The University of Queensland has launched its Korean Studies Centre which will strengthen knowledge and understanding of Korean language and culture.
The UQ’s Korean Studies Centre is the fourth Korea related research institution run by a university following the Korea Institute of University of NSW and the Australian National University, and King Sejong Institute of the University of South Australia.
Housed in UQ’s School of Languages and Cultures, this new Centre will provide opportunities for strategic partnerships with industry, government and community groups – creating greater awareness and understanding of Korea in Australian society.
The inauguration ceremony was held on 5 February in Brisbane in the presence of UQ’s Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. Tim Dunne, Prof. Heather Zwick, Executive Dean of Faculty of Humanities and Social Science along with their academic colleagues; and His Excellency Mr Baeksoon Lee, Korean Ambassador to Australia and Ms Susan Lee, CEO of Jae My Holdings Group and Vice-Chairperson of the National Unification Advisory Council, Asia Pacific Assembly accompanied by some Korean community leaders in Australia.
The inauguration ceremony was presented by • Professor Heather Zwicker, Executive Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, UQ Source: SBS Korean
The launch was opened by Ms Lee’s keynote speech.
“The opening of the centre is a powerful momentum to widen the spectrum of Korea-related researches and studies, qualitatively and quantitatively,” said she.
Ms Susan Lee, the CEO of Jae My Holdings Group and Vice-Chairperson of the National Unification Advisory Council(Asia Pacific Assembly) Source: SBS Korean
“In particular, I sincerely hope that the Centre will take an initiative in exploring a variety of comprehensive researches into more systematic and strategic approaches to the Korean peninsula issues.”
Ms Lee also emphasised that Korean nationals and compatriots including Australian Koreans fully support for the homeland Government seeking permanent peace in the region rather than simply reiterating the hard-line views.
“Korean communities in Australia are of the strongest view that the Centre becomes a prime move in leading more comprehensive and long-term researches into the Korean peninsula, and even unprecedented longitudinal study of Australian perspectives on Australia-Korea relationship,” added she.
Following her speech, Professor Tim Dunne, UQ’s Pro-Vice Chancellor presented an academic view and plans of the Centre.
“The UQ’s Korean Studies Centre will deepen ties between Australia and the Republic of Korea, and act as an international vehicle for research, teaching and community initiatives on Korean language, culture and studies,” he said.
Professor Tim Dunne, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, UQ Source: SBS Korean
Prof. Dean also stressed, “this new research-focused Centre will provide opportunities for strategic partnerships with industry, government and community groups – creating greater awareness and understanding of Korean language and culture within our society.”
In an increasingly interconnected world, the demand for advanced cultural knowledge is on the rise, and UQ understands the importance of intersecting language and culture in order to create change in our global society, according to Prof. Dunne.
Prof. Dunne also expressed his special thanks to Ms Susan Lee for her philanthropic support.
Meanwhile, His Excellency Mr Baeksoon Lee highlighted in his congratulatory remarks the importance of Australia’s relationship with their fourth largest trading partner and so called the K-Wave from Psy to BST will further boost the demand for Korean studies here.
His Excellency Mr Baeksoon Lee, Korean Ambassador to Australia Source: SBS Korean
The opening performance of 'Haegeum' a traditional Korean string instrument by a Korean Australian musician So-young Choi Source: SBS Korean
