Kwak Yeon-soo is a digital editor at The Korea Times creating, editing and curating digital content for the newspaper’s website, mobile app and social media. She previously covered a diverse array of cultural, political and business topics.
SK to establish 'SK University' to nurture human capital
By Kwak Yeon-soo
SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won
By Kwak Yeon-soo
SK Group has decided to establish “SK University,” a platform that combines the group's think tank and corporate training institute, to nurture human capital and prepare for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the company said Sunday.
“SK University,” which integrates the SK Research Institute for SUPEX Management and SK Academy, will be launched in January 2020. All courses will be open to SK employees only.
The move comes in accordance with SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won's management policy, through which he urged employees to grow the ability to respond proactively to the rapidly changing business landscape and emerging technologies.
During regular meetings with SK employees, Chey has called on them to push for a “deep change” and venture into newfound areas, such as AI, the fifth-generation (5G) network, big data and digitization.
“In the face of a paradigm shift toward the Fourth Industrial Revolution and a drastic change of business environment, it is time to invest in human capital,” Chey said. “It will be the first step toward a deep change, which is critical for sustainable growth.”
The courses will be mainly divided into three categories ― future growth engines, innovative business models and common capabilities.
The future growth class includes learning of artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation (DT), future energy solutions and next-generation semiconductors.
The innovative business models include curriculums on social value, double bottom line and global business. Building common capabilities include seminars on happiness, leadership, finance and other management-related courses.
The faculty will be comprised of experts both inside and outside the firm, and retirees. The educational content will include programs of world-renowned universities and professional institutions as well as courses developed by SK Group.
SK Group added that all employees will be given the opportunity to choose their own curriculum and courses voluntarily to grow their competency. However, it is mandatory to spend 200 hours annually to complete the selected courses.