Led development of industrial automation equipment to contribute to the development of the national economy... Conferred honorary doctorate of engineering
Distributed Korea’s first ‘LM system localization’
Emphasized importance of fostering personnel... continuously supported university and made industry-academic cooperation achievements
[February 25, 2021]
YU (President Choi Oe-chool) conferred an honorary doctorate of engineering to Samick THK Chairman Jin Young-hwan (74, photo above). This aims at celebrating his contributions to the development of the industrial automation equipment industry.
At the conferment ceremony held at the 3rd floor convention hall at the YU Cheonma Art Center at 4 p.m. On February 25, Chairman Jin receive an honorary doctorate in engineering for his contributions to the growth of the national economy by leading the development of industrial automation equipment.
Since joining Samick THK in 1976, he became the CEO in 1994 and then the chairman in 2004. He worked in the industry sector for 44 years and led the localization of the LM (linear motion) system, which is a core device of industrial automation equipment, and 6-axis multi-joint robots, which are futuristic manufacturing equipment, to help lead the development of industry in Korea. In particular, he applied and distributed the LM system in industrial machines, machine tools, and IT equipment for the first time in Korea back in 1984, and produced LM guides for the first time in Korea in 1991, thus contributing greatly in the localization of industrial automation equipment such as semiconductor equipment, robots and machine tools, etc., which relied heavily on imports at the time.
In the 2000s, Samick THK entered the mechatronics business and developed parts and industrial robots for manufacturing equipment such as for semiconductors, LEDs, and LCDs, thus leading the development of Korea’s forefront industries. It has unrivaled technologies in the industry that people often say, ‘industrial automation equipment all go through Samick THK.’ It has been assessed that such achievements were the results of Chairman Jin’s outstanding management abilities, knowledge in engineering, and practical knowhow.
Chairman Jin said, “It is an honor to receive this honorary doctorate in engineering despite majoring in international trade. Today's Samick THK was made by the hard work of engineers. I believe that I was given this doctorate in engineering to encourage me to lead the age of the fourth industrial revolution with them.” He added, “I am convinced that the culture of precision, excellence and affection. I will continue to lead the company by tirelessly practicing these three cultures. As an entrepreneur, I will engage in social contribution activities in various fields such as industry-academic cooperation, while also working to develop the national economy of Korea.”
Chairman Jin emphasized the mutual development of the local society and university as a mid-size enterprise entrepreneur in Daegu. Chairman Jin often said, “People are the most important part for the growth of companies. Companies and universities must work together for synergy effects and to promote the local economy.” With this belief, he continuously pursued industry-academic cooperation with universities. Over 20 R&D projects were carried out with YU and ‘localization of LM system materials’ is a representative achievement made through joint research with the YU College of Mechanical and IT Engineering.
He also spared to support for the development of the university. He served as a director of the Yeungnam School for four years from October 2014 and has so far donated over 500 million KRW as development funds to YU. YU used the development funds provided by Chairman Jin to construct the ‘Samick THK Lounge’ on the first-floor lobby of the YU Mechanics Hall in 2019.
Chairman Jin served as the vice-chairperson of the Korean Chamber of Commerce, vice-chairperson of the Federation of Middle Market Enterprises of Korea, chairperson of the Korean Chamber of Commerce, and the president of the Daegu Gyeongbuk Machinery Cooperative. He was also recognized for his work in corporate social contribution activities by receiving the ‘2019 Gold Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit,’ Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy at the ‘2014 New Technology Commercialization Contest,’ Presidential Award for the ‘2011 Saemaul Undong Contributions,’ Industrial Award for the ‘2006 Foreigner Investment Attraction Contributor,’ Presidential Award for the ‘2002 Outstanding Capital Material Development Contributor,’ Presidential Award for the ‘2000 New Technology Commercialization Contribution Company,’ and a number of other government awards..
