Dr Suh Nam Pyo, President of KAIST – Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology – delivered the 2008 SMU Presidential Distinguished Speaker lecture at a luncheon hosted by SMU President Professor Howard Hunter on 7 March 2008. Dr Suh, an internationally recognised mechanical engineer and charismatic speaker, spoke about the challenges and opportunities of research universities, and the important role they play in industrialised countries. During his lecture he elaborated on the point that although many Asian universities strive to become leaders in research, it is important that they understand country specific issues as well as those that are global.

To illustrate his point, he discussed how KAIST has been transformed over the past two years. This has in part been achieved through changes to the curriculum and instruction language (English instead of Korean), design has become a required subject to introduce bi-model thinking, dual degree programmes were created, a new admissions policy and process established, and the number of applications from outstanding students increased. The university also set a goal to become one of the world’s leading research universities centered around science, engineering and management. KAIST is quickly achieving this goal by raising performance standards and being a leader in education and research. By securing greater government funding – to be doubled over the next five years – and raising funds through private gifts, the university is able to pursue its planned development.

Dr Suh also spoke about the EEWS (Energy, Environment, Water, Sustainability) initiative. He said it was established not only because these are major global problems that need solutions, but because he believes that the university that leads this endeavour will become a leading university in the world. Importantly, science and technology will be advanced and the countries that assist in the process will create a new industrial base and prosper.

Prior to joining KAIST in 2006 Dr Suh was at MIT from 1970. Apart from an appointment at the National Science Foundation in 1984 – where he created a new direction for the Engineering Directorate and introduced a new organisational programme structure for supporting engineering research – at MIT he redefined the discipline of mechanical engineering to meet new information and biology revolutions. He has received many awards and honours, consulted extensively throughout the world, authored papers and books and holds more than 50 patents. The work he does can only be described as inspiring.