company, were responsible for the production and testing of this mission. OOV-CUBE took the honor of winning the contest hosted by ESA before the first flight of its new projectile, Ariane 6, and thus earned the opportunity to verify its advanced technology in space without any launching costs. The first launch of Ariane 6 will include 15 projectiles developed in European countries and the OOV-CUBE satellite. After the satellite’s successful launch on the 9th, it will be under operation by two satellite control centers, the Korea Aerospace University’s Distributed Space Systems Research Lab and TU Berlin. The Korea Aerospace University also newly established a satellite control center within the campus as a part of its Innovative & Convergent University Project for Next-Generation Communication. Professor Yoon commented, “This mission will be a chance for us to accumulate technology and experience in the high-tech field, including IoT communication and AI utilization in space by harnessing nanosatellites.” He added, “I look forward to our university students building relevant on-site expertise as they participate in the satellite’s operation.”
2024-07-04On June 14, Korea Aerospace University (KAU) and CAE Korea concluded an MOU to nurture future aviation talents. CAE (Canadian Aviation Electronics) is a leading flight training simulator manufacturer and training company headquartered in Canada. With operations in 35 countries, including Korea, CAE is a global industry leader that accounts for over 70% of the world's airline training simulator production. Through this MOU, KAU and CAE Korea have agreed to mutually cooperate in the development of the aerospace industry as well as its talents. This includes operating CAE Korea's flight simulator experience course for students in the Department of Aeronautical Science & Flight Operation, implementing a system to train new pilots in Korea, and developing future aeromobility training courses and qualification systems.The signing ceremony was attended by Hurr Hee-young, President of KAU; Lee Jae-wook, Vice President of Planning; Lee Jang-ryong, Chair of the Department of Aeronautical Science & Flight Operation; Yoo Byung-sun, Professor in the Department of Aeronautical Science & Flight Operation; Kim In-kyu, Director of the Flight Training Center; and officials from from CAE Korea, including General Manager Eom Young-joon and Director Kim Jun-min. “I hope that the two organizations will work together to maintain Korea's aviation manpower training system at the highest level in the world,” said Eom Young-joon, General Manager of CAE Korea and an alumnus (Class of 1979) of the School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering. President Hurr expressed his gratitude for the partnership, stating, “We are grateful to have signed an MOU with CAE, a world-class company in aviation pilot training, to improve the quality of flight training for our students. I hope that both institutions will actively interact in the future to cultivate future aviation mobility professionals.” During the 72nd anniversary of the university's opening ceremony, KAU honored General Director Eom with the Industry-Academia Cooperation Award. Moving forward, both institutions have committed to fostering ongoing exchanges through student lectures and colloquiums.
2024-06-19Minister of Education Claudette Irere of Rwanda visited Korea Aerospace University at 3 pm on June 4. Minister Irere, visiting Korea with the President of Rwanda for the "2024 Korea-Africa Summit," is visiting major universities in the country including our university to promote partnerships between the two countries' higher education institutions. Her visit to KAU aimed to discuss exchange and cooperation plans related to the Aviation Academy scheduled to be established in Rwanda this year. At the university, President Hee-Young Hurr of Korea Aerospace University along with other officials welcomed Minister Irere. President Hurr gave Minister Irere a tour of the university's main facilities, including the A300 exhibition aircraft, pilot training room, and air traffic control simulation room. Minister Irere also attended the "AIRBUS 101" event jointly organized by the university and global aircraft manufacturer AIRBUS, where she delivered a brief speech. As a small landlocked country in Africa, Rwanda has been rebuilding itself from the civil war in the 2000s. Following the examples of countries like South Korea and Singapore, it has achieved stability in a short period of time through economic growth. Despite its lack of natural resources, Rwanda has significant growth potential with 70 percent of its 14 million population below 35 years. The country aims to become the business hub of Africa by improving infrastructure particularly air