On the 23rd, Hanwha Group announced that it will establish the Korea Chair, which is dedicated to research on defense, security, and advanced technology, in collaboration with the Korea Foundation (KF) at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in the United Kingdom. Amid rising global geopolitical risks, the aim is to convey diverse perspectives beyond U.S.-centered security research related to Korea.
On the 20th, Hanwha conducted a signing ceremony at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore with KF and IISS to establish the "Korea Chair." As a result of this ceremony, IISS will set up the Korea Chair starting this year to begin research related to Korea, which will include various activities such as ▲ policy research and proposals in the field of military security ▲ hosting seminars and conferences inviting government officials ▲ participating in international security meetings.
IISS is a think tank established in 1958 in the United Kingdom as a specialized institution in nuclear deterrence and arms control. It provides policy proposals related to defense security, conducts research activities, offers consultations, publishes reports, and hosts international security meetings. IISS also hosts significant forums such as the Shangri-La Dialogue, known as the "Davos of global security," and the Manama Dialogue, the highest authority in international security and defense industry forums in the Middle East. With this partnership, Hanwha will become the first domestic corporation to participate in the Shangri-La Dialogue.
Collaboration between corporations and global think tanks is one of the main means of public diplomacy that corporations can engage in. Domestic corporations have previously collaborated with institutions such as the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and the Brookings Institution.
IISS Director General Giacomo Iacovino noted, "Advanced technology, national security, and the defense industry are changing and becoming more important faster than ever," adding that "the research outcomes of the Korea Chair will make a significant contribution in this field."
Kim Ki-hwan, Chairman of the Korea Foundation, said, "The significance of extending Korea research centered on U.S. think tanks to Europe and the Middle East is notable," and added, "In the future, we expect to provide broad understanding and positive recognition of geopolitical issues in East Asia, the excellence of South Korea's defense industry, and more, through the European Union (EU), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and the Middle East."
Son Jae-il, CEO of Hanwha Aerospace, stated, "In the competition of the global defense industry market, promoting Korea and its defense industry in the world security meeting network is an important foundation for gaining a competitive advantage," and added, "In the future, we will actively communicate with policy makers in various countries through public diplomacy expansion and various channels."