Wins the 12th Michael Porter Prize in the “University Competitiveness” Category

Recognized for Global Education Achievements and International Cooperation Grounded in Saemaul Studies

Sets a Model for University Innovation and Global Engagement by Cultivating Talent for Global Contribution

[December 10, 2025]

<YU won the 12th Michael Porter Prize in the University Competitiveness category. (Right: YU President CHOI Oe-chool)>

 Yeungnam University (YU, President CHOI Oe-chool) was selected as the winning institution in the University Competitiveness category at the 12th Michael Porter Prize Awards Ceremony, held on December 4 at The Shilla Seoul in Seoul. With this achievement, following wins in 2023 and 2024, YU has secured the prize for three consecutive years and earned a place in the prestigious Hall of Fame.

 The Michael Porter Prize is a highly respected award presented to institutions that create both economic and social value, based on the competitive strategy theories of Professor Michael Porter of Harvard University, a world-renowned scholar in management.The prize is co-hosted by the Institute for Industrial Policy Studies, BEST Forum, The Dong-A Ilbo, and Channel A, and is sponsored by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Korea Council of Multinational Companies (KCMC). It recognizes outstanding competitiveness across a wide range of sectors, including nations, cities, industries, corporations, and universities. Notably, the “Competitiveness” category was newly established this year, and Yeungnam University was selected as the inaugural recipient, presenting a new benchmark for university innovation.

 This award drew particular attention as it recognized that YU’s long-established CSV and ESG management models form the foundation of its university competitiveness.In particular, the integrated governance system built around the president—linking ▲the Park Chung Hee School of Policy and Saemaul (PSPS), ▲the Institute for International Development Cooperation (IIDC), ▲the Social Contribution Group, the ESG Committee, and ▲the ESG Innovation Center—received high praise. Through this system, YU has effectively translated its educational, research, and social contribution functions into tangible social value, thereby substantively strengthening its institutional competitiveness. The judging panel also highly evaluated YU’s success in institutionalizing a system for social value creation across education, research, and industry–academia cooperation, based on its accumulated glocal CSV capabilities and ESG-leading governance. In addition, YU was cited for establishing a standard model of university innovation through data-driven operational capacity and the global dissemination of its achievements.

<YU enters the Hall of Fame after winning the Michael Porter Prize for three consecutive years.>

 In particular, YU stood out for its global capacity-building efforts based on Korea’s education ODA model. Over the past 14 years, the university has trained approximately 1,000 master’s degree students from 77 countries worldwide. Including short-term training programs related to the Saemaul Movement, YU has provided education and training to approximately 4,400 overseas public officials and experts from 94 countries, including those affiliated with international organizations, systematically sharing Korea’s development experience and Saemaul studies.A representative case demonstrating the effectiveness of YU’s university management was highlighted by the fact that public officials and experts from various countries have applied the action plans developed at YU to government policies, public development projects, and regional development plans upon returning to their home countries. In addition, cooperation with overseas universities, expansion of alumni networks, and overseas field-based volunteer and consulting programs were also highly evaluated. Furthermore, YU has institutionalized the application of “Saemaul Spirit 2.0”—which adds sharing, service, and creativity to the traditional values of diligence, self-help, and cooperation—into its university management and educational programs. This includes customized policy development education for leaders from developing countries, community-linked social contribution models, and data-driven ESG disclosure systems. Such systematic operations have been recognized not only for enhancing university competitiveness but also for presenting a university model that contributes to shared growth with the nation, regions, and the global community.

 President CHOI Oe-chool stated, “YU has advanced the Saemaul Movement—an embodiment of the founding philosophy of Hongik Ingan (benefiting humanity)—by systematizing it into ‘Saemaul Studies’ and developing practical programs that integrate education, research, and social contribution, thereby contributing to the international community.” He added, “This award represents meaningful recognition of the sustained efforts and achievements accumulated by YU and its participating faculty in sharing and advancing Saemaul Studies.” He continued, “In particular, winning in the ‘University Competitiveness’ category and entering the Hall of Fame with three consecutive Michael Porter Prizes demonstrate that the university management system established by YU has become a best-practice model for education ODA and sustainable management.” He concluded by saying, “Going forward, based on Korea’s development experience and Saemaul Studies, we will continue to make every effort to widely share theoretical and practical knowledge through education, contributing to solving issues faced by the global community and to the shared prosperity of humanity.”