transportation, leveraging its central geographical location on the continent. In discussing her country's situation, Minister Irere emphasized the urgent need to develop skills and train professionals across the entire aviation industry value chain for Rwanda's growth. To address this, Rwanda is establishing an aviation university to train pilots, air traffic controllers, and mechanics, with the construction of the campus set to begin this year. Minister Irere expressed her desire to partner with KAU, seeking close collaboration throughout the establishment and operation of the aviation university, and to benchmark KAU's curriculum. President Hurr expressed deep understanding of Minister Irere's objectives and committed to active cooperation with the university in the future. Minister Irere and KAU officials agreed to expand human exchanges with Rwanda gradually, beginning with the acceptance of Rwandan students into Korea's Fellowship Programme on Global Aviation Policy. Supported by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, this program will be implemented for the first time in August this year. It also offers a master's degree in aviation for government officials from developing countries. Moreover, they agreed to develop detailed plans for exchange and cooperation further, including the establishment of the aviation university. As an aerospace university, KAU joined ALICANTO, an international aerospace education organization established by ICAO in 2023, to facilitate exchanges with other aerospace universities worldwide. Since 2020, KAU has been operating a master's degree training program for aviation practitioners and managers from developing countries like Rwanda and Tanzania through an agreement with KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency). The university boasts of three flight training centers in Korea and one in Florida, USA, and it is actively collaborating with developing countries including Uzbekistan to cultivate global aviation talent.
2024-06-11The (Korea Aerospace University (KAU) granted an honorary doctorate degree in aerospace management to Samia Suluhu Hassan, the president and first female state leader of Tanzania. The event took place on the 3rd at 2 PM in the auditorium of KAU. President Hassan chose KAU as the first location on her schedule after her official visit to Korea to participate in the “Korea-Arica Summit 2024,” held from 4 to 5 June. Inaugurated in 2021, President Hassan brought peace into neighboring nations as well as her own through spectacular leadership and influence, drawing praise that she contributed to Tanzania’s transformation into the leading state of peace and democracy in Africa. In 2014, she led Tanzania’s democratic movements as the vice chairperson of the constitutional parliament that prepared the country’s new constitution. In 2022, she organized the COVID Measures Commission amid the epidemic, disclosing the nation’s crisis response status to the public and cooperating with the international community. Her efforts received worldwide acknowledgment, leading the USA Times to s e l e c ther as one of the “Times 100: Most Influential People in 2022.” Marking its 32nd anniversary of diplomatic relations with Korea, the Tanzanian government seeks to actively scale its attraction of foreign investment and official development aid (ODA) according to its initiative, “Tanzania Development Vision 2025.” In particular, President Hassan strove to establish close ties with Korea, indicating the peninsular state in East Asia as Tanzania’s role model and sharing the country’s development experiences related to infrastructure related to the aerospace industry, ICT, and education. To honor her achievements and contribute to the cooperative relationship between the two countries, KAU decided to confer President Hassan an honorary doctorate degree in aerospace management. “We decided to grant our university’s honorary doctorate degree to President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who displayed outstanding leadership and vision for the prosperity of the international community,” said KAU President Hee-Young Hurr during his welcoming remarks. He added, “Through our collaboration with Tanzania, the nation with unprecedented potential in aerospace areas, I believe KAU will become the country’s partner that contributes to the development of airports and aviation industries across Africa as well as Tanzania.” Jeong-Taek Hyeon, the chairperson of the Jeongseok Inha Educational Institute, also stressed, “President Hassan’s vision and contribution in realizing Tanzania’s economic growth coincides perfectly with KAU’s mission,” adding, “We hope our honorary doctorate degree becomes a steppingstone to Tanzania’s aerospace education for the development of relevant industries.”
