Stony Brook University SUNY Korea

[SBU] L'Oréal Brandstorm 2024 Competition   [FIT] The Korea Distribution Association - College Student Idea Contest   Stony Brook University (SBU) and Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) students of SUNY Korea have once again proven their talents and capabilities on the international stage, securing top honors in two prestigious competitions.   SBU Takes First Place in L'Oréal Brandstorm 2024 Competition Incheon Global Campus students have secured first place in the highly competitive L'Oréal Brandstorm 2024 local competition. The winning team was Sunghyun Shin, majoring in Technology & Society at Stony Brook University, Nayoung Kim, majoring Molecular Life Sciences at Ghent University Global Campus, and Bae Hasung, also studying Molecular Life Sciences at Ghent University Global Campus. Sunghyun Shin, expressing her gratitude, remarked “It was a great experience collaborating with fellow colleagues from the Incheon Global Campus students. Moreoever, being able to achieve 1st place among the top-tier Korean universities was challenging yet fulfilling.”  These students will now compete in the Loreal Brandstorm International Competition that will be held in the United Kingdom this June.   FIT Students Recognized for Outstanding Achievement in The Korea Distribution Association - College Student Idea Contest Meanwhile, Fashion Institute of Technology students received the ‘Idea Award’ in The Korea Distribution Association - College Student Idea Contest. Under the guidance of Professor Hyeyeon Jeong, the FIT team showcased their expertise in the field of distribution and marketing for Lotte Home Shopping. The winning FIT’s FBM department team members include Minseo Cho, Yujin Lee, and Chaeun Moon, whose dedication and creativity stood out among competitors. Their innovative ideas and strategic insights underscore FIT's commitment to nurturing future leaders in the fashion and business industries. These remarkable accomplishments serve as a milestone for both SBU and FIT as they pave their future careers. By excelling on the global stage, they continue to uphold academic excellence and innovation that defines these renowned institutions.      

On the 8th of May 2024, SUNY Korea held the “Understanding the Digital Evolution” career talk with Ruby Kang, digital marketer from Cartier Group Korea.  Kang explained the importance of “Digital Marketing Defined by Real Industry” via three components: unexpected brand experience, 360 marketing strategy, and content driven customer engagement. She described the pressures working in the industry to create unexpected and innovative marketing campaigns, noting that although it was stressful, she nevertheless considered it to be a valuable experience as it challenged her to think outside the box.  Kang emphasized how crucial it was to adapt to the ever-changing consumers by appealing to them in unexpected ways. For example, she described her ideas in the “TB Monogram campaign”, where she proposed introducing a Burberry character: a deer with the iconic Burberry monogram. This project was a huge success, and the Kakao emoticon sold out within an hour of its release. Additionally, she described other campaigns such as the “B SURF” game, “#USEYOURFREEDOM” digital film, and dancing “Pop” AR filter to create publicity and appeal to the youth. Additionally, she shared her experiences in content creation for “The Imagined Landscapes Jeju” pop up, noting the importance of consistent and relevant content to persuade customers to interact with brands on a deeper level, establishing consumer loyalty.  A significant project she worked on was the Cartier HJ Event in Seoul, introducing their new fine jewelry collection. This event became one of their most successful marketing strategies as they invited well-known actors, actresses, K-pop idols, and talents with big market value to a fancy gala dinner. The digital marketing team made sure to maximize the content through teaser videos, photoshoots, and interviews. Lastly, she shared three key points on how to establish one's career: know your abilities, narrow down choices, and be well prepared.  Overall, the career talk highlighted the importance of digital marketing in creating a seamless experience for the consumer both online and offline. As digitalization continues to take center stage in our ever-changing market, it is crucial for brands to consistently adapt and refine their marketing methods in order to stay relevant and appeal to the public.    Written by Jennifer Christiana of IVY Magazine      

