The University of Utah Asia Campus (UAC) made a significant leap in global education and innovation through a newly formed partnership with Jinju City and the Jinju K-Entrepreneurship Foundation. A memorandum of understanding was signed in the Utah Asia Campus in Songdo International City, marking the beginning of a collective stride towards K-entrepreneurship around the world.
Gregory Hill, UAC Chief Administrative Officer, met with Mayor Jo Kyoo-il of Jinju and Chairman Kim Jong-wook of the Jinju K-Entrepreneurship Foundation to sign a memorandum of agreement on Monday. Incorporating the principles of K-Entrepreneurship into innovative, education-focused projects will be at the heart of the partnership, as its founders were among South Korea's most celebrated conglomerate entrepreneurs.
“This collaboration not only amplifies the reach of K-Entrepreneurship but also positions the University of Utah Asia Campus as a leader in fostering global innovation and entrepreneurial excellence”, said Gregory Hill. He emphasized the alignment of UAC’s mission with the objectives of the partnership, noting that the collaboration reinforces UAC’s role as a leader in promoting innovation and cross-cultural education. Also, He added that the State of Utah is emerging as an ideal space for startups from 2025, direct flights to Salt Lake City, home to the University of Utah, will begin operation. The collaboration with the University of Utah is expected to play a pivotal role in promoting K-entrepreneurship on a global scale.
Mayor Jo highlighted the transformative potential of the partnership, emphasizing Jinju’s ambition to become a hub for global entrepreneurship. He expressed confidence that the collaboration with the University of Utah Asia Campus would accelerate efforts to establish Jinju as an international destination for students and aspiring entrepreneurs.
The agreement outlines plans for several key initiatives, including hosting K-Entrepreneurship-focused conferences and forums, developing academic exchange programs, and creating opportunities for community engagement projects that embody the principles of entrepreneurial spirit and innovation. These efforts aim to build a global network of forward-thinking leaders while driving economic and social progress.
Chairman Kim Jong-wook articulated a bold vision for the Jinju International Forum on Entrepreneurship, aspiring to elevate it to the level of the World Economic Forum in Davos. He emphasized the importance of showcasing the entrepreneurial philosophy of South Korea’s iconic conglomerates to inspire future generations and cultivate a global dialogue around innovation and sustainable growth.
As Jinju City, the Jinju K-Entrepreneurship Foundation, and the University of Utah Asia Campus join forces, the partnership signals a pivotal moment in the global promotion of entrepreneurial values and education. The initiative seeks to create lasting opportunities for cultural exchange and economic growth, reaffirming a collective dedication to shaping the future of global entrepreneurship.
The University of Utah Asia Campus, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, has solidified its reputation as a leading American higher education institution in Korea. Offering the same academic rigor and degree programs as its home campus in Salt Lake City, UAC provides students with a world-class education in a multicultural setting. This partnership with Jinju City further underscores UAC’s commitment to nurturing global talent and expanding its impact on international education and development.
