History Makers. We Change the World!
The SUNY Korea Research & Business Development Foundation (R&BDF) will recruit new member companies for its 2026 Enterprise Partnership Program (EPP) from June 1 to June 30, 2026. The Enterprise Partnership Program (EPP) is designed to establish a sustainable and collaborative partnership between industry and academia, promoting mutual growth and strengthening corporate competitiveness. This year’s recruitment aims to expand collaboration with companies in emerging technology fields such as artificial intelligence (AI) and data science while supporting technology development and commercialization through industry-academic cooperation. Eligible applicants include small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-sized companies in emerging technology sectors, including AI and data-related industries. Selected companies will receive benefits such as technical and management consulting, connections to government and local research projects, joint research opportunities, and access to domestic and international networking programs. These initiatives aim to strengthen companies’ technological competitiveness and support business growth and commercialization. SUNY Korea R&BDF achieved various accomplishments centered on building industry-academic cooperation infrastructure and strengthening corporate partnership projects throughout 2025. The foundation expanded its collaborative network through international partnerships, seminars, training programs, and technology transfer support. In addition, EPP networking events and performance-sharing workshops fostered exchange and collaborative growth among partner companies. The establishment of an advisory committee and the hosting of specialized seminars further strengthened customized support for participating companies and contributed to successful investment attraction outcomes.
On May 27, 2026, SUNY Korea hosted an information session for its Master’s in Data Science Program, offering students and prospective applicants an in-depth look into the newly established graduate program. The event was conducted in both in-person and online formats, allowing participants from around the world to attend, ask questions, and learn more about the program. The session featured key academic leaders, including Professor Bongki Moon, Chair of the Computer Science Department, and Professor Amos Omondi, Dean of Academic and Faculty Affairs. The event was hosted by Professor Chulki Kim and Professor Jinsoo Hwang. During the session, attendees were introduced to the program’s background, curriculum, admission requirements, deadlines, courses, projects, and future career opportunities. According to Professor Chulki Kim, the Master’s in Data Science Program is a collaboration between the Department of Computer Science and the Department of Applied Mathematics & Statistics. The interdisciplinary program is designed to prepare students with the analytical, computational, and practical skills needed to succeed in today’s increasingly data-driven world. The program emphasizes English-based instruction combined with hands-on learning experiences, equipping students with expertise in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data analytics, statistical modeling, and financial data science. Students will be able to gain training in data analytics, algorithmic thinking, cloud-based processing, and AI-driven decision-making skills applicable across industries including finance and technology. One notable feature highlighted during the session was the program’s practice-oriented educational model, which integrates theory, project-based learning, and real-world applications. Students will have opportunities to participate in internships, research collaborations, and industry-related projects throughout the 1.5–2 year program. Another major advantage of the program is that graduates will receive an official Master’s of Science degree awarded by Stony Brook University. The curriculum follows the same academic standards and structure as the Stony Brook University main campus program, supported by a globally recognized research and academic environment. The information session also provided details about application requirements and deadlines. Prospective students were informed that the Fall 2026 application deadline is June 1, 2026, while the Spring 2027 application deadline is December 1, 2026. Admission requirements include academic transcripts, recommendation letters, a personal statement, English proficiency scores, and other supporting documents. At the conclusion of the event, participants had the opportunity to ask questions directly to faculty members and program representatives. The interactive Q&A session provided valuable clarification for students considering graduate studies in data science. With the increasing demand for professionals skilled in analytics, AI, and machine learning, SUNY Korea’s Master’s in Data Science program presents a promising opportunity for students seeking advanced education and career development in the evolving field of data science. Written by Student Reporter, Onyinyechi Achi (onyinyechi.achi@stonybrook.edu)
SUNY Korea successfully hosted its first-ever Alumni Gathering on Saturday, May 16, 2026, bringing together approximately 60 alumni and faculty members for an evening of reconnection, networking, and celebration. Held during the 2026 Spring Festival, the gathering gave alumni the opportunity to experience the vibrant campus atmosphere once again while reconnecting with the SUNY Korea community. The event created a warm homecoming atmosphere as alumni returned to campus to reconnect with former classmates, professors, and staff members. For some attendees, it was their very first visit back to SUNY Korea since graduation. Throughout the evening, alumni shared stories, reflected on their student experiences, and celebrated how far they had come since their time at SUNY Korea. The gathering featured interactive activities including icebreakers, Memory Lane Trivia, and Alumni Spotlights, where graduates shared career stories and experiences after graduation. Faculty members also joined the event, giving alumni the opportunity to reconnect with professors and mentors over light dinner and refreshments. More than just a reunion, the Alumni Gathering marked the beginning of a long-term effort to strengthen alumni engagement and create a lasting alumni network at SUNY Korea. Many attendees expressed excitement for future alumni events and opportunities to continue building the SUNY Korea alumni community together. The official SUNY Korea Alumni Gathering is planned to take place in Seoul in Fall 2026.
