Mr. Choong Geon Lee, Minister Counselor and Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Colombia, visited the Industrial University of Santander (UIS) to attend the opening of the 11th Meeting of Korean Studies in Colombia and meet with university officials to strengthen cooperation between the two institutions.
“I wanted to see the UIS facilities, as they are renowned, especially in the field of engineering. I was pleasantly surprised to see how professors and students work with dedication to generate knowledge that has not only a local impact, but also a global one. The UIS’s efforts to attract and train international students are evident,” said Mr. Choong Geon Lee, Minister Counselor and Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Colombia.
UIS officials emphasized that this rapprochement strengthens the strategic relationship with the Korean government, a country that has contributed significantly to the development of the university, particularly through its support for the acquisition of high-tech equipment used in the Guatiguará Technology Park.
“We gave a presentation on the project we developed together with the Korea Technology Park Association and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), aimed at strengthening the technological infrastructure of Guatiguará Park. Thanks to Korean support, we have been able to acquire equipment that drives regional innovation in areas such as artificial intelligence, big data, and cybersecurity, helping local companies become more competitive in the global market,” explained Lola Bautista, professor at the UIS School of Systems Engineering and Computer Science.
The directors also emphasized that the presence of the Korean diplomat enriches the development of the 11th Meeting of Korean Studies in Colombia, whose theme is “Biocultural Dialogue for the Sustainability of the Planet” and which is being held on the UIS central campus with a varied academic agenda.
“As hosts, we have shown how the UIS is a university that coexists in harmony with nature and promotes sustainability. We have a modern and environmentally friendly infrastructure, as well as an academic space that integrates presentations by local and international experts,” said Liliana del Pilar Castro, director of External Relations at the UIS.
