President Houkin and Executive Vice President Yokota participated in the meeting of the Korean Ambassadors and Partners Association (Yeonlyeongcho Association)

On Friday, November 11, a meeting of the Korean Ambassadors and Partners Association (Yeonlyeongcho Association) was held in Seoul, South Korea. Hokkaido University President Houkin, Executive Vice President Yokota, five other Hokkaido University personnel, and seven members of the Yeonlyeongcho Association participated. As of December 1, Yeonlyeongcho Association consists of 3 Hokkaido University Ambassadors and 51 Hokkaido University Partners.

At this meeting, Chairman Jong-Sup Park, Professor Emeritus of Chungbuk National University, stated, “It is very important to meet face-to-face, not by letter, to maintain successful relationships. The key to the success of internationalization of Hokkaido University depends on the rapid exchange of information among all parties involved and the active practice of alumni.” President Houkin thanked for the invitation and explained the University’s efforts toward the 150th anniversary of its foundation in 2026.

Next, President Houkin handed over the letters of appointment to Professor Emeritus KunWoo Chun of Kangwon National University and Professor Ki-Wan An of Chonnam National University who were appointed Hokkaido University Ambassadors in July of this year. Professor Emeritus Chun received his PhD in Agriculture from Hokkaido University in 1987 and has made significant contributions to strengthening the alumni network in South Korea over the years, including serving as the former president of the Yeonlyeongcho Association. Professor An received his PhD in Agriculture from Hokkaido University in 1994 and has contributed to the academic exchange agreement between Hokkaido University’s Faculty of Agriculture and Chonnam National University’s College of Agriculture and Life Science.

The meeting ended on a high note with a lively exchange of views on the current state of Korean universities and students’ viewpoints on studying abroad, as well as the alumni’s reminiscences of studying at Hokkaido University. With the appointment of the two new Hokkaido University Ambassadors, more active exchanges between Hokkaido University and Korean universities in the future are expected.