Lee Min-hyung joined The Korea Times in 2014 and has worked as a journalist mainly in Korea’s finance, tech and automotive industry. He specializes in content creation, breaking news and in-depth analysis currently on transportation and mobility. You can reach him via mhlee@koreatimes.co.kr.
AMCHAM raises record fund for college students during CEO Servers’ Night
CEOs and executives from AMCHAM's member companies pose during the 18th AMCHAM CEO Servers' Night event at the Conrad Seoul hotel, Thursday. Key participants include AMCHAM Chairman James Kim, front row seventh from left, and Jeffrey Jones, front row sixth from left, chairman of the nonprofit Partners for the Future Foundation. Courtesy of AMCHAM
By Lee Min-hyung
CEOs express gratitude to serve for employees during special dinner
The American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) raised a record scholarship fund worth 150 million won ($103,000) during its 18th CEO Servers’ Night on Thursday, bringing together key executives across the business community to support underprivileged students here.
This year marked the 18th anniversary of the event, which was organized by the Partners for the Future Foundation, a nonprofit organization established in 2000 as AMCHAM’s charitable arm.
This year’s edition carried special meaning as the foundation celebrated its 25th anniversary, hosting the largest CEO Servers’ Night to date in both participation and fundraising.
A total of 41 CEOs and senior executives from AMCHAM member companies volunteered as servers, personally serving meals to around 440 guests. Their participation reflected the business community’s shared commitment to giving back and supporting the next generation.
AMCHAM raised the record amount of fund, surpassing last year's 120 million won. All proceeds will be used for university students facing financial hardship.
AMCHAM Chairman James Kim, center, speaks with participants of the 18th AMCHAM CEO Servers' Night at the Conrad Seoul hotel, Thursday. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul
“The AMCHAM CEO Servers’ Night is a meaningful tradition where business leaders come together to give back and make a positive impact,” AMCHAM Chairman James Kim said.
“I am deeply grateful to all the CEOs whose generosity and enthusiasm made this year’s record fundraising. As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the foundation, I hope our members will continue their strong support, so that we can bring even more hope and opportunities to students in need.”
Jeffrey Jones, chairman of the nonprofit Partners for the Future Foundation, speaks with participants of the 18th AMCHAM CEO Servers' Night at the Conrad Seoul hotel, Thursday. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul
He also pledged to make continuous support for helping talented students overcome their financial challenges and pursue their dreams.
The foundation has provided scholarships to more than 4,900 students, currently supporting around 200 students each year. Over the past 25 years, the foundation has also become one of the most enduring pillars of AMCHAM’s community initiatives, connecting the business community with future generations of leaders.
The charitable foundation of AMCHAM is also making concerted efforts to attract more individual and business sponsors, so they can also join hands for the social activities.
Participating CEOs were seen wearing white aprons even before the beginning of the official event. They received roughly an hour of training on how to serve food and beverages.
Vaughn Hall, second from right, president of Corning Precision Materials and Korea Region, wears an apron before the 18th AMCHAM CEO Servers' Night at the Conrad Seoul hotel, Thursday. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul
They invited a group of their employees to the symbolic event to express gratitude for their hard work in a special way.
Business leaders from the event said they were pleased to participate in the meaningful donation campaign.
Patrick Yoon, general manager of Korea at Crypto.com, said he was excited to serve his employees delicious food and express gratitude to them in this unique way.
“I have joined the AMCHAM CEO Servers’ Night event for four consecutive years,” he said. “For this year, I am especially delighted to invite a group of our employees and serve food to them who have worked hard for the company.”
Yoon also praised the symbolic significance of the event, as it is a great opportunity for him to communicate with other business leaders each year and give back to the society as part of a participant for the donation campaign.
Lee Won-ik, right, country executive for Korea at Lockheed Martin, wears a bow tie during the 18th AMCHAM CEO Servers' Night at the Conrad Seoul hotel, Thursday. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul
Lee Won-ik, country executive for Korea at Lockheed Martin, also said that he was deeply grateful to have joined the event and get an opportunity to enhance communication with its staffs.
“We invited 10 employees for the event, and I work as a server for them, which is a very meaningful experience for me,” Lee said. “This marks the second time for me to have taken part in the annual CEO Servers’ Night event.”
He said he has rarely seen any similar events of this kind in Korea.
“Few other organizations here hold this kind of charitable events in a similar mood, which makes the CEO Servers' Night more special,” he said.
Alongside the AMCHAM chairman, the participants of this year’s CEO Servers’ Night included: Partners for the Future Foundation Chairman Jeffrey Jones; AIMS International Korea CEO Kim Hye-jong; AMGEN Korea General Manager Shin Su-hee; Aramark CEO David Kim; BMS Korea General Manager Lee Hye-young; CBRE Korea Managing Director Lim Don; Ceragem CGO Brandon Joe; Corning Precision Materials President Vaughn Hall; Crypto.com General Manager of Korea Patrick Yoon; Daeyang Immigration Law Group CEO Kim Ji-sun; Del Monte Fresh Produce Korea General Manager Kang Frank; ELCA Korea General Manager Havard Jean-Alexandre; GR Korea Head of Operations and Executive Director Moon Ju-yun; Grace and Mercy Foundation Asia President Kim Ryan; Hangang Asset Management CEO Jeon Yoo-hoon; Hawaiian Airlines Country Director-Korea Yu Soo-jin; Inspire Entertainment Resort CEO Chen Si; JS Management CEO and Tournament Director Lee Jin-soo; Kolon Industries CEO Huh Sung; Lam Research Korea CEO Park Joon-hong; LINA General Insurance Country President Mo Jae-kyung; LINA Life Insurance CEO Cho Jee-eun; Lockheed Martin Korea Country Executive Korea Lee Won-ik; Manpower Korea CEO Kim OJ; MetLife Insurance Company of Korea Vice President Kim Seong-hwan; Mobil Korea Lube Oil Chairman and CEO Pak Eun-sook; Moderna General Manager Kim Sang-pyo; MSD Korea Managing Director Kim Albert; Novelis Asia President Satpute Sachin; Original Beer Company CEO Park Seung-won; PTC Korea VP and Korea GM Kim Alex; Qnity Korea Representative Director Yang Seung-kwan; Ralph Lauren Korea Managing Director-Korea Kim Sean; RMHC Korea CEO Ahn Sue; SoluM Vice President Jun Se-uk; UL Solutions Regional Managing Director Chung Yun; UNID CEO Lee Woo-il; Vantive Korea Incorporated General Manager Im Kenny; Yonsei University Health System Director at Severance Children’s Hospital Kang Hoon-chul and Yuhan-Kimberly President and CEO Lee Jay.