On Wednesday, May 20, the Mechanical Engineering Department at SUNY Korea hosted the Mechanical Engineering Open Lab Day. The event introduced students to various research laboratories, engineering projects, and graduate study opportunities through a series of short presentations by professors and lab members. Students were also provided with light lunch snacks and drinks during the event. The event began with a welcome speech by Chair Changwoon Han, who discussed the importance of graduate studies and explained how advanced research experience can help students develop specialized engineering knowledge and future career opportunities. His presentation encouraged students to consider continuing their studies beyond undergraduate education. Several laboratories then briefly introduced their research topics, including green hydrogen gas production, acoustics and signal processing, multiscale CAE systems, and precision engineering technologies. One of the most interesting presentations was Mechanical Systems with Intelligence and Computer Vision & Applications, where the laboratory team introduced their members, projects, and real-life reverse engineering applications. An especially notable example showed how computer vision technology was used to create a 3D graphical model of tunnels on the moon. Although Prof. Seung-Bok Choi was unable to attend the event, the topic of magneto-rheological fluid applications was still briefly introduced and students could contact the professor for further questions. In addition, the Physics-of-Failure Lab presentation was delivered by PhD student and lab leader Juhwan Kim, as the professor gave students the opportunity to present the lab’s ongoing projects and research activities themselves, highlighting the teamwork and student involvement within the research environment. Overall, the Mechanical Engineering Open Lab Day successfully exposed students to a wide range of engineering research areas and demonstrated how modern technologies are applied to real-world problems. Beyond the research presentations, the event also showed that laboratory teams not only work hard on advanced engineering projects, but also maintain a friendly and enjoyable environment through interaction, teamwork, and social activities during the event. Written by Student Reporter, Temirlan Gubashev (Temirlan.gubashev@stonybrook.edu)
On Saturday, May 16, 2026, the SUNY Korea Quad transformed into a vibrant celebration of music, food, performances, and community during the highly anticipated SUNY Korea Spring Festival. This year’s theme was “UNISON: All in Sync,” and students, faculty, families, friends, and visitors from across Incheon gathered together to enjoy one of the most exciting events of the year. The campus was filled with energy from the moment guests started arriving. Decorated booths lined the quad, offering a wide variety of activities, games, food, and interactive experiences. Student organizations and clubs worked hard to create fun and welcoming spaces for everyone attending. Visitors enjoyed a wide spectrum, from challenge booths and DIY activities to food stands and play zones, while food trucks served delicious meals and snacks throughout the day. The event was hosted by the incredible MC duo, Sepehr and Yasemin, whose enthusiasm kept the crowd excited from beginning to end. The festival opened with a lively MC performance that immediately energized the whole audience and set the tone for the rest of the evening. One of the highlights of the festival was the wide range of student performances that showcased the talent and creativity within the SUNY Korea community. Dance performances by clubs such as GLO Club and EMEIS brought excitement and powerful stage presence, while live music performances from groups including White Chamber, Dynamics, and the ME Faculty Band entertained the crowd with unforgettable songs and performances. Moreover, the festival featured a stunning fashion show created in collaboration with the Natural Dye Garden Club and SUNY Korea FIT students. Each piece displayed on the runway was thoughtfully dyed, curated, designed, and sewn by the students themselves, transforming fabric into wearable art. In addition to student performances, the festival featured an impressive lineup of special guest artists who elevated the event to another level. Artists including Moong Myang, BE'O, Car, the garden, CHUU, Dept, KIIRAS, Layone, and Lee Changsub delivered unforgettable performances that had the crowd singing, cheering, and dancing together. From Layone’s energetic rap stage to Lee Changsub’s emotional and heartwarming closing performance, each artist brought their own unique charm and atmosphere to the festival. Their performances became unforgettable moments for everyone in attendance and truly captured the spirit of the event. Overall, the 2026 SUNY Korea Spring Festival was a tremendous success. With amazing performances, delicious food, engaging booths, and a strong sense of community, the festival created lasting memories for everyone who attended. Many left the event happy, full, and excited for what next year’s Spring festival will bring. Written by Student Reporter, Onyinyechi Achi (onyinyechi.achi@stonybrook.edu)
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