KOREAN NET

President Yoon Suk Yeol (sixth from left in second row) on July 5 poses for a photo with the heads of ethnic Korean scientist and engineer groups abroad at the inaugural World Congress of Korean Scientists and Engineers held at the Korea Science and Technology Center in Seoul's Gangnam-gu District.

President Yoon Suk Yeol on July 5 said, "The government pledges its wholehearted support to allow young scientists to freely conduct research and exchange."

He said this in a congratulatory speech at the opening ceremony of the inaugural World Congress of Korean Scientists and Engineers held at the Korea Science and Technology Center in Seoul's Gangnam-gu District, presidential spokesperson Lee Do Woon said in a news release.

The president also thanked scientists and engineers who made great contributions to spreading advanced science and technology and developing excellent human resources.

"Science and technology is most important for protecting and expanding freedom," he said. "Solidarity with the international community is important to enhance the welfare of global citizens and broaden freedom, but the most important thing is to network, exchange and cooperate with ethnic Korean scientists abroad."

"The government's research and development budget, which is over KRW 30 trillion this year, must go into world-class research," he added. "I will do my best to support you so that the World Congress of Korean Scientists and Engineers becomes the hub of a global cooperation network backing the dreams and challenges of science and technology talent."

The congress was organized after President Yoon's visit to New York University in September last year, as he invited ethnic Korean scientists and engineers overseas to Korea and proposed the exchange of their research findings with domestic counterparts.

Over 500 related figures from home and abroad attended the event including the head of the Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies in Seoul and presidents of ethnic Korean societies of scientists and engineers abroad.

President Yoon Suk Yeol on July 5 listens to a visiting young scientist at the promotional booth of a participating country at the inaugural World Congress of Korean Scientists and Engineers held at the Korea Science and Technology Center in Seoul's Gangnam-gu District.

Photos = Office of the President

By Margareth Theresia
margareth@korea.kr