Ex-lawmaker wins leadership award in Malaysia

Park Jin, center, chairman of the Korean-American Association, poses after receiving an annual award, “BrandLaureate Life Inspired Global Thought Leadership Achievement Award,” from The Asia Pacific Brands Foundation (APBF) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Friday. Courtesy of APBF

By Park Ji-won

Korean-American Association Chairman Park Jin, a former lawmaker, has received an award in Malaysia, the association said Monday.

The Asia Pacific Brands Foundation (APBF), a nonprofit organization, announced Park Jin was selected as this year's winner of the “BrandLaureate Life Inspired Global Thought Leadership Achievement Award.” This year's award ceremony took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Friday with Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamed, in conjunction with the World Chinese Economic Forum.

In a statement, the APBF said his “achievements and contribution as an influential thought leader and strategist who has impacted the economic growth and development of Korea and other Asian countries.”

It added that “extensive work in promoting sustainable economic growth, democracy and human rights, integration and regional cooperation through Asia Future Institute.”

The APBF also highly evaluated his role as chairman of the Korea-American Association in promoting mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries.

Park said that he felt a heavy responsibility over winning the award at this important time. “I will do my best to raise Korea's global brand.”

“The Korean economy is facing various difficulties partly deriving from the trade war between the United States and China, which makes it more important for Korea to turn its eye to the world market and try to find ways to exploit it,” he added.

The foundation was established by patron Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad.

Past winners of the award include the late Nelson Mandela of South Africa, former U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, Aung San Suu Kyi of Myanmar and Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamed, according to the APBF.