APU and Kyungpook National University Forge Path to Global Startups

The Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) has embarked on a transformative journey with Kyungpook National University (KNU), South Korea, by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 20th November 2024.

Prof Dr Ho Chin Kuan (3rd from right), Vice Chancellor of APU, exchanged signed documents with Ms Park Jee Hye (centre), Researcher at Kyungpook National University (KNU). Witnessing the ceremony were (from left): Mr Harry Jung, Vice President of PDS Consulting Sdn. Bhd.; Mr Hwang Woo Sung, CEO of IPS Ventures; Ms Baek Su Min, Researcher at KNU; and (from right): Dr Beh Ching Yew, Head of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at APU, and Prof Dr Andy Seddon, Senior Director of Partnerships & Standards at APU.

This collaboration opens doors for students and faculty from both institutions to access cross-border entrepreneurial education and startup opportunities, setting the stage for global innovation.

At the heart of this partnership is the launch of a global startup programme. Designed to promote knowledge exchange, business model innovation, and cross-cultural understanding, this initiative brings together students and mentors from both universities to collaboratively build global startups.

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Prof Dr Ho Chin Kuan (seated, right), Vice Chancellor of APU, signed documents with Ms Park Jee Hye, Researcher at KNU, witnessed by (from left): Mr Hwang Woo Sung, CEO of IPS Ventures; Ms Baek Su Min, Researcher at KNU; and Prof Dr Andy Seddon (right), Senior Director of Partnerships & Standards at APU.

The partnership was formalised during a signing ceremony led by Professor Dr Ho Chin Kuan, Vice Chancellor of APU, and Ms Park Jee Hye, Researcher at KNU. The event was witnessed by distinguished guests, including Mr Harry Jung, Vice President of PDS Consulting Sdn. Bhd.; Mr Hwang Woo Sung, CEO of IPS Ventures; Ms Baek Su Min, Researcher at KNU; and Professor Dr Andy Seddon, Senior Director of Partnerships & Standards at APU.

PDS Consulting, known for its expertise in connecting Korea and Malaysia through consulting and marketing services, and IPS Ventures, which specialises in investing in early-stage startups in the bio and ICT fields, added an extra layer of industry insight to the collaboration.

Highlighting the significance of the partnership, Prof Dr Ho Chin Kuan remarked, “This collaboration reflects APU’s unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship on a global scale. Together with Kyungpook National University, we are building bridges that empower our students to think globally, innovate boldly, and lead confidently in the startup ecosystem.”

The MOU also paves the way for future collaborations in research, technology, and innovation, reinforcing the importance of international partnerships in shaping the future of education and entrepreneurship. This alliance embodies the shared vision of APU and KNU to nurture a generation of global leaders ready to drive impactful change.