Hong Tae-min, a researcher at Hanwha Ocean, will receive the Industrial Medal for his contributions to enhancing the competitiveness of the domestic shipbuilding industry through automation of welding technology and innovation in production processes.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Korean Academy of Engineering announced that they will hold the first 'Engineering Day' commemorative event on October 30 at the National Assembly's first meeting room in Seoul. This event aims to honor the dedication and contributions of engineers who have driven industrial development in South Korea and to create an environment where future engineers can take pride in their research and technological development.
Attendees at the event will include National Assembly Speaker Chung Jae-suk, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jeong-kwan, and President of the Korean Academy of Engineering Yoon Ui-jun, among over 100 representatives from the government, academia, and industry. During the ceremony, a total of 13 awards will be presented, including the Industrial Medal, Industrial Awards, Presidential Citations, Ministerial Commendations, National Assembly Speaker's Awards, and Korean Academy of Engineering President's Awards.
Hong Tae-min, who is receiving the Industrial Medal, has dedicated over 30 years to developing shipbuilding welding technology. He is recognized for developing a rail-free automatic welding device and applying it in shipbuilding sites. His work has notably eliminated the need for heavy rail installation and dismantling, reducing manual labor in confined spaces, thereby contributing to shorter shipbuilding periods and the prevention of industrial accidents.
The Industrial Award will be presented to Lee Jeong-ho, an executive at Hyundai Motor Company, for his achievements in developing a flexible body system and dedicated suspension and regenerative braking systems for purpose-built vehicles (PBVs). The Presidential Citation will go to Yang Se-hyun, Chief Technology Officer of Dinoticia, for designing a unique AI semiconductor architecture used in data inference and search. The Prime Minister's Citation will be awarded to Kim Joo-sung, a senior researcher at Samsung Heavy Industries, for developing design and performance improvement technologies in the shipbuilding and marine sector.
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced its 'Industrial R&D Innovation Plan,' which highlighted nurturing star engineers and establishing Engineering Day as key initiatives. The ministry also plans to create a commercialization fund worth 1 trillion won to strengthen industrial technology research and development capabilities.
This event will also declare a vision for the future of engineering under the theme 'Beyond Advanced Countries, an Indispensable South Korea, Created by Engineers.' Following this, a talk concert featuring Minister Kim and engineering professionals will discuss the application of physical AI in industrial settings and strategies for nurturing next-generation core industrial technologies.
Minister Kim Jeong-kwan reflected, 'I have looked back to see if we have sufficiently supported the engineers' desire to be justly rewarded for their contributions and to be individuals their families can be proud of. Moving forward, the Ministry will take the lead in creating substantial changes so that engineers can gain more opportunities for challenges and growth, and receive fair evaluations and rewards.'
* This article has been translated by AI.
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