Think-tank instrumental to S. Korea prosperity introduced in UP

UP Media and Public Relations Office

Dec 4

Dr. Chang-keun Lee and Ms Min-young Seo (fifth and eighth from left, back) of the KDI School of Public Policy and Management, together with (left to right, back) UP professors Aletheia Valenciano, Matthew Miranda, Hwee-rak Park, Ronel Laranjo, Jean Encinas-Franco, and Erik Capistrano (third from right, back), and (middle) UP Korea Research Center's (UKRC) Raymond Barreno (sitting), Pame Jacar, and Dr. Kyung-min Bae, with UP graduate and undergraduate students, during a Korea Studies Info-session of the UPKRC, October 20, 2023, in UP Diliman, Quezon City. (Photo courtesy of the UPKRC.)

The University of the Philippines Korea Research Center (UP-KRC) introduced UP faculty to the Korea Development Institute (KDI) School of Public Policy and Management, the institute reputed to be the driving force behind the economic and social development of South Korea, by hosting a talk by one of its professors.

Dr. Changkeun Lee, KDI Professor of Economic History, visited the UP Korea Research Center last October 20 to conduct an orientation for UP Department of Political Science faculty and students who are interested in pursuing and advancing their careers in policymaking and development studies.

Dr. Lee ended his lecture by proposing partnerships and exchange programs between the KDI School and the UP Department of Political Science for the mutual development of the two institutions. The UP Department of Political Science contingent was headed by its Chair Dr. Aries A. Arugay and Dr. Jean S. Encinas Franco.

Dr. Chang-keun Lee, professor at the KDI School of Public Policy and Management, talks about collaborative research opportunities in Korea, during a Korea Studies Info-session of the UP Korea Research Center, October 20, 2023, in UP Diliman, Quezon City. (Photo courtesy of the UPKRC.)

Located at the heart of Sejong City, the KDI is the major institution that has steered the wheel of South Korea toward economic growth and development, Dr. Lee said. The KDI also prides itself as the leading institution in the field of public policy in Korea. Moreover, he stated that the KDI School focuses on evidence-based policymaking, analyzing processes and policymaking, and application of policy research that will help students become the future policymakers and leaders that their country needs.

Dr. Lee introduced the programs offered by the school. The KDI School offers Development Policy, Public Policy, Public Administration, and Intellectual Property and Development courses for Master's Programs and Development Policy and Public Policy for Ph.D. Program. These graduate programs are being supervised by Professors with diverse academic backgrounds and policy experiences both abroad and in Korea. Dr. Lee also mentioned that the KDI has state-of-the-art resource facilities and equipment, organized peer group reviews, and a strong alumni network. Moreover, the KDI School grants financial support to aspiring scholars.

Dr. Lee said that graduates of the KDI School in Korea have numerous opportunities waiting after graduation. Graduates may consider applying for grants from the National Research Foundation in Korea for their research proposals. Ms. Min-young Seo, Head of Cooperative Research Division of the KDI School, said that they can also work with various international cooperation agencies and organizations like KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency).

The session ended with a question-and-answer forum. UP Political Science students asked questions regarding the requirements and application calendar of the school as well as fully-funded scholarships and tuition discounts for Filipino students.