          On April 25th, 2024, the 2024 Spring IGC Career Event: EY Consulting Cyber Security Information Session was held at SUNY Korea for students of the Incheon Global Campus. EY Group is one of the top global accounting firms, providing assurance, consulting, strategy, transactions, and tax services. As a subsidiary of EY Group, EY Consulting changed its name and position to consulting as a Korean subsidiary of EY Group, and this can be seen for the purpose of providing comprehensive solution services from the stage of strategy establishment to implementation from the client's perspective. EY Consulting Korea currently has two branches in Busan and Seoul, and more than 31 of the top 100 companies in Korea are domestic clients. EY leads the establishment of strategies for building large next-generation systems and applying cloud technologies within the financial consulting area.  At this briefing session, EY Consulting was visited by 76 students from SUNY Korea, George Mason University Korea, Ghent University Global Campus, and the University of Utah Asia Campus. The topic was related to the cybersecurity job of EY Consulting, with explanations about what kind of jobs are suitable for STEAM majors, and how many different types of jobs can be done with EY Consulting. For IGC students who were highly interested in the job market ahead of employment, the cybersecurity consulting session at EY Group, which covered various tasks and departments with guaranteed expertise, was a very beneficial consulting session. Particularly, Business Management (BM) and Technology Systems Management (TSM) major students of SBU showed keen interest in this information session, given the relevance of their majors to the cybersecurity field.      Written by Student Reporter, Sean Keunho Kim (keunho.kim@stonybrook.edu)  

    “Creativity is intelligence having fun." Boyoung Lee quoted Albert A. Einstein during her presentation at the FIT Guest Speaker Event on Wednesday, April 24th. As the Chief Brand Officer and EVP of Brand & Creative Strategy at Shinsegae, Lee was able to share her experiences and insights in the industry as she spoke on the topic of “Building a Brand Identity.”  Lee emphasized the vital role of creativity in crafting a brand identity. She underscored the importance of infusing creativity into every aspect of the process, highlighting the need for innovative thinking and original storytelling. Throughout her presentation, she delved into the creative process, emphasizing her collaborative approach with her team. She emphasized the significance of cultivating relationships and fostering teamwork to achieve success in brand building. During the Q&A session, students had the opportunity to ask questions and gain deeper insights into the industry and workplace. When asked about memorable projects, Lee emphasized the importance of relationships over individual achievements. In response to a question about the trend that is shaping the future of the fashion industry, she mentioned the integration of AI and its transformative potential. Rather than shying away from technological advancements, her team embraces innovation, seeking ways to leverage AI to enhance their creative processes. Furthermore, Lee generously shared recommendations for podcasts and books, showcasing her commitment to continuous learning and personal development. Notably, she also shared insights into her role as a mother of two, acknowledging parenthood as a transformative experience that has enriched her leadership abilities. In today's dynamic business landscape, establishing a distinctive brand identity is essential for success. Boyoung Lee's insights into the creative process and the importance of storytelling offer valuable guidance for professionals seeking to carve out their brand identity in a competitive market.  

  Dr. Pyungryun Brian Yu has been appointed as Vice President for Administration and External Relations of the State University of New York, Korea (SUNY Korea), effective April 29, 2024.  Before joining SUNY Korea, he held various government positions including but not limited to CEO of the Incheon Global Campus Foundation (IGCF), Vice Commissioner of the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority (IFEZA), Secretary General of the Incheon Metropolitan City Council, Director General of Incheon Metropolitan City Government.  Dr. Yu brings a strong track record of experience in administration and external relations and his extensive and in-depth background will greatly contribute to the growth of SUNY Korea, enhancing all aspects of university administration, operations, and external relations. Throughout his career, Dr. Yu has been recognized for his outstanding meritorious service and exemplary leadership. During his tenure leading IGCF, Dr. Yu earned the highest grade (S) in the CEO performance evaluation conducted among government-funded institutions by the Incheon City Government (2023). He has also been awarded with the Order of Service Merit (2006), which is given to outstanding public officials, and a Presidential Commendation for Investment Promotion (2015).  Academically, Dr. Yu has lectured in Urban Administration at Inha University, holding a Ph.D. in Urban Planning from the same institution, an MPA in Public Administration from the University of New Haven in the United States, and a B.C. in International Trades from Kyung Hee University in Korea. He passed the Public Administration Examination in 1994.   한국뉴욕주립대학교는 유병윤 행정대외협력부총장이 취임했다고 29일 밝혔다.  유병윤 신임 부총장은 1994년 행정고시에 합격 후 공직에 입문했으며 인천시 투자유치담당관, 국제협력관, 정책기획관을 역임하고 인천시의회 사무처장과 인천경제자유구역청 차장, 인천글로벌캠퍼스 운영재단 대표이사 등을 지냈다. 또한 경희대 무역학과를 졸업, 미국 뉴헤이븐대에서 행정학 석사 인하대에서 도시계획학 박사 학위를 받았으며 인천시 산하 출자•출연기관 기관장 성과평가 S등급(2023), 투자유치공로 대통령표창(2015), 근조훈장(2006) 등을 수상한바 있다.