2024-06-04Professors at the University of Ghana (UoG), a national university of Ghana, visited Korea Aerospace University on April 30. Five professors including University of Ghana Centre for Asian Studies Director Lloyd G. Adu Amoah visited Korea from April 21 to May 4 to attend the Capacity Building Program for the University of Ghana Officials hosted by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). During their stay in Korea, they visited KAU as well. Dean Lee Dong-myeong of the KAU College of Aviation & Management, Aviation & Management Professor Yi Jin-sang, Planning Bureau Director Yi Jae-uk, and International Exchange Bureau Director Song Un-gyeong discussed the KAU-UoG exchange with UoG professors. The University of Ghana is the largest public university among the 13 public universities in Ghana. Approximately 40,000 students are currently studying at UoG. The University of Ghana consists of the College of Health Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, College of Humanities, and College of Education. At the time of its opening in 1948, the University of Ghana used to be called “University College of the Gold Coast” since Ghana was a British colony. After Ghana gained independence, the school was renamed University of Ghana in 1961. UoG professors, mostly computer engineers, discussed with KAU the ICT Innovation Center to be constructed in Ghana and benchmarked the relevant technologies. UoG professors decided to visit KAU based on their relationship with KAU Professor Yi Jin-sang who specializes in African studies. “Numerous Middle Eastern and African countries are recently proposing cooperation to us since not only are we teaching and researching advanced fields such as drones, satellites, and national defense; we are also cultivating traditional aviation experts such as pilots, controllers, and MRO experts. I am sure that Korea Aerospace University and University of Ghana can create synergy together,” Professor Yi Jin-sang said. UoG Asian Studies Director Lloyd Amoah expressed hope that they can conclude an agreement with KAU and start student and faculty exchange and joint researches in aviation technology as soon as possible. "It will be great if we keep expanding mutual exchange programs together,” he added.
2024-05-28Korean Aerospace University opened Sanford Flight School in Sanford International Airport, Florida on May 1 at 10am (local time). Around 100 persons including e x e cutives, flight trainees, etc. such as KAU President Hurr Hee-young, Jeongseok Inha Academy Standing Director Yi Hwa-seok, KAU Flight Training Center Director Kim In-gyu, Planning Team Manager Shin Seung-won, Personnel in Charge Jo Jae-hyeong, and L3Harris Flight School's David Cox attended the opening ceremony. KAU President Hurr’s congratulatory speech was followed by the signing ceremony and ribbon-cutting ceremony. In preparation for the Hanjin Group’s increasing demand for pilots due to Korean Air’s takeover of Asiana and Jin Air-centered LCC integration, KAU operates industrial pilot and experienced (at least 1,000 hours of flight) pilot training curricula based on a contract with L3Harris Flight School. In addition, KAU will develop curricula customized for the domestic aviation industry in order to supply competent pilots to the private sector stably. To accomplish this goal, KAU will design curricula suitable for the current aviation industry and operate such courses in cooperation with L3Harris. After evaluating numerous flight schools in the USA, KAU and Korean Air selected L3Harris as the best partner. “Since its establishment in 1952, Korea Aerospace University has been continuously seeking changes to contribute to the development of the aviation industry. Opening Sanford Flight School, we will strengthen the quality of our flight training courses and cultivate competent pilots trusted by all airlines,” KAU President Hurr said during his congratulatory speech. After the opening ceremony, the attendees looked around L3Harris and KAU’s training facilities and had a luncheon with KAU flight trainees. The Standing Director asked trainees to do their best to complete the curriculum and learn as many things as possible. Currently, 40 KAU flight trainees (including instructors) are building their flight career, receiving training at L3Harris. More students are expected to study at this facility after the opening ceremony. The KAU Flight Training Center recruits and selects new trainees of the KAU Pilot Program (KPP) to be provided at Sanford Flight School from the second half of this year. The goal of KPP is to develop KAU students and non-KAU students as pilots for domestic airlines. Visit the website of the KAU Flight Training Center (http://ftc.kau.ac.kr) for further details.
