Prime Minister of Denmark, H.E. Anders Fogh Rasmus

Our GSIS had the privilege to host the Prime Minister of Denmark, H.E. Anders Fogh Rasmussen on November 23, 2006. The Prime Minister delivered a speech which covered various points in relation to how Europe and Asia will progress in the globalized world we have upon us today. After his speech there was an opportunity for the audience to ask questions to the Prime Minister. He covered various topics and responded to questions which included economics, political party affiliation, immigration issues, and the subject of North Korean nuclear proliferation. Our professors and students were honored to have the Prime Minister, his wife, EU ambassadors, and other distinguished guests from Denmark and abroad visit GSIS SNU. --------------------------------- See the article of SNU PR Office directly below; On 23rd of November (Thursday), Denmark's current Prime Minister, Anders Fogh Rasmussen visited Seoul National University to deliver a lecture entitled "Europe and Asia in a Globlized World." The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of Denmark's competitiveness in the face of globalization. In order to do so, a council constituted of experts from various fields like education, research, economy, enterprise and labour union was formed to drive Denmark's competitiveness in the globalizing world. The Prime Minister stated that Korea's economy 35 years ago was similar to that of Ghana's. However, Korea's economy flourished because the government took the path of embracing open market instead of centralized closed one. Korea is now an economically developed country and is still giving and receiving positive influence to and from other countries all around the globe. Just like any other lectures given by prominent invitees, the Sochon Hall was packed with Seoul National University students who raised very sharp questions to the Prime Minister. A student who went to the Copenhagen Business School as an exchange student questioned whether or not it was a contradiction that Denmark limited immigrants by imposing strict immigration rules when Denmark wants to globalize itself. She also said that the people in Denmark were very pleasant but didn’t seem to accept foreigners with ease. The Prime Minister stated the implementation of strict immigration rules from the year 2000 were needed in response of the social insecurity caused by the influx of immigrants during the 1990’s. The immigration procedure is comparatively complicated than the one before but Denmark still welcomes with open hands for anyone, including students, who are willing to contribute to the society. A Turkish student stated that globalization should be done with respect to all other cultures in around the world. He then asked the Prime Minister to comment on the Muhammad Cartoon controversy which fueled the rage of the Islamic World. The Prime Minister said that the problem has been solved. He added that in the world of globalization, tolerance and acceptance of other cultures were important and he also emphasized the freedom of speech which was the essence of democracy itself. In answering the question of North Korean nuclear crisis, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of the six-party talks. He was also concerned about the impact towards the South Korean’s economy in case the North collapses and thus emphasized a peaceful solution to the crisis. Concerning the issue of low-birth rates and aging society Korea is facing, the Prime Minister stated that Denmark once had the same problem but in recent years, birth rate in Denmark has increased. The solution was a well-equipped childcare facility system which allow women to concentrate both their families and their works. Recognizing women’s’ role in all aspects of society, he stressed the importance of giving equal opportunities to men and women. Just like Seoul National University, Denmark is currently developing its ability in the field of nano-technology. The Prime Minister stated that his government is at present investing a lot in information technology, bio-technology and nano-technology as he believes that these fields will one day change the way we live in the future. In response to a friendly question on his view about Denmark’s soccer team, he cordially said that he has as much positive prospect to it as he has to the Denmark’s economy. November 23, 2006 SNU PR Office  

2006-11-24

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Chinese ambassador Ning FuKui

A special lecture was delivered by Chinese ambassador Ning FuKui on “Sino-Korea relations and the PRK nuclear issue” on Nov. 16th, 2006. First part of his lecture was on the history, current situation and prospects of Korea-China relations, and then he also touched upon controversial issues such as China’s Northeast Asia Project, Mt. Baekdu, and North Korea’s nuclear problems. It was a very meaningful time for understanding China’s stance toward various contemporary Korea-China political issues.  

2006-11-24

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Special Lecture by Prof. Francis Fukuyama

A special lecture was given by Prof. Fukuyama on “American Foreign Policy after the Bush Doctrine” on November 8th, 2006. Prof. Fukuyama presented some of his criticisms in regards to American foreign policy and shared a few suggestions on what critical issues will be faced in regards to North Korea’s nuclear proliferation in respects to the region and America. After his lecture a Q and A session was held where many thought provoking questions were raised by professors and students.          

2006-11-09

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POSCO-Asia Fellowship Scholarship Recipient Confer

POSCO-Asia Fellowship Scholarship Recipient Conferment Ceremony On November 2, 2006 in the Faculty Conference Room of Bld. 140-1, Rm. 507, the conferment ceremony for our 5 Posco scholarship recipients was held. The Executive Vice President of Posco, Kwangwoong Choi, was in attendance and presented the certificates to the students of our GSIS.      

2006-11-09

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Special Lecture by Mr. George Soros

A special lecture was given by Mr. George Soros on October 19th, 2006 at the Socheon International Convention Hall. He took some time to introduce his most recent publication on “The Age of fallibility” and stressed a need for a convergence of views and ideas from many people for an open society to exist.        

2006-11-09

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Foreign Service exam passed by Jeongmi Heo &Junhee

This year two currently enrolled GSIS students have successfully passed the Foreign Service examination. Jeongmi Heo : International Cooperation Major (entering class of 2005) Junhee Lee : International Area Studies Major - American studies (entering class of 2005) Congratulations on successfully passing the exam!  

2006-09-27

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Farewell ceremony for the Dean of GSIS

On September 8th, 2006 GSIS held a farewell ceremony for our beloved Dean Yongdeok Kim. We greatly appreciate all the hard work and dedication he has contributed for GSIS during his time as our dean. He has been appointed through invitation to be the chairman of the Northeast Asia History Foundation, and we wish him all the best as he proceeds on with the new and honorable position that awaits him. After the farewell ceremony a reception party was held where many people in attendance had an opportunity to eat and mingle with one another.      

2006-09-26

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GRADUATION CEREMONY

On August 28th at Socheon Convention Hall, the graduation ceremony for GSIS Masters Degree candidates was held. At the Graduation ceremony Ms. Eunyoung Ko delivered a valedictory speech representing her fellow graduating classmates Professors, distinguished guests, and family members were all in attendance for this joyous occasion to congratulate the graduates on their achievement.  

2006-09-06

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Barbecue party

On June 14th, GSIS held a barbecue party for celebrating the end of the 2006 spring semester. The dean, associate dean, professors, and students were all in attendance for the celebration. The location for the party was originally set to be held at the Nochungangdang lawn, but due to the rainy weather, the location was changed to the lounge of Sochun Convention Hall. Despite the gloomy weather, many students and professors were in attendance for the party and enjoyed a delicious barbecue along with stimulating conversations.  

2006-06-26

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Teacher's Day

On May 15th, enrolled GSIS students held a Teacher's Day event in the GL room for our distinguished and dedicated teachers. With the guidance of the student council, the student body prepared the event and festivities for the party to show their appreciation and love for their teachers. On the same day, the alumni also held a Teacher's Day dinner at the Chinese restaurant Dongchuhong to express their gratitude to the teachers that have been a part of their learning experience during their time at GSIS. Professors and alumni both enjoyed their time together as they conversed in many fun and interesting discussions over dinner. The students were sincerely grateful for all that the professors had done for them inside and outside of class.  

2006-06-26

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