Martin School Welcomes South Korean Professionals
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 1, 2009) -- The University of Kentucky Martin School of Public Policy and Administration recently welcomed the first class of participants to the International Public Policy and Management Institution (IPPMI). The program offers a one-year certificate program to mid-career professionals from abroad who desire an academic, professional and cultural experience in the United States.
All five members of the first IPPMI class of trainees are from South Korea. In June 2009 the Martin School signed an agreement with the Metropolitan Government of Seoul, South Korea, to engage in a cooperative exchange program.
The trainees have a variety of professional backgrounds. They are: Hong Ju Park of S.H. Corporation, a housing and land development group; Kyung Uk Cho of Seoul Metropolitan Facilities Management Corporation, manager of public facilities including the World Cup Stadium, Children’s Grand Park and underground shopping facilities; Song Soo Kang of Seoul Agricultural and Marine Products Corporation, a group specializing in management of wholesale markets for agricultural and marine commodities; and Jin Se Kim and Young Sun Kim, both of the Seoul Metro subway and urban transit system.
Ed Jennings, the Martin School’s Director of International Programs, said “This is a very exciting initiative. The first trainees are very happy to be here and will bring a lot to the university. Over the coming years, IPPMI programs will help build UK relationships around the globe.”
IPPMI offers trainees the opportunity to complete independent academic studies with a concentration on public management and local development policy and to participate in professional field visits to a variety of public and private organizations in the U.S. Trainees are also offered opportunities to improve their English language skills and to broaden their understanding of American culture.
All applicants to IPPMI are required to possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution, a minimum of ten years of professional experience and competency in English. For more information, contact IPPMI Director Doo Oak Kim or Ed Jennings at (859) 257-4522, or visit http://www.martin.uky.edu/IPPMI.