    The Alumni Mentoring Day event, held on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at SUNY Korea C103, provided current students an opportunity to gain insights from ten notable SUNY Korea graduates (SBU & FIT). These alumni are now essential members of several Korean companies, like Banzai Living, Deloitte Anjin, Hanwha Global, Hyundai Motors, LG CNS, top IT company, Samsung C&T, Samsung Electronics, Thingsflow, and Musinsa 29cm. They generously shared their career paths, valuable job search recommendations, and strategies for developing skills in the workplace. During three mentoring sessions, students and alumni interacted on a wide range of themes, from industry-specific questions to individual career goals, fostering meaningful connections and broadening their professional networks. The format of the event facilitated intimate interactions between current students and alumni, allowing for personalized mentorship experiences. Participants were treated to lunch while being introduced to the accomplished alumni, who illuminated the pathways to success within their respective industries. Every organization that was represented has distinct perspectives on the dynamics of the Korean job market and the skills necessary for thriving in diverse professional environments. Furthermore, through conversing with SUNY Korea's notable alumni, students not only gained valuable insights but also enhanced their educational knowledge and improved their opportunities for the future.  The Spring 2024 Alumni Mentoring event demonstrated SUNY Korea's commitment to supporting the comprehensive professional growth of its students. Through the building of a connection between academia and industry, the event enabled participants to envision and follow career paths that fulfill them. Students obtained invaluable advice through open discussions and personal guidance, giving them the abilities and self-confidence to navigate the complexities of the modern labor market. As the university continues to foster such meaningful engagements, it strengthens its role as a catalyst for enabling the next generation of leaders and innovators.        Written by Student Reporter, Amirbek Zokirov (amirbek.zokirov@stonybrook.edu)  

  In a celebration of the extravagance and self-expression of the 1970s and 1980s, the SUNY Korea Museum of Modern Costume unveils its latest exhibition, "Retro Party 7080." Running from April 17th, 2024, to May 31st, 2024, this exhibition invites visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant fashion culture of two iconic decades. The 1970s and 1980s are often remembered as times of boundary-pushing creativity, where fashion became a canvas for bold statements and individuality. "Retro Party 7080" captures the essence of these eras, highlighting the evolution of Korean fashion and the significant influence of designers from that time. At the heart of the exhibition lies a tribute to the transformative power of fashion. What was once considered niche or underground in the 1970s blossomed into mainstream trends, while the 1980s embraced excess and opulence like never before. From disco balls to power suits, every garment tells a story of innovation and cultural shift. The exhibition not only showcases iconic pieces from the past but also celebrates the enduring influence of 1970s and 1980s fashion on contemporary design. Through a curated selection of garments and accessories, visitors can trace the lineage of these decades, witnessing how their legacy continues to shape modern aesthetics. "We are thrilled to present 'Retro Party 7080' to our visitors," says Linda Kim, curator of the SUNY Korea Museum of Modern Costume. "This exhibition is not just a journey through fashion history; it's a celebration of creativity, individuality, and the enduring spirit of the 1970s and 1980s." As visitors step into the exhibition space, they are transported back in time, surrounded by the sights and sounds of a bygone era. From disco beats to neon lights, every element of "Retro Party 7080" is designed to evoke nostalgia and spark joy. Whether you're a fashion enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a dose of retro inspiration, "Retro Party 7080" promises an unforgettable journey through the golden age of fashion. Join us as we celebrate passion, nostalgia, and the timeless allure of 1970s and 1980s style.   Written by Maxine Cochanco of IVY Magazine