2024-05-28Togolani Edriss Mavura, Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania to the Republic of Korea, visited Korea Aerospace University on May 14. Despite his busy schedule preparing for the Korea-Africa Summit scheduled to be held in Seoul in June, Ambassador Mavura visited KAU to discuss a cooperative project after checking the Tanzanian president’s scheduled official visit to KAU on June 3. Ambassador Mavura and his party were welcomed by KAU President Hurr Hee-young, Director Hong Nam-gi of the Lifelong Education Center, and Professor Yi Jin-sang. The Tanzanian government has introduced new airplanes through their national airline Air Tanzania, operating international flight services to Africa, India, China, etc. since 2016 during the term of former Tanzanian President John Magufuli. Recently, they have formulated a long-term plan to develop an African aviation hub in Tanzania, and they have been showing enthusiasm for the development of the aviation infrastructure industry with interest in establishing an aviation college. KAU invited the Tanzania President who will visit the Republic of Korea for the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit (June 4–5). When Tanzania's first female President Samia Suluhu Hassan visits KAU on June 3, she will be conferred an honorary doctorate degree by KAU. In addition, KAU will discuss a future cooperative project to help them establish an aviation college in Tanzania through a business agreement. “I believe Tanzania will be the best partner since they are one of the most stable countries in Africa with infinite potential. Starting with the Tanzanian President’s visit to KAU, I hope KAU and Tanzanian government can keep cooperating for various educational projects,” KAU President Hurr Hee-young said. According to Ambassador Mavura, Tanzania has just begun to work on the aviation industry but has infinite potential. "I hope Korea Aerospace University and Tanzanian government go towards a higher level of cooperation for aviation education based on the current amicable relationship between Africa and Republic of Korea,” he added.
2024-05-28A total of 60 KAU international students participated in the Goyang Learncation Program provided by the Goyang Municipal Government on May 17. Learncation is a compound word formed from the words “learning” and “vacation.” Departing from Korea Aerospace University, students looked around tourist destinations in Goyang and learned about the history, culture, and nature of the Republic of Korea. Students first changed into hanbok at the Haengjusanseong Fortress Chunghunjeong Pavilion and made hanbok-shaped fragrance pouches at the Chunguijeong Pavilion. They learned about the importance of ecological preservation at the Ramsar Janghang Wetland Bird Observatory and thought about the peace and security of the Korean Peninsula at the DMZ Road to Peace. In addition, they participated in a military experience program at Nadeulaon, which was remodeled from a military barrack Lastly, they visited the Goyang Tourist Information Center and took commemorative photographs in front of the mural of BTS RM, Flower Swing Photo Zone, Goya Gift Shop, Goyangjae Shrine, and Book & Rest Area “I really enjoyed the various hands-on Korean culture programs. In particular, I think I will not forget the moment when we took some photos at the Haengjusanseong Fortress in hanbok,” Ayaniphan from China said. According to Asadulo from Uzbekistan, the military experience at Nadeulaon was one of the most impressive programs, adding that MREs were very interesting and good. “I realized once again through this program that Goyang could grow as a global tourist city. The program provided for KAU international students can be developed as a global tourist program,” said An Mi-gyeong, tourism manager of the Goyang Education & Culture Bureau. The Goyang Learncation Program showed KAU international students the various charms of Korea and strengthened the bond with the community at the same time. Korea Aerospace University and Goyang Municipal Government will operate a wide range of collaborative programs in the future.
