The University of Utah Asia Campus (UAC) has taken a significant step toward advancing global education and fostering innovation through a new partnership with Jinju City and Jinju K-Entrepreneurship Foundation. An official Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on Monday, November 25, at the Utah Asia Campus in Songdo International City, bringing together key leaders to establish a collaborative framework for spreading K-Entrepreneurship worldwide.
Gregory Hill, Chief Administrative Officer of the University of Utah Asia Campus, joined Jinju Mayor Kyoo-il Jo and Jinju K-Entrepreneurship Foundation Chairman Jong-wook Kim to formalize the agreement. The partnership focuses on integrating the principles of K-Entrepreneurship—a value system inspired by the pioneering spirit of South Korea’s leading conglomerate founders—into global education and innovation initiatives.
“This collaboration not only amplifies the reach of K-Entrepreneurship but also positions the University of Utah Asia Campus as a leader in fostering global innovation and entrepreneurial excellence,” said Gregory Hill. He emphasized the alignment of UAC’s mission with the objectives of the partnership, noting that the collaboration reinforces UAC’s role as a leader in promoting innovation and cross-cultural education. Also, He added that the State of Utah is emerging as an ideal space for startups – from 2025, direct flights to Salt Lake City, home to the University of Utah, will begin operation. The collaboration with the University of Utah is expected to play a pivotal role in promoting K-entrepreneurship on a global scale.
Mayor Jo highlighted the transformative potential of the partnership, emphasizing Jinju’s ambition to become a hub for global entrepreneurship. He expressed confidence that the collaboration with the University of Utah Asia Campus would accelerate efforts to establish Jinju as an international destination for students and aspiring entrepreneurs.
The agreement outlines plans for several key initiatives, including hosting K-Entrepreneurship-focused conferences and forums, developing academic exchange programs, and creating opportunities for community engagement projects that embody the principles of entrepreneurial spirit and innovation. These efforts aim to build a global network of forward-thinking leaders while driving economic and social progress.
Chairman Jong-wook Kim articulated a bold vision for the Jinju International Forum on Entrepreneurship, aspiring to elevate it to the level of the World Economic Forum in Davos. He emphasized the importance of showcasing the entrepreneurial philosophy of South Korea’s iconic conglomerates to inspire future generations and cultivate a global dialogue around innovation and sustainable growth.
As Jinju City, the Jinju K-Entrepreneurship Foundation, and the University of Utah Asia Campus join forces, the partnership signals a pivotal moment in the global promotion of entrepreneurial values and education. The initiative seeks to create lasting opportunities for cultural exchange and economic growth, reaffirming a collective dedication to shaping the future of global entrepreneurship.
The University of Utah Asia Campus, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, has solidified its reputation as a leading American higher education institution in Korea. Offering the same academic rigor and degree programs as its home campus in Salt Lake City, UAC provides students with a world-class education in a multicultural setting. This partnership with Jinju City further underscores UAC’s commitment to nurturing global talent and expanding its impact on international education and development.