Ajou University

Exchange Agreement with the University of Georgia (U.S.), Expected Synergy in Key Research Areas

A delegation from the University of Georgia (UGA), USA, visited Ajou University. Representatives from both universities shared their key research areas and current status, and held discussions to establish a foundation for joint research. On the 22nd, a delegation from the University of Georgia visited Ajou University. The delegation, consisting of eight members including Associate Provost for Global Engagement Martin Kagel, met with Ajou University faculty members, including Kim Taebong, Director of the Office of International Affairs. From Ajou University, Professors Park Jiyong (Department of Physics), Choi Youngjun (Department of Software), Lee Jaeyoung (Department of Environmental and Safety Engineering), and Park Hyunji (College of Advanced Bio Convergence & Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Graduate School) participated in the meeting. They presented Ajou University’s key research areas—such as energy, artificial intelligence, climate change, and bio-convergence—as well as its global collaboration projects. The UGA delegation also introduced their major research strengths and current developments in fields including artificial intelligence and bio-related studies. The two universities signed and exchanged an agreement outlining various areas of cooperation, including student and faculty exchange, joint research, and academic seminars and workshops. Kim Taebong, Director of the Office of International Affairs, stated, “We plan to pursue a wide range of collaborative activities with the University of Georgia, and we hope this partnership will make a meaningful contribution to the development of both institutions. In particular, we anticipate strong synergy with UGA in fields such as artificial intelligence, climate change, energy science, and bio-convergence.” Martin Kagel, Associate Provost for Global Engagement at UGA, remarked, “I am deeply impressed by the warm hospitality and beautiful campus of Ajou University. This visit is not merely ceremonial or for the purpose of signing an agreement, but to explore practical and concrete ways of collaboration.” He added, “Since the major research areas of both universities largely align, we look forward to active joint research and exchange programs across various fields.” Ajou University and the University of Georgia have been actively exploring cooperation since July last year, following a visit by Ajou University President Choi Kiju to the UGA campus. Martin Kagel(left), Vice President for International Affairs at the University of Georgia, and Kim Taebong, Director of the Office of International Affairs at Ajou University Presentation on the key research areas by Professor Choi Youngjun of the Department of Software Presentation on the key research areas by Professor Lee Hee Yun of the University of Georgia A delegation from the University of Georgia (USA)

2025 Academic Year Graduate School Degree Conferment Ceremony: 70 Students from 8 Countries Awarded Degrees

On February 13, the 2025 Winter Commencement Ceremony of Ajou University’s Graduate School of International Studies was held in the Yulgok Hall Auditorium, from which 70 graduates across four departments received their degrees. The degree ceremony proceeded in the following order: Opening Remarks, Introduction of VIPs, Opening Show, Report on Academic Affairs, Commencement Address, Congratulatory Remarks, Conferral of the Awards (Presidential Award, Dean’s Award, and Thesis Excellence Award), Graduate Representative’s Remarks, Closing Remarks, and a Group Photo Session. Faculty members from each department, representatives from the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Korea, and officials from the Graduate School of Business and Entrepreneurship (GSBE) of Uzbekistan attended to celebrate the graduates. The 70 graduates who earned their degrees at the Graduate School come from eight countries including Bangladesh, Nepal, and Uzbekistan. Among them, the International Management program had the largest number of graduates with 48 students, followed by the International Trade program with 9, the Civil Society program with 6, and the International Development Cooperation program with 7. In his congratulatory remarks, Dean Byeong-Yun Chang quoted the poetry of Yun Dong-ju to celebrate the new beginnings of the graduates. Shakhzod Kurbanov, Education Counsellor of the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Korea, also took the stage to offer heartfelt congratulations and encouragement to the students. Following the official ceremonies, two student speakers shared their reflections. Ferdous Jannatul from Bangladesh, recipient of the President’s Award, said, “Studying at the Graduate School has given me confidence in myself and made me stronger. I am grateful for the support and encouragement from the professors and staff.” Toirov Saidjasirkhon, representing participants in the dual-degree program between Ajou University and the Graduate School of Business and Economics of Uzbekistan, commented, “The journey to receiving this degree was not easy, but the valuable experiences at Ajou have strengthened me and made it possible to realize my dreams.” Ajou University has been operating a dual-degree program with the Graduate School of Business and Economics (GSBE) in Uzbekistan since 2022. In this program, students complete two semesters at their home institution and two semesters at Ajou University to earn degrees from both institutions. This year marks the third graduation cohort, with 16 graduates in the current ceremony and a total of 58 graduates since the program’s inception. Below is the list of award recipients from the 2025 Academic Year Spring Degree Conferment Ceremony: ■ Presidential Award – International Development Cooperation: FERDOUS JANNATUL (Bangladesh) – International Business: TAJIBAEV JETKERBAY UBAYKHANOVICH (Uzbekistan) ■ Dean’s Award – International Business: DIPTY MOUMITA MEHJABIN (Bangladesh) – International Business: RAKHMEDOVA DILNOZA ASHRAPKHUJA KIZI (Uzbekistan) – International Trade: MIA MD RASEL (Bangladesh) – International Development Cooperation: RATSIMBAZAFY MANOA FENOSOA (Madagascar) – Civil Society: LAMA ANJU (Nepal) ■ Thesis Excellence Award – International Business: CHANDRA BIPUL (Bangladesh) – International Business: MAHESWARI LAKSITA IFFAT (Indonesia) – International Development Cooperation: ESHONKULOV KODIRJON YOKUBOVICH (Uzbekistan)

Ajou University Selected as an “Excellent Certified University” under IEQAS

Ajou University has been selected as an “Excellent Certified University,” the highest designation, in the 4th cycle (2025) evaluation of the International Education Quality Assurance System (IEQAS), jointly administered by the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Justice, and the National Research Foundation of Korea. The International Education Quality Assurance System (IEQAS) is designed to enhance the internationalization capacity of Korean universities and to assess the quality of educational environments and management systems for international students. The certification is granted based on a comprehensive evaluation of institutions’ recruitment and management of international students, academic program operations, student support services, and overall internationalization infrastructure. In this evaluation, Ajou University was recognized for its stable and systematic operation of academic programs and support services for international students, as well as its effective student management system. In particular, the university’s continuous efforts in developing curricula and support programs tailored to international students were positively reflected in the assessment. With this designation, Ajou University will retain its status as an “Excellent Certified University” for one year, from March 2026 to February 2027. Institutions with this status receive administrative benefits, including simplified visa screen