Korea  Maritime & Ocean University strengthens global competitiveness by establishing international networks

Forged partnerships with alumni businesses and institutions in the Americas

Established arrangements for overseas internships and credit recognition systems

Korea Maritime and Ocean University is poised to drive global maritime economic growth

Korea Maritime & Ocean University (President Ryoo Dong Keun) visited alumni businesses and institutions in the Americas from July 7 to 15, building networks and enhancing international competitiveness through business consultations. The trip itinerary included visits to Los Angeles (Southern California Alumni Association), Houston (Mid-South Alumni Association), and New Jersey and New York (Eastern Alumni Association), and featured discussions on university globalization strategies and plans to support alumni in their international advancement.

Alumni in the Americas are playing a major role in maritime-related industries, enhancing the global profile of Korea Maritime and Ocean University, and are recognized worldwide as outstanding maritime professionals.

Recently, Hanwha Ocean acquired the Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia, U.S., and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering is also considering acquiring a U.S. shipyard. The continued expansion of domestic maritime companies into the U.S. underscores the timely importance of building networks in the Americas.

On July 8, local time, in Los Angeles, meetings were held with Kim Ki-tae, CEO of the alumni company Forman Shipping, to discuss effective support measures for enhancing students’ global competencies through programs such as overseas internships. Additionally, a discussion with Kim Jin-jung, an attorney at ACI Law Group, focused on strategies for supporting Korean students seeking employment in the United States. The trip also included a visit to Yusen Terminals, where alumni are employed, to explore ways to advance the Korean maritime logistics industry.

On July 10, during a visit to the Houston Consulate, a meeting was held with Consul General Jung Young-ho to discuss “Korea-Texas Economic Cooperation Measures” and the expansion of Korea Maritime and Ocean University students’ opportunities in Texas. At ABS (American Bureau of Shipping), discussions were held with Derek Novak (Vice President) regarding summer internship programs and R&D collaboration. On that day, President Ryoo Dong Keun received a plaque of appreciation from ABS and toured the Texas A&M University Galveston campus for future student exchange programs. On July 12, there was a meeting with Choi Jae-won, branch manager of HMM in New Jersey, which focused on the current state of the shipping and logistics industry in the United States; internship programs were also discussed.

Alumni gatherings took place in Los Angeles (Southern California), Houston (Mid-South), and New Jersey and New York (Eastern U.S.), where alumni association flags were presented. President Ryoo Dong Keun of Korea Maritime and Ocean University stated, “In the current era, the demand for globalization and global talent has become imperative. As a central educational institution for cultivating professionals in the maritime and fisheries sector, we will fulfill our role and responsibilities to drive global maritime economic growth.”