Thanks to an acquaintance’s invitation, I attended a breakfast forum hosted by the Korea Human Development Institute, HDI. I woke up at 5:45 a.m. This week, I have kept waking up before 6. I wanted to listen to the insights of people who had served as chairman of Samsung Electronics, minister of foreign affairs, governor of the Bank of Korea, and president of Seoul National University. Was that panel lineup real? ^^
Every word from people with experience and years behind them felt worth keeping. In the presence of insight that begins with reflection, I somehow become humble and solemn. It is good to focus today on the work I am doing and on myself, but remembering the flow of the organisation, region, country, and world to which I belong actually helps me understand my present self, because in the end it makes me think about how to live.
The challenges Korea faces and ways to solve them
ㅡ From fast follower to first mover; for this, creativity that can think new thoughts and a spirit of challenge that allows attempts even when mistakes are made are needed
ㅡ Discernment is insight: “an” is the eye that sees what is known, and “mok” is the eye that sees what is not visible
ㅡ One speaker reported that 30% of new Seoul National University students need psychological counselling; the educational power that was Korea’s competitiveness is becoming Korea’s vulnerability
ㅡ There is a shortage of people who think differently; creative feedback is needed
ㅡ Holding an important position in the global supply chain network through competitiveness in specific industries, such as shipbuilding and semiconductors, is itself diplomatic power and a direction for talent development
ㅡ Two major economic issues: low birthrate, and the retreat of free trade plus global nationalism
ㅡ Korea may follow Japan’s lost thirty years; with the deterioration of Korea’s fiscal soundness, derivative national risks are increasing, and strict fiscal rules are needed
ㅡ We must not pass debt on to future generations
I think I should continue studying in order to develop the ability to think about micro and macro, financial and non-financial fields in an integrated way. Few encounters are as good as the ties formed by studying together, so I intend to keep widening the circles I learn in. Thank you to the CEOs who attended with me.
With the plastic surgery clinic director and the apparel and cosmetics company CEOs I read and write with
May this be a small source of strength on your sustainable path: SUSTAINER, Seo Uk