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| Awardees of the Korea Culture Quotient (CQ) alumni meeting and 22nd graduation ceremony awardees pose at the Italian ambassadorial residence in Yongsan, Seoul, Tuesday. From left are Managing Director of Le Cellier Ellen Kim, Italian Ambassador to Korea Marco della Seta, Corea Image Communication Institute (CICI) President Choi Jung-wha, Singaporean Ambassador to Korea Yip Wei Kiat and Turkish Ambassador to Korea Arslan Hakan Okcal. / Courtesy of CICI |
By Kim Jae-heun
Singaporean Ambassador to Korea Yip Wei Kiat received the Grand Award at the Korea Culture Quotient (CQ) alumni meeting and 22nd graduation ceremony hosted by the Corea Image Communication Institute (CICI) at the Italian ambassadorial residence in Yongsan, Seoul, Tuesday.
The Singaporean Ambassador has been actively participating in various events to learn and promote Korean culture, CICI said.
He joined CICI's program to experience Korean calligraphy with renowned Korean calligrapher Kang Byung-in earlier this year. He's also been a vocal contributor to 5.4 Club, a part of CICI's program established by the institute's President Choi Jung-wha and her husband Didier Beltoise to share Korean culture through the five senses using four methods ― eating, seeing, enjoying and talking.
"We had an eventful year," the Singaporean Ambassador said after receiving the award. "I think it's a good time to say farewell and welcome the New Year. I want to take this opportunity to say happy holidays and I look forward to a joyful 2017."
Italian Ambassador to Korea Marco della Seta received the Hand-in-Hand Award in recognition of his support for Korea CQ and his passion for cross-cultural exchanges during the program. Turkish Ambassador to Korea Arslan Hakan Okcal was presented with the Communication Award for his cooperation and generosity towards Korea CQ members.
Managing Director of Le Cellier Ellen Kim received the Concentration Award for her special interest in Korea CQ forums as a member of CQ 22 and for her enthusiasm in studying Korea culture.
Som 60 foreign diplomats in Korea and opinion leaders, including Austrian Ambassador to Korea Elisabeth Bertagnoli, Philips Korea CEO Dominique Oh and Google's Asia Pacific head Mickey Hyunyu Kim, participated in the CQ gathering to enjoy quiz shows, karaoke time and a raffle.
The CQ forums are designed to share cultural experiences and promote Korea's brand abroad. It is held 20 times a year in spring and fall to invite culture experts in different sectors to share their expertise. Members also visit cultural sites to learn about Korean culture.
"As soon as I arrived in Korea, I realized CICI is a most interesting way of mixing Koreans and foreigners, especially for diplomats. So I fully support the event," said the Italian Ambassador.
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