SRM University-AP had the honour of hosting a distinguished delegation from the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea on September 11th, 2025. The delegation was led by H.E. Mr Chang Nyun Kim, Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Chennai, and Mr Suresh Chukkapalli, Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Hyderabad, who interacted with university leaders, faculty, and students in a series of thought-provoking sessions. The program commenced with a boardroom meeting between the delegates and the university leadership.
In his remarks, H.E. Mr Chang Nyun Kim commended SRM University-AP for its world-class infrastructure and academic excellence that could lead to potential international collaborations. A conversation on nurturing graduates who are not only technologically skilled but also guided by strong ethical principles took center stage, discussing the global concern surrounding artificial intelligence.
Mr Kim also praised SRM’s entrepreneurial focus, encouraging students to embrace innovation and leadership. “Don’t try to be a job seeker, be a job provider,” he urged, emphasising the need for future entrepreneurs. He expressed keen interest in establishing Korean studies and language training programs at SRM, while also exploring avenues for student exchange and joint research projects.
Moving forward, Mr Suresh Chukkapalli stressed the potential of India as a destination for higher education for Korean students, noting the growing demand for global partnerships. He drew attention to the possibilities of university-to-university collaborations, scholarship opportunities, and the integration of language learning with degree programs, calling it “the beginning of a good friendship.”
Following the leadership interactions, both dignitaries addressed the students of SRM University-AP, delivering inspiring messages about future opportunities for collaboration. Mr Kim shared Korea’s remarkable transformation from one of the poorest countries in the 1960s to a global leader in technology and innovation, pointing out that “Korea invests 5.21% of its GDP in research and development to maintain technological competitiveness.” He further spoke on Korea’s alignment with India’s “Make in India” vision, describing Korea as “one of the ideal partners for India’s economic vision.”
In his address, Mr Chukkapalli encouraged students to consider Korea as a serious destination for higher education and research. He also spoke passionately about the need for innovation and self-reliance, saying, “The entrepreneurship cell here and government subsidies can support you to stand tall with your own business enterprise.” Drawing parallels between India and Korea, he shared cultural values that make Korea a natural partner for Indian students seeking global exposure.
The event concluded with a Korean movie screening, which offered students a glimpse into Korean culture and entertainment. Beyond being a cultural exchange, the visit created fresh enthusiasm among students to explore academic, cultural, and research opportunities in Korea.