Asan Foundation held a scholarship awarding ceremony for 2017 at the auditorium (1F, Asan Institute for Life Sciences) on February 23. The ceremony was attended by about 300 people, including stakeholders, Chairman Chung Mong-joon, Director Lee Hong-gu, students, and their families.

Scholarships worth 5 billion won were awarded to a total of 1,476 students, including 569 undergraduate students, 660 high school students, 230 children of MIUs (workers in uniform, such as soldiers, police officers, firefighters, and maritime police officers), and 17 graduate students. A new system for offering scholarships to graduate students in medical science engineering fields and supporting their living expenses was established this year, and scholarships were awarded to seven graduate students in future medicine and life sciences fields at home and abroad.

In his welcome speech, Chairman Chung Mong-joon explained the purpose of the scholarship: “Scholarships awarded by the nation and various institutions are increasing, but there are still many students who cannot concentrate on their studies since they have to work part-time to pay for their tuition as well as living expenses. The younger generation is called the ‘n-Po’ generation,’ who cannot help but give up everything essential for life such as love, marriage, children, and employment. The amount would not be sufficient, yet I hope it is a practical help for them.”

He also honored founder and late chairman Chung Ju-yung’s will, quoting his contribution in the Seoul Shinmun, titled “Looking Forward to Spring.” “Spring would be the gospel to everyone. But spring comes first to poor and vulnerable people. Spring is felt warmer by those who have endured the cold and bleak winter season. A spring breeze is as warm as a mother’s heart and cozy as a mother’s arms.”

The president of Ajou University, Kim Dong-yeon, delivered a message of hope and courage in his congratulatory speech, sharing his life of overcoming difficult odds.

Asan Foundation has sustained its scholarship programs since its establishment in 1977, granting 60.8 billion won to around 30,000 students.

Asan Foundation’s scholarship awarding ceremony was held on February 23. The photo shows (from left on the front row) the director of Asan Foundation, Choi Jae-sung; the chairman of Asan Nanum Foundation, Lee Kyung-sook; the auditor of Asan Foundation, Choi Jong-won; the director of Asan Foundation, Kim Yoo-hu; the chairman of the University of Ulsan, Chung Chung-gil; the director of Asan Foundation, Kim Myung-ja; the director of Asan Foundation, Lee Bong-ju; honorary advisor of Asan Foundation Jeon Yoon-cheol; the director of Asan Foundation, Lee Hong-gu; honorary emeritus at Seoul National University Jeon Yoon-cheol; the director of Asan Foundation, Lee Hong-gu; honorary emeritus at Seoul National University Cho Soon; the chairman of Asan Foundation, Chung Mong-joon; the director of Asan Foundation, Lee Sang-joo; the director of Asan Foundation, Lee Chun-lim; the director of Asan Foundation, Han Seung-joo; the director of Asan Foundation, Chung Jin-gyu; the president of Ajou University, Kim Dong-yeon; the director of Asan Foundation, Lee Byeong-gyu; the vice president of Kukmin University, Park Chan-ryang; the dean of student affairs at Dankook University, Jung Yoon-se; the head of the Welfare Planning Division at the Ministry of National Defense, Park Sang-wook; the vice president of Myongji University, Lee Jong-myung; Lieutenant Hong Seong-il of the Coast Guard Safety Division of the Korea Coast Guard; and Inspector Lim Nu-ri of the Welfare Planning Division of the Korean National Police Agency.