2024-05-28The KAU Office of Admissions successfully gave an admission presentation at overseas Korean schools following last year. This event was held in collaboration with 16 schools (institutions) in Indonesia, Vietnam, and China (Beijing, Shanghai, and Qingdao) from April to May. The presentation was given in six more schools (institutions) than last year. The Director of Office of Admissions and admission officers stressed that overseas multilingual Koreans can be global aerospace leaders after completing a creative curriculum. "The Korea AeroSpace Administration is about to be launched, and InnoSpace founded by a KAU alumnus succeeded in launching Korea’s first private launch vehicle. The era of new space has begun in the Republic of Korea,” they added. They also suggested that students develop their career as future aerospace experts at Korea Aerospace University. In addition, they held an online Q&A session for overseas Korean students and their parents who could not attend the presentation in person. "We will give presentations in more countries and regions including Guangzhou and Japan, if possible," said an official at the Office of Admissions. KAU will accept online applications for special admissions for overseas Koreans (3 years’ stay, 12 years’ stay) for next year from July 8 to 12 (Mon.–Fri.). Contact the Office of Admissions (admission@kau.ac.kr / +82-2-300-0446) for further information on admission.
2024-05-28The Korea Aerospace University Flight Training Center has signed an MOU on mutual cooperation toward fostering the electric aircraft industry in Korea with electric aircraft startup TOFF Mobility. Officials from both institutions attended the agreement signing ceremony held at the Flight Training Center on April 26 including Kim In-gyu, head of the Flight Training Center, and Jeong Chan-young, CEO of TOFF Mobility. TOFF Mobility is a startup that aspires to establish an airline specializing in environment-friendly electric aircraft. Electric aircraft are already being commercialized in the United States and Europe because of their quieter operation, lower carbon emissions, and lower cost compared to conventional aircraft. TOFF Mobility has signed an agreement with Pipistrel, the world's only commercial electric aircraft manufacturer, to introduce electric aircraft and has completed the necessary training to pilot, maintain, and operate electric aircraft. It will work with the Korea Aerospace University Flight Training Center to undertake Korea's first test flight and safety certification inspection of electric aircraft at the Susaek Airfield. Both institutions plan to train pilots, technicians, and other electric aircraft specialists. According to the agreement, the two institutions shall △establish associated infrastructure, △collaborate on education and research to foster human resources, and △create an ecosystem to facilitate the electric aircraft sector in Korea. “Through this agreement, we expect to become a leading university in the future air mobility industry by strengthening industry-academe collaboration in the field of electric aircraft,” said Kim In-gyu, head of the Flight Training Center.
2024-05-24In the first semester, the Office of International Exchange Team operates the Global Buddy program, and the Teaching and Learning Center runs the Global Mentoring Program. Both Global Buddy and Global Mentoring are initiatives that help international students adapt to university life. ◌ About Global Mentoring Global Mentoring is a program that assists international students in adapting to school life. Through this program, a local senior student mentor and an international mentee form a 1:1 or 1:2 mentor-mentee team for three-hour academic study and counseling each week for ten weeks. Mentees in this program are international students whose parents are both foreigners or students who have completed 12 years of primary and secondary schooling overseas and who are currently enrolled at our university. Those applying for Global Mentoring as a mentor must be in their third or fourth year of study and must have an average GPA of 3.5 or above. (Students in the Department of Aviation can apply beginning their second year of study.) Participating in the program has several benefits, including the opportunity to exchange with international students. Student mileage (up to 20 hours) is reimbursed after completing the program, and mentors are awarded a prescribed mentor scholarship. ◌ About Global Buddy Global Buddy is a voluntary program wherein international students and (visiting) exchange students are given guidance in their school life. Students on leave and current students who have completed at least one semester of study at our university are eligible to apply. Among international students at our university, there are more international students from Asian countries like China, Mongolia, and Uzbekistan than English-speaking countries. Global Buddy accepts applications online and selects based on a review of the application documents (including motivation, course placement, and foreign language proficiency). Specific activities include △advising international students on school life, △participating in international student on-boarding (showing students how to apply for classes, use the LMS, and so on), △assisting international students in academic counseling, immigration, and medical insurance, and △participating in various international student support programs. Participants can earn one GPA credit for community