On May 13 by Korean time, Korea University (KU) President Yeom Jae Ho gave a lecture on the topic of “The Future of Higher Education in Asia” at Philippines Conference Room in Encina Hall of Stanford University, the United States (U.S.). He addressed hundreds of Stanford students on the issue of flexible semester policy, massive online open courses (MOOC), discussion-led lectures, the innovative education methods of KU, and the role of universities that lead the future of the 21st century.

 

This lecture was made possible by the invitation of Asia-Pacific Research Center of Stanford University.

 

The president addressed such issues as changes in the new educational paradigm. He also went on to discuss nurturing intellectuals who are equipped with the ability to solve any given problems. He also talked about “pioneering intellectuals” who are in demand today and suggested the path higher education institutions should take in the 21st century.

 

“The 21st century calls on universities to change the new educational paradigm.  This signifies the change of knowledge and information from an objective expertise or formal knowledge to a knowledge that can solve any problems. Such form of knowledge is an internalized implicit knowledge, which in turn signifies the change of education to the 21st century form,” he said. President Yeom then added that “In the case of South Korea, universities’ research capacities such as research achievements are world class. Yet higher education’s contribution to the country’s socioeconomic factors have a long way to go as it is currently in one of the lowest ranks among the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries.

 

He ended the lecture by saying, “The ages to come calls for more than just an intellect who is able to get the answers right,” and displayed his expectations to KU students.