Lee Jae-Yong, chairman of Samsung Electronics, congratulated the awardees at the 'Samsung Ho-Am Prize' ceremony held at the Shilla Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the 30th. The chairman expressed his determination to inherit the philosophy of 'business for the nation' and 'top talents' from his predecessors by attending the Ho-Am Prize ceremony for the fourth consecutive year.
Arriving 15 minutes before the event started, the chairman headed straight to the venue. He has attended the awards ceremony for four consecutive years since the 2022 ceremony. A Samsung representative noted, 'Despite significant uncertainty in the internal and external management environment, the chairman attended this year's ceremony to encourage the awardees,' adding that it demonstrated his determination to carry on the spirit of business for the nation as promoted by his predecessor.
This year's awardees include Shin Seok-Woo (46), a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, for the Science Prize in the physics and mathematics sectors; Jeong Jong-Kyung (62), a professor at Seoul National University, for the Science Prize in the chemistry and life sciences sector; Kim Seung-Woo (69), emeritus professor at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), for the Engineering Prize; Gloria Choi (47), a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), for the Medicine Prize; Koo Bon-Chang (72), a photographer, for the Arts Prize; and Kim Dong-Hae (61), chairman of Vision Care, for the Social Service Prize. Each awardee received a certificate, a medal, and a prize money of 300 million won, totaling 1.8 billion won.
The ceremony was attended by over 270 people, including awardees' family members, friends, officials, and Samsung executives. The event proceeded with remarks from Kim Hwang-Sik, chairman of the Ho-Am Foundation; a review by Hong Seung-Chan, a professor at the Korea National University of Arts; awards for each institutional sector and acceptance speeches; and a congratulatory speech from Steve Sem-Sandberg, a commissioner of the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Chairman Kim Hwang-Sik remarked in his opening speech, 'It is a great joy and pride to have such outstanding individuals as our awardees,' and congratulated them for their devoted efforts in academic, artistic, and social service fields, contributing to the development of science, technology, and culture.
In particular, this year's ceremony commemorated last year's Ho-Am Prize recipient, author Han Kang, for her Nobel Prize in Literature. Steve Sem-Sandberg, a commissioner of the Nobel Prize in Literature, attended as a representative of the Nobel Foundation and noted, 'For the past 35 years, the Ho-Am Prize has consistently highlighted Korean scholars and scientists who have expanded the boundaries of human knowledge with dedication and courage,' and emphasized that 'the Nobel's belief in respecting and sharing differing opinions aligns with the values and perspectives sought by the Ho-Am Prize.'
The event was attended by over 50 Samsung executives, excluding those on overseas business trips, such as Jeon Young-Hyeon, head of the semiconductor sector at Samsung Electronics; Choi Joo-Seon, president of Samsung SDI; Lee Cheong, president of Samsung Display; and Jang Deok-Hyun, president of Samsung Electro-Mechanics.
Professor Jeong Jong-Kyung, awardee of the Science Prize in the chemistry and life sciences sector, said, 'My research achievements were impossible alone, and I thank the researchers who have led the laboratory together. I hope our research leads to the development of the first Parkinson's disease treatment, providing new hope to countless patients worldwide.'
Professor Kim Seung-Woo, recipient of the Engineering Prize, stated, 'I owe this moment to the students and fellow researchers with whom I shared challenges and passions, and to my family for their unwavering support.' He added, 'I will continue to dedicate myself to research and strive to ensure that this award leads to meaningful social contributions.'
Professor Gloria Choi, who received the Medicine Prize, expressed gratitude to her parents for living diligently as immigrants and to her husband, a scholarly companion and friend, stating, 'I have merely added to the foundation built by many scientists, and I hope more stones will be laid upon it.'
Koo Bon-Chang, an awardee of the Arts Prize, stated, 'Artistic creation begins with a deep understanding and sharing with others, and I find meaning in life through the ability to connect what I see and feel via my camera. I hope this award becomes a catalyst for greater interest in photographic art.'
Kim Dong-Hae, chairman of the Social Service Prize, remarked, 'Seeing patients who once lived in despair open their eyes and rejoice, I engrave the mission to share light and hope with many others in my heart.'
The Ho-Am Foundation plans to hold a special lecture for youth, inviting Nobel Prize recipients and Ho-Am Prize winners. The lectures will feature leading global scholars discussing their journeys in scientific research and the future of youth, with a Q&A session included for interaction with the youth.