KCUE Proposes Policies for University Development to 21st Presidential Candidates

- Policies for Young People in Their 20s-30s -

□ The Korean Council for University Education (KCUE), led by Chairman Yang O-bong (President of Jeonbuk National University), Vice Chairman Byun Chang-Hoon (President of Daegu Haany University), and Secretary General Lee Kyung-hee, met with Jin Seongjun, who chairs the Policy Committee of the Minjoo Party, and Kim Sanghoon, the head of the People’s Power Party Policy Committee, to deliver the 2025 Policy Proposal for University Development prepared by KCUE.

 

ㅇ KCUE’s 2025 Policy Proposal for University Development is intended to guide the new government's higher education policy. The recommendations consist of five goals and nine strategies aimed at propelling the country into the top 10 global powerhouses in higher education innovation.

ㅇ KCUE’s policy recommendations included five overarching goals: 1) increasing financial investment in higher education in order to become one of the top 10 leaders in the world; 2) introducing three policies to support young people; 3) strengthening university autonomy in order to drive future innovation; 4) transforming university research with a focus on AI and future technologies; and 5) establishing a regional talent circulation system centered around universities. These goals have shaped concrete implementation strategies for people in their 20s and 30s.

 

ㅇ KCUE Chairman Yang O-bong stated, “We will work closely with policymakers to ensure that these recommendations are incorporated into the next administration's higher education policy.” He emphasized that "There is an urgent need for policies that support young people, such as extending the Special Account for Higher and Lifelong Education Support and introducing the Higher Education Financial Grant Act to ensure stable funding for higher education institutions, as well as providing support for the physical and mental health of young people in their 20s and 30s." He also proposed, "We should work to expand infrastructure at universities to facilitate digital transformation, including the use of AI." In response, Vice Chairman Byun Chang-Hoon suggested, “We need a law on private university restructuring, as well as a system to facilitate small contributions to universities. This will help diversify university finances and promote a culture of giving.”

 

ㅇ "I appreciate these quality policy suggestions," said Jin Seongjun, the Chairperson of the Policy Committee of the Minjoo Party. He expressed his agreement on issues such as extending the Special Account for Higher and Lifelong Education Support, securing stable funding for higher education, enacting a law on restructuring private universities, and promoting policies for young people. Kim Sang-hoon, the Policy Committee Chairman of the People's Power Party, responded, “We will consider extending the Special Account for Higher and Lifelong Education Support, securing higher education funding, implementing policies for young people, and improving the visa system to attract and retain foreigners.”