    A Spring 2024 Internship Panel event was held in SUNY Korea building C103. Jiyoon Kim (FBM) from FIT, and Suyeong Park (AMS), Sangbin Park (BM), and Hajung Seo (TSM) from Stony Brook, participated in the panel to share their internship experiences with their colleagues.  Their stories, which shared their internship experiences in various fields based on their respective majors, provided a lot of interesting information for the students. First, Jiyoon Kim of FBM shared her internship experience at three fashion and marketing companies: EUNE, ZARA, and BY Sophie. She emphasized that she received support from the school when applying for these internships, and that the help from the Career Development Center was especially useful. She also advised her juniors to read emails from the Career Development Center carefully, and said that it would be helpful to thoroughly analyze each company's official website when writing their resumes. AMS major Suyeong Park introduced his experiences as a deep learning engineer at SPOIT. He shared his experiences in both academic settings and internships, and imparted specific advice to his juniors. Business major Sangbin Park shared his experiences as a marketing assistant for a home appliance company called Tefal. It was impressive to see him motivate his colleagues through his experiences. Finally, Hajung Seo of the TS department introduced her experiences as an administrative assistant at GSC, and conveyed tips on writing a resume as well as secrets to passing the internship. After sharing their useful experiences, there was time for students to ask questions and receive answers directly from the panel members. Internship panel events have become more frequent thanks to the panels that answer the questions of juniors with honest and concrete answers. Panel members also shared their difficulties, successes, and useful experiences from their internships. They talked candidly about the things they considered while choosing an internship and the differences between their respective experiences.  A large number of students attended the event, at which simple snacks were provided. The event delivered valuable information to the students while also giving them a chance to reflect on their experiences and think about re-organizing their academic lives. In addition, it was effective in promoting communication and bonding among students. An official of the student council said, "Through this internship review sharing event, we were able to receive helpful information, and it played a big role in network formation and motivation among students," adding, "We hope that such useful events will continue to be held in the future." This event provided valuable information to college students preparing for employment after graduation, and provided a place for communication to grow together by helping students who will have experience through internships. We hope that such useful events will continue to take place in the future. For the future, we hope for successful internships for all students and look forward to hearing about their positive experiences.   Written by Student Reporter, Suhyun Kim (suhyun.kim@stonybrook.edu)  

  In their fourth semester, students of FIT at SUNY Korea are offered an internship course program that allows them to get first-hand experience in the working industry. Not only do they get to experience working in an actual company, but they are also trained in working ethics and future career skills. This year, the program has 15 Fashion Business Management students working in well-known global brands such as Sejung Company, bySophie, Banzai Living, and IPark Mall. Didier Dubot is a jewelry brand under Sejung Company and the department in which 2 FIT students were placed. At Didier Dubot, students were assigned tasks such as market research, brand analysis, and site reviews—all of which aligned with what they learned throughout their previous semesters. With this, students could apply the knowledge and skills they gained from their courses in a professional work environment. The interns were also tasked with a store visit, during which they examined Didier Dubot’s collections at Coex mall while also conducting a competitor analysis by browsing nearby luxury accessory brands.   Several students were asked about their experiences. Pamela Wang said, “Interning at the HDC IPark Mall at Yongsan, Seoul, I joined the Content Development Team and am working on planning pop-up stores.”   For Maxine Leye, “Working at the startup company Banzai Living Inc., there are many hats to wear as I get direct insight on how the beauty industry works from product research, packaging selection and digital marketing. Mindful creativity and effective time management are some of the key aspects of the internship.”  Arim Lee added, “At LIE Collection, I had the opportunity to apply the skills I learned in school, such as Photoshop and Excel, in real-world scenarios. This hands-on experience allowed me to grow professionally and personally, gaining valuable insights and proficiency.” Overall, the internship program offers students a valuable opportunity to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings and develop essential professional skills. The upcoming 'Internship Panel Event' on March 3rd, hosted by the Career Center, will further enrich this learning experience by providing a platform for students to listen as their fellow colleagues, who have experienced internships, share their insights and tips on how they were able to search for their internships, the application process, and how they plan to use the experience on their next career path.  Written by Meann Ho and Jennifer Christiana of IVY Magazine  

