Inauguration ceremony held for 15th president of KERI

Kim Nam-kyun, the 15th president for the Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI) [KOREA ELECTROTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE]

Kim Nam-kyun, the 15th president for the Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI), took the oath of office in the institute's auditorium in Changwon, South Gyeongsang, on Monday.

In his inauguration speech, Kim presented the institute's vision to open the future of KERI through “electrification” and his management goal of making his institute a leader that attracts businesses and works with the public.

As for major action plans, Kim cited detailed performance plans that can be felt by the public and companies. These included facing challenges of bringing large-scale results that can dramatically contribute to the country and the lives of the public; developing digital convergence electrical technology using artificial intelligence (AI) and big data; procuring competitiveness of national strategic technologies such as secondary cells, E-mobility and power semiconductors; developing electric medical devices and next-generation defense technologies; and supporting exports of domestic electric device manufacturers.

Kim also revealed his plan to make KERI an innovative hub for regional industrial development by setting up specialized roles for the Changwon Headquarters and its three regional organizations, located in Ansan, Uiwang and Gwangju, as well as strengthening support for small and medium-sized companies, and fostering start-ups and future industrial personnel.

Kim graduated from Seoul National University in 1984 with a degree in inorganic materials engineering and earned a master's degree (1986) and a doctorate degree (1990) from Seoul National University. Since joining KERI in 1990, he has served as the head of the Power Semiconductor Research Center, HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) Research Division, vice president and the acting president of the institute.

Kim’s term is for three years.

BY SEO JI-EUN [seo.jieun1@joongang.co.kr]