Communication Skills Key to Globalization
By Kim Yoo-chul
Staff Reporter
What is a key factor that blocks Korea Inc. from reaching further out into the world and joining the advanced ranks of world economies?
This question takes on an added urgency as Korea is being outrun by emerging powers such as China and India. Hynix CEO Kim Jong-kap has his own view after years of government service and traveling around the world ― communication skills that create new deals and salvage lost ones.
"We are skills-oriented," the 57-year-old said during an interview with The Korea Times last week.
He said that better communication skills are necessary to add value to products.
It all comes down to a change in education methods shying away from learning things by rote, he said, adding that addressing this problem at its root cause needs time but is something that shouldn't be put off.
He pointed out the "urgency" by talking about the most inspirational figure among CEOs of global firms he has met ― Apple boss Steve Jobs.
"When I met him early this year, he immediately explained the details of iPhone for 15 minutes," Kim recalled, adding with a smile that the Apple gadget he took out from his pocket didn't work properly. What impressed him was Jobs' passion and readiness.
"Jobs knows how to read the minds of consumers and how to make products appealing through effective marketing," Kim said, implying that it is the power of education.
He has a different view about the correlation between finance and manufacturing.
"Finance and manufacturing sectors are two wheels that keep the economy going," Kim said. "A strong manufacturing base is of supreme importance and finance should play an auxiliary role."