Hee Bum Lee
South Korean Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Energy

Government’s role in private business
In light of recent emergence and significant success on the world market of certain Korean companies, it becomes important to outline the Korean government’s role in fostering private business. When questioned, Minister Lee pinpointed three main areas in which the Korean government has been facilitating the impressive growth of private business: developing infrastructure, investing in education and human capital, and liberalizing inhibiting bureaucratic regulations.

Dedication to IT Education
Minster Lee shared sentiments about the national importance that Korea has put on enhancing its IT education. The Minister, along with other leaders and educators, believe that Korea’s future economic success is going to be closely related to the IT industry. Therefore, he commented positively on the recent $52 million grant that the government has provided for Dongseo University’s IT department.

Loyal to public service, loyal to his country
When questioned why he chose to abandon a career in the sciences (the Minister holds a Engineering Degree), Mr. Lee responded that he felt a strong urge to participate in his country’s public service. Emerging as the top candidate following the Higher National Civil Service Examination, the Minister realized his dream to offer his dedication and expertise to developing public policy for the better future of Korea.