  On March 27th, 2024, more than 300 students from SUNY Korea, the University of Utah Asia Campus, George Mason University Korea, and Ghent University Global Campus gathered in the IGC Auditorium to hear a presentation by Hanwha Aerospace, the largest aerospace company in South Korea.  The event was organized to share information about career opportunities in the increasingly vital aerospace industry.   The key point made during the presentation is that opportunities to build a career with the Hanwha Group is not limited to engineering students alone.  Mechanical Engineering graduates might seem to the obvious candidates to work in these companies, but Hanwha Group is interested in majors from many backgrounds who can work in the many different divisions of their companies.  The presentation focused on the benefits of working in a large company and the concerns of young people entering the marketplace, especially regarding lifetime employment and the working environment. Hanwha was clearly interested in courting the more than 150 SUNY Korea students in attendance and building interest in this growing industry.  The students were clearly excited to hear of these opportunities for their future and gained crucial information for their future job-hunting efforts. Written by Student Reporter, Sean Keunho Kim (keunho.kim@stonybrook.edu)

On March 23, 2024, at the IGC Small Theater more than 80 students from SUNY Korea, George Mason University Korea, University of Utah Asia Campus, and Ghent University Global Campus gathered for the "Talk to Me in Korean" (TTMIK) event. This event aimed to immerse international students in the world of Korean language study and a deeper understanding of Korean culture. Throughout the event, students participated in various activities to improve their language skills and cultural awareness. From conversing in Korean to sharing personal stories from their experiences in Korea, students embraced the opportunity to expand their language proficiency. To add more involvement to the event, students demonstrated their proficiency by delivering speeches in Korean. Also, lunch was provided to students where they had their meal communally, further forging new connections, and improving their cultural exchange. In addition to practicing their language skills, students delved into various cultural activities, including the intriguing Korean Sentence Explorer and the challenging Korean Culture ‘True or False’ Quiz. These activities tested participants' knowledge and also sparked curiosity and dialogue surrounding Korean culture and the winner of the quiz won a prize by answering all of the questions correctly. The TTMIK event proved dynamic and exciting, promoting intercultural understanding and language skills among participating students. As the program came to an end, students took away an improved understanding of Korean culture and a deeper appreciation for the diversity of the Korean language.   Written by Student Reporter, Amirbek Zokirov (amirbek.zokirov@stonybrook.edu)  

    On March 20, 2024, Room 203 in Building B at SUNY Korea buzzed with excitement for a special gathering. Students, professors, and staff came together to exchange knowledge and passion around a single book, representing diverse majors and backgrounds. This is the SUNY Korea Book Club, where the protagonists are its members. This book club convenes every Wednesday during lunchtime, from 12 PM to 1 PM, to listen to audiobooks and engage in in-depth discussions. Over the past four weeks, participants immersed themselves in one book, Kai Fu Lee's "AI 2041," sparking profound discussions on the advancement of AI, future technology, and its societal impacts. One of the greatest advantages of the book club is providing an opportunity to enhance English skills and listening abilities amidst busy schedules. For students, it offers educational value, while for professors and staff, it's a precious time to expand knowledge and gain new perspectives. Following the reading session, there's approximately 30 minutes allocated for group discussions. Professors, staff, and students mingle, sharing their thoughts and impressions freely, transcending ranks and age to understand and communicate with each other—a valuable opportunity. SUNY Korea ‘s book club is an open space where anyone can participate without any burden, in line with the purpose of "just showing up." In particular, since they are held during lunchtime, simple meals are also provided, minimizing barriers to participation.  The leaders of the book club emphasize diversity and inclusivity. Led by Professor Victor Reeser, staff member Chuck Robinson, and AMS major undergraduate student Jin Suk, each brings their unique perspectives and experiences to the group. The plan is to continue exploring knowledge through various books, including those from Harvard Business Review’s Must Reads on Leadership.  SUNY Korea's book club is not just an ordinary book club, but it is a community where people from various backgrounds come together to share knowledge and understand each other. Written by Student Reporter, Suhyun Kim (suhyun.kim@stonybrook.edu)    

