Latest news with #SohnKyung-shik
Korea Herald
14 hours ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
KEF chief awarded OSU's Henry G. Bennett Global Fellows honor
Sohn Kyung-shik, chair of CJ Group and the Korea Enterprises Federation, has won the Henry G. Bennett Global Fellows Award by Oklahoma State University in the US, in recognition of his leadership in business and cultural diplomacy, the KEF said Monday. Sohn is the second Korean to receive the prestigious award, following former Prime Minister Nam Duck-woo in 2005, and joins a distinguished list of past recipients including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, former General Electric Chair and CEO Jack Welch, and Forbes Media Chair Steve Forbes. Named after the former OSU president, the award began in 2001 to honor leaders around the world who have addressed complex global issues from a wide range of fields, including academia, business, government and nonprofit sectors. 'This recognition is not only a personal milestone but also a moment of pride for CJ Group and the Republic of Korea," he said in his acceptance speech delivered at a ceremony hosted by OSU and the Alumni Association in Seoul on Saturday. The Republic of Korea is South Korea's official name. Sohn, who earned an MBA from OSU, reflected on the impact the university and the US had on his life and business career. 'It was (at OSU) that I gained not only academic knowledge but also unlocked the foundational principles of global management and expanded my horizon to embrace an international perspective," Sohn said at the ceremony. "My experiences in the United States became the launching pad for CJ Group's global endeavors and the spread of the Korean Wave." Under Sohn's leadership, CJ has played a key role in expanding Korean culture worldwide, through food brand Bibigo, K-pop, films and K-dramas, as well as in areas such as beauty, biotech and logistics. 'Just as Dr. Henry Bennett dedicated his life to fostering international education and cooperation, I have passionately committed myself to bridging borders through business and cultural exchange,' he said. Sohn, who also heads major business lobby KEF, said he is committed to helping Korean companies strengthen their global competitiveness and foster innovation and growth. 'This journey is not merely about economic success; it is about elevating Korea's soft power on the global stage and fulfilling our responsibilities as a member of the international community.'
Korea Herald
09-06-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
KEF chief calls for flexible, diverse labor markets at ILO conference
The future of successful labor markets depends on greater diversity and autonomy, Korea Enterprises Federation Chairman Sohn Kyung-shik told the International Labor Organization on Monday, urging a balanced perspective and flexibility amid mounting economic and technical challenges. Representing South Korea's business community, Sohn, who also chairs CJ Group, delivered a speech at the ILO's 113th International Labour Conference in Geneva. He called on the lLO to consider each country's labor market circumstances and diverse views of labor, management and government in a balanced manner. Sohn noted that the world is facing "unprecedented and complex challenges,' due to global economic uncertainty, escalating geopolitical conflicts, technological disruptions and climate change. 'Technologies such as AI, robotics and automation are profoundly reshaping industrial structures and the labor market,' said Sohn. 'While new industries are growing and new jobs are being created, it is alarming that one out of five young people, who are our future generation, still remains unemployed without education or training.' Sohn stressed the need for flexibility in labor markets and stronger tripartite cooperation among workers, employers and government to build a virtuous cycle in which growth leads to job creation. 'Enterprises are the backbone of growth and job creation. Rigid and uniform regulations that hinder enterprise investment and employment need to be actively relaxed,' he said, adding that workers and employers should be allowed to flexibly manage working hours and shift toward a performance-based wage system. Following the speech, Sohn met with ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo to exchange views on Korea's labor market. He also held talks with Roberto Suarez Santos, secretary-general of the International Organization of Employers, Matthias Thorns, IOE vice president to the ILO and Employers' Group spokesperson, and Tan Hee Tek, president of the Singapore National Employers Federation, agreeing to strengthen global cooperation on employment and labor issues. The annual ILO Conference, taking place from June 2 to 13, brings together tripartite representatives from 187 member states to discuss a wide range of issues, including protection against biological hazards at work and decent work in the platform economy, among others.
Korea Herald
24-02-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
KEF publishes English booklet on Korea's business environment for overseas institutions
The Korea Enterprises Federation on Monday said it published an English booklet on Korea's business environment and labor market and distributed it to over 250 think tanks and key organizations around the world. The business lobby's publication, titled '2025 Business Environment and Labor Market in Korea,' covers policies, legislation and the latest research and statistics on topics such as minimum wage, industrial transformation and labor market reforms. The handbook is aimed at helping international organizations, foreign business organizations and multinational corporations better understand Korea's business landscape. The publication is sent to 250 institutions around the world, including international organizations such as the OECD and International Labor Organization. It was also distributed to major foreign business groups, including the US Council for International Business, Japan Business Federation, China International Council for the Promotion of Multinational Corporations, BusinessEurope, and the Confederation of British Industry, among others. Other recipients include major think tanks, such as the World Economic Forum, the International Institute for Management Development, The Heritage Foundation and the Center for Strategic and International Studies. KEF Chairman Sohn Kyung-shik, who also heads CJ Group, sent a letter with the booklet, expressing hope that the publication would enhance understanding of Korea's business and labor environment and encourage continued active business activities and investment in the country. Earlier in January, Sohn also sent letters to key international organizations, including the ILO, the IOE and The Heritage Foundation, explaining Korea's political situation and calling for continued support and confidence in the Korean economy and corporations.
Korea Herald
24-02-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
KEF releases annual English handbook on S. Korean business environment
The Korea Enterprises Federation said Monday it has released an annual English handbook on South Korea's latest business and labor market environment. The KEF said the handbook, titled 2025 Business Environment and Labor Market in Korea, was produced to help international organizations and foreign companies better understand the latest key topics and environments pertaining to research and investment in the country. The business lobby has sent the handbook to some 250 organizations, including the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and the International Labour Organization, as well as overseas think tanks and companies. KEF Chairman Sohn Kyung-shik said in a letter sent with the handbook that he hopes the book enhances understanding of South Korea's business environment and labor market, while encouraging continued engagement and investment in the country. (Yonhap)
