History Makers. We Change the World!
[Wearable Design Workshop Orientation] International connections are being fostered this semester for Fashion Business Management students at SUNY Korea, who are set to take part in an international workshop at Chiba University’s Design Research Institute in Sumida, Tokyo, from April 22nd to 26th. This collaboration aims to mix fashion with the digital world, focusing on sustainable pathways to communicative, wearable technology. Dubbed “Wearable Design for Social/Emotional Communication,” students are being brought together to create wearable fashion prototypes that merge technology such as sensors and LED lights to explore new forms of communication. FIT students will conduct research over a span of five days in Tokyo, expanding their knowledge concerning communication and sustainability via technology through various activities: Day 1: Orientation and campus tour. Day 2: Special Lectures from FIT Korea, discussions on human interaction, and fieldwork. Day 3: Curating ideas, business model introduction, and digital prototyping. Day 4: Creation of prototypes, and testing. Day 5: Final presentations and feedback from faculty and experts. This collaboration between FIT SUNY Korea and Chiba University aims to prepare students for the cross-cultural and interdisciplinary exchanges they’ll encounter in their professional lives, while also equipping them to meet the rapidly changing demands of the fashion industry—as fabric and design are further explored through a technological and global lens. As this research project continues, watch how interdisciplinary exchanges will shape innovation, fashion, and design of the future. Written by Student Reporter, Kenessa Washington (kenessa_washington@fitnyc.edu)
SUNY Korea’s Museum of Modern Costume proudly presents a new exhibition centering on ancient Korean fashion, offering a perspective beyond conventional depictions of Korea’s rich cultural heritage. On April 16th, the opening showcase unveils the meticulous research and beautiful work of Jeong Choi, a professor at Wonkwang University, whose work reflects historically accurate garments from the Goryeo-era. Concerning the heart of the exhibition, Professor Jeong Choi shared that, “With few surviving artifacts from the Goryeo period [918-1392], I have continually sought ways to present historical costume research in engaging ways.” Goryeo costume was rooted in Unified Silla’s culture and the spirit of Goguryeo, but developed its own distinctive identity through an intermingling of histories, with dynasties such as Song, Yuan, and Ming. From the gold-laden robes seen in Buddhist paintings, to Mongolian bridal garments, Goryeo fashion reflected a blend of tradition and foreign influences. For this showcase, Professor Choi has merged three of her past exhibitions. The first show, The Kingdom of Blue Clouds (2022), explores Goryeo attire according to social rank. The second, Goryeo on the Rise: A Lotus Flower Meeting in the Moonlight (2023), illustrates festival attire. The third, Goryeo on the Rise II: The Banquet was a War (2024), delves into the tale of a fashion rivalry during the reign of King Chungseon. Through illustrations, recreated garments, and captivating stories, this exhibition allows guests to immerse themselves in the history of Korea's fashion scene. Professor Choi hopes this exhibition will offer an insightful take on Goryeo fashion, for designers and the general public alike. “Interest in traditional Korean costume is growing,” Choi shares. “I hope this exhibition fosters connections among enthusiasts and scholars.” The SUNY Korea Museum of Modern Costume extends a heartfelt thanks to Professor Jeong Choi for the time, insight, and dedication that was put into this timeless collection. The Goryeo: Fragrance of Lotus, Sleeves of Clouds exhibition is being held from April 16, 2025 to May 16, 2025. Located on the basement floor of Academic Building A, come and be immersed in the past fashions of Korea, witnessing the beautiful clothing people once wore. Written by Student Reporter, Kenessa Washington (kenessa_washington@fitnyc.edu)
On April 12, 2025, SUNY Korea hosted the Spring Alumni Career Talk and welcomed back its alumni to share their professional journeys and insights with the current students. The event featured graduates from various majors – including Computer Science and Technology and Society from Stony Brook University, Korea, and Fashion Business Management from Fashion Institute of Technology, Korea. The session provided a platform for alumni to reflect on their academic experiences, career paths, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Among the presenters was Hawon Park, Computer Science graduate, a researcher who spoke about his days at SUNY Korea, his internships with V-ethos and Zero Class, and how those opportunities helped shape his career. Jinsil Lee, Fashion Business Management graduate, shared her story as the CEO of Weekendglow. After leaving a Korean university at a young age to gain work experience, she spent years in the retail industry as an employee and store manager. At the age of 26, she decided to pursue higher education in the U.S., ultimately enrolling in the FIT program at SUNY Korea. She highlighted that learning has no age limit, and credited her time at FIT for helping her find business partners. During each session, all the alumni mentioned a common theme: make the most of your university life. They advised students to explore their interests, seek out internships, and utilize resources like the Career Development Center. They stressed that what students learn in college often plays a vital role in shaping their professional and personal identities, particularly when preparing resumes, interviews, and future career decisions. The Spring 2025 Alumni Career Talk served as a bridge to connect SUNY Korea alumni and current students. Through candid stories and advice, the alumni were able to inspire the current students to reflect on their future goals. Written by Student Reporter, Sehyun Cho (Sehyun.Cho@stonybrook.edu)
Professor Seung-Bok Choi (MEC) has received the “2025 Lifetime Achievement Award” from International Research Data Analysis Excellence Awards. His main contribution and honorable achievement in innovative works for this award includes parts of his research sectors: (1) Processing Online Massive Measuring Databases via Data-Uncertainty Quantifying Mechanism, (2) Recurrent Mechanism and Impulse Noise Filter for Establishing ANFIS, (3) Design of a New Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System Based on a Solution for Clustering in a Data-Potential Field, (4) Development of a Novel Diagonal-weighted Preisach Model for Rate-Independent Hysteresis, (5) A Neuro-Fuzzy Training Algorithm for Identifying Dynamic Characteristics of Smart Dampers. Recently, he received the “2025 Best Researcher Award” from the International Research Awards on Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics (IRAA, MO) which is a different category from this award. Professor Choi has been working at SUNY Korea since March 2021, after retirement from Inha University, where he worked for 30 years. He is still actively serving as a journal editor for more than 15 international journals (SCI), including Smart Materials and Structures, Scientific Report and the Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures. The number of his publications to date is 887, based on Web of Science. According to the research evaluation platform, ScholarGPS.com, his world ranking of Vibration Control Area is #1 and #2 in the Smart Material Field. Currently, he is a senior fellow of both the Korean Academy of Science and Technology (KAST) and the National Academy of Engineering of Korea (NAEK).
On April 11, 2025, the Business Management Department’s CPA Study Group, accompanied by accounting professors, participated in a special field trip to Deloitte Korea’s headquarters, located in the IFC building in Yeouido, Seoul. The visit began with a warm welcome from Deloitte Korea’s CEO, Mr. Jong-sung Hong, who took the time to personally greet the delegation. His presence made a significant impression on the students, emphasizing Deloitte's commitment to talent development and engagement with the next generation of professionals. During the visit, participants were given an in-depth overview of Deloitte’s corporate vision, the qualities the firm seeks in future talent, and insights into its diverse business areas, including future-focused initiatives and innovative service lines. Students also had the unique opportunity to tour the office space, gaining a firsthand look at the professional environment of one of the Big Four accounting firms. This experience gave CPA students a clearer understanding of real-world expectations in the accounting industry and helped them visualize potential career paths. It also reinforced the importance of leadership, adaptability, and continuous learning in the evolving landscape of finance in the global world.
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