  Four students from the Department of Computer Science at SUNY Korea achieved three meaningful awards in the three biggest Hacks competitions at Stony Brook University in New York. These include “Best Sustainability Hack” in SBU Hopper Hacks 2024, “Best Social Impact” in SBUHacks VI, and “Best Integration of Customer Segmentation Utilizing AI” in Softheon Hack@CEWIT. These events were held online from January 29 to February 4, February 9 to February 11, and March 1 to March 3, 2024, respectively, at Stony Brook University. Biniam Markos, Eunwoo Choi, Ulukbek Aitmatov, and Younwoo Ki from SUNY Korea won the  “Best Sustainability Hack” as one team in SBU Hopper Hacks 2024. Hopper Hacks is a hackathon centered around social good, lasting 24 hours, and open to all students at Stony Brook University. SUNY Korea CS students were also awarded in the same competition in 2022. The same team also won the “Best Social Impact” in SBUHacks VI. SBUHacks extends over 48 hours, encouraging limitless creativity. During SBUHacks, students are tasked with pushing their boundaries and pursuing projects aligned with their interests. Additionally, Biniam Markos, Eunwoo Choi and Younwoo Ki from SUNY Korea, along with Alissa Burich, majoring in Business Management from SBU in New York, won “Best Integration of Customer Segmentation Utilizing AI” in Softheon Hack@CEWIT 2024, which is the second-place prize in this competition. Notably, SUNY Korea students have been consistently recognized in this competition, with another group securing the highest award last year. At Softheon Hack@CEWIT, participating students can develop software and automation solutions tailored for health insurers and governmental health agencies.   Written by Student Reporter, Hyeonha Hwang (hyeonha.hwang@stonybrook.edu)

  SUNY Korea opened its door and welcomed 174 energetic students for the New Student Welcome Week (NSWW). The week, from February 16th to the 22nd, started with warm welcomes and introductions, providing a perfect platform for the new students to get to know each other and more about the campus life. From icebreakers activities to campus tours, and fun activities prepared by the upper classmates, students were able to make the most out of it. The week also included information sessions, allowing students to familiarize themselves with their professors, academic resources, and support services. The highlight of the NSWW was the Convocation Ceremony, a special moment marking the official entry of the Spring 2024 Freshmen into the SUNY Korea family. President Arthur H. Lee warmly welcomed students from 8 different countries, emphasizing, “As a member of this family you became an ambassador to the outside world.”   The ceremony was graced by the presence of Dr. Carl Lejuez, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs of Stony Brook University, who expressed gratitude to the students for choosing SUNY Korea. He highlighted, “We are shaped & improved by the students who choose to spend their educational career here, and the faculty who teach and produce scholarship and research. Welcome to a new semester of discovery.”   Welcome aboard, class of 2028! May you have a wonderful first semester at SUNY Korea.   Click here to watch the NSWW highlights

  On Friday, February 2nd, a total of 192 students and their family members participated in the Admitted Students Day hosted at the IGC Small Theater. This event was specifically crafted to introduce incoming students to SUNY Korea and our campus, offering a comprehensive overview of our academic programs, campus facilities, and the vibrant community we have cultivated. Throughout the day, attendees had the opportunity to engage in enlightening sessions, explore our state-of-the-art facilities, and connect with current students, gaining valuable insights into the dynamic student life at SUNY Korea. Notably, incoming students had the chance to meet their future classmates, fostering connections and establishing a sense of belonging within our campus community. The Admitted Students Day served as an invigorating start to the upcoming Spring semester. The welcoming and informative atmosphere provided students with the confidence and enthusiasm needed for their imminent academic journey at SUNY Korea. From February 16th to the 22nd, newly admitted freshmen will participate in the New Student Welcome Week, receiving guidance through a week of orientation activities and concluding with the Spring 2024 Convocation on February 22nd.