volunteer service. (Students must apply for community volunteer service credit during the semester of Global Buddy participation.) In addition, they receive scholarship worth approximately KRW 250,000 (more for the Buddy Representative or those with exemplary performance) and subsidy for Buddy activity expenses. The following is an interview with a student who has served as both Global Buddy international student mentee and mentor: ◌ Interview with a Global Buddy participant (Allen, Dept. of Business Management, Class of 2022) Q. What prompted you to apply for the Global Buddy program? A. I was a Global Buddy mentee during my freshman year. So I wanted to share with other international students how I adjusted to this university. I also felt it would be a wonderful opportunity to improve my English because I didn't get to use it as frequently while living in Korea, and I wanted to befriend more international students. Q. What did you do as a mentee during your freshman year? A. In my freshman year, I was fortunate to have a Global Buddy mentor in the same department as me. My buddy provided me with information regarding school facilities and academic matters. We would sometimes have lunch together and discuss our courses’ lecture critiques. Q. Did you encounter any difficulties throughout the Global Buddy program? A. Unlike me, my mentee takes an English track course rather than a Korean track course, so he attends all of his classes in English. And it's a little frustrating that I can't provide much opinion on his studies and lectures because he is in a different department from me. So, I make every effort to keep him informed about the school's different facilities, events, and announcements. Other than that, I have no difficulties, although I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help. Q. Do you have any resolutions for this year as a Global Buddy mentor? A. I understand better than anybody that, as a buddy, I cannot address all of my mentee’s problems. I try to assist my mentee as much as possible by telling him to ask himself how to solve each problem instead of simply solving it for him. This way, I hope he can handle problems on his own later without a mentor or a buddy.
2024-05-24Korea Aerospace University (KAU) participated in the Drone Show Korea 2024 held at BEXCO in Busan from Mar. 6 to Mar. 8. This year’s 8th Drone Show Korea is Asia’s largest drone exhibition and conference event , jointly hosted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy,the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Ministry of National Defense, and the Busan Metropolitan Government. This year’s event saw the participation of around 190 domestic and overseas enterprises and institutions, including KAU. KAU, which prepared an exhibition space to represent domestic drone educational institutions for cultivating talent, introduced its university-internal research and development results on drones, while also operating a drone racing simulation corner as an educational and experiential space for the general public. In particular, the Dokdo roundabout flight in 2022 was successful, with a solar-powered UAV completing a 440 km flight,the longest among solar-powered UAVs in Korea. The model of the UAV was displayed and accompanied by explanations of the related research results. The drone racing simulation took place virtually in a 3D space set against the KAU campus in the background as a program for piloting drones to complete a variety of missions.The Department of Smart Drone Engineering under the KAU College of AI Convergence that prepared the exhibition, was established in 2021 with the goal of fusing drone and ICT knowledge to cultivate creative talents for research and development of new concepts of drones and urban air mobility (UAM). Enterprises and their affiliated institutions and research centers conducting various government-funded projects related to drones participatedin the exhibition to introduce their major ongoing projects.KAU has been widely recognized for its drone research achievements, successfully conducting Korea’s first drone formation flight in 2009 and recording the country’s longest timed solar-powered UAV flight in 2020. In 2016, KAU was designated as Korea’s first drone specialist educationalinstitution by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. KAU has operated a national certification program for UAV pilots, with over 1,100 graduates of the program. In January, the Korea Transportation Safety Authority (TS) selected KAU as a 2023 Excellent Drone Specializing Educational Institution.KAU has utilized this education and research results to carry out a joint research and development projects focused on six major technologies for drones, including blended wing-body (BWB), high-speed control, roundabout flight, task e x e cution based on AI, fuel cells, and low-noise stealth.These are envisioned as essential tasks to be pioneered for the growth of the drone industry, so the government and industry professionals will cooperate for research and development in these initiatives.Dong-Ho Song, Head of the Department of Smart Drone Engineering said, “This event introduced KAU’s drone education and research results, and became a great opportunity to explore measures with the industry and government for industry-government-academia cooperation for thedevelopment of the drone industry. This exhibition was also a meaningful time for future talents interested in the drone sector.”
2024-03-18