“Many observe that the global economy is in the midst of a digital revolution and the fourth industrial revolution that will change how we live, how we work and how we relate to each other. In the midst of these changes, we see the emergence of new economies such as sharing economies, giving economies and digital economies which are being driven in part by the rapid advancement in information technology. In these economies, workers with flexibility and the right skills, expertise and experience can succeed.”

These were the sentiments echoed by the President of the Korea Development Institute’s (KDI) School of Public Policy and Management Mr. Joon Kyung Kim at the opening of the 2017 Spring Semester Orientation Week on Monday, January 23.

The week is significant in that KDIS now officially becomes the adopted home of 280 new students from over 72 countries around the globe whose duration of studies will range from one to two years; 170 are domestic students while the remaining 110 are international students inclusive of PhD students.

Of the 280 new enrolments, 40% are Public Policy students, 31% Development Policy students while the remaining 29% are Public Management students.

Furthermore, Asian students make up 47.3% of total enrolments while the remaining 52.7% is shared among the regions of Africa (29%), Americas (16.4%), Europe (6.4%) and Oceania (0.9%).

In his address, President Kim also shared that the new semester will usher in a new chapter in the lives of many saying that the KDIS campus and community will be a unique place of learning that will allow students to connect with Korea and with other students from around the world who have been drawn to KDIS for its wide range of degree programs, outstanding faculty members and global reputation.

He also welcomed new scholars to the school and reiterated that they will deepen the school’s research knowledge and offer students critical insight on global economy and public policy.

Speaking on economic development, President Kim emphasized that while emerging economies hunted for workers with flexibility, the right skills, expertise and experience it also rewarded problem solvers who are motivated, innovative and willing to take risks to address the biggest challenges and opportunities in business and public policy.

“We live in an increasingly global world. As such, we want to expose our students and faculty members to global research and teaching,” President Kim said.

President Kim said KDIS stood ready to assist students cultivate the knowledge, skills and the mindset needed to benefit from the new economy and the fourth industrial revolution adding that this will prepare them for various challenges and opportunities in life and their professional careers.

In addition to presentations about life in Korea and what will be expected of students, the orientation week also included the introduction of the new students to faculty members and support staff and other invaluable information that would enable a smooth transition to student life at KDIS.

By Rosa DALITUICAMA [2017 MDP, Fiji]