MAKASSAR – Prof. Dr. Kim Soo-Il, Chairman of the Busan Indonesia Center (BIC) and a former South Korean diplomat, shared the journey with Indonesia in a guest lecture titled “Unlock Your Potential: Preparing for a Successful Future” in the Senate Room of the Unhas Rectorate Building on Monday (21 September).
Besides being an academic, Prof. Kim has served as South Korea’s Ambassador to Timor-Leste in 2008–2009, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Indonesia in Busan in 1993–2007, and Representative of the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism in South Korea in 2012–2016.
In the presentation, Prof. Kim urged students to dare to dream while preparing for the future through education, knowledge, scientific ability, and the courage to seize opportunities. Prof. Kim also shared the experience of facing economic hardship and uncertainty, which did not stop Prof. Kim from continuing to learn and pursue the chosen field.
“Relationships between people are one of the important elements that strengthen relations between Indonesia and South Korea,” said Prof. Kim.
Prof. Kim said South Korea’s progress cannot be separated from major investment in people and education. Education shapes human resources who serve as agents of development. This message is considered relevant for Indonesia, especially its eastern region, which has great potential in its young generation and needs to be supported through access to education, international experience, and a broad academic network.
Unhas Rector Prof. Dr. Ir. Jamaluddin Jompa said that the presence of Prof. Kim Soo-Il is in line with Unhas’s efforts to build an academic bridge between Eastern Indonesia and South Korea.
“We want to optimize relations between Indonesia and Korea while building an academic bridge between Eastern Indonesia and Korea,” said Prof. JJ.
Unhas encourages cooperation with universities in Korea that is not only institutional but also opens opportunities for students, lecturers, and researchers to gain cross-country academic experience. One of the opportunities being developed is an exchange program for students, staff, and researchers.
“What builds a nation is its people. That is why education must be given the highest priority. Young people must prepare their abilities to face the future,” said Prof. JJ.
Prof. JJ also emphasized the importance of the younger generation as a link in diplomacy through education, research, and people-to-people cooperation.
“Relations between countries badly need people who can strengthen diplomacy in the future. We need to work hard, work smart, and see the opportunities that exist,” said Prof. JJ. (*/dhs)
Editor: Ishaq Rahman
This article is an English translation of the original Indonesian report.