On November 18, 2025, a wave of educational ambition swept through South Korea, as two major initiatives—one rooted in philanthropy and the other in academic innovation—signaled a new era for lifelong learning, social contribution, and regional development. The Unhae Scholarship Foundation, a public interest organization established by SNT affiliates, and Daewon University, a local educational leader, each took bold steps to expand opportunities for students, seniors, and underprivileged communities alike.
The Unhae Scholarship Foundation, founded in 2013 through a remarkable KRW 30 billion investment from SNT Chairman Choi Pyeong-gyu, SNT Dynamics, and SNT Motive, announced plans to dramatically increase its social contribution activities beginning in 2026. According to Break News, the Foundation will broaden its scholarship programs for science and engineering undergraduates and, for the first time, include students with disabilities attending special schools. Not stopping there, the Foundation is also launching an academic research support program targeting graduate students focused on research and development in South Korea’s key national industries—a move that aims to invigorate the country’s research ecosystem, especially in fields like automotive, defense, and power generation.
This expansion is built on an already impressive track record. Since 2014, the Unhae Scholarship Foundation has awarded KRW 11.4 billion in scholarships to roughly 1,480 recipients. With the 2026 expansion, the number of scholarship recipients is projected to reach about 2,000, reflecting the Foundation’s commitment to not just academic excellence but also social equity. By November 2025, the Foundation’s assets had grown to KRW 190 billion, including KRW 90 billion in base assets, thanks to four additional rounds of donations. This financial muscle is enabling the Foundation to reach more students than ever before, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds or with special needs.
The Foundation’s efforts are matched by those of its parent companies, SNT Dynamics and SNT Motive, which have become pillars of social responsibility in their respective regions. SNT Dynamics, based in Changwon, actively engages local youth in historical and cultural tours, hosts concerts and cultural events for residents, and participates in the “One Company, One Village” sisterhood program. The company also supports Agent Orange victims and their families, and helps military children through career counseling programs. These activities, according to an SNT representative quoted by Break News, are part of a broader commitment to “grow alongside the local community” and “fulfill our corporate social responsibility.”
Meanwhile, SNT Motive, a fixture in Busan, supports welfare centers for the disabled and senior centers, and is deeply involved in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) activities. Their participation in the “One Company, One River” environmental improvement initiative is just one example of how the company is embedding sustainability into its corporate DNA. Both companies have made it clear that their social contribution activities are not one-off events but ongoing commitments to the communities they serve.
While the Unhae Scholarship Foundation and SNT affiliates are making waves through philanthropy and corporate responsibility, Daewon University is leading the charge in educational innovation. On the same day as the Foundation’s announcement, Professor Kim Yong-min of Daewon University delivered a public lecture titled “The Role of Private Education in Public Education” at the university’s Changwon campus. The event, attended by around 30 faculty members and fifth-year students, focused on the interplay between private and public educational sectors, the challenges facing regional education, and the importance of cooperation to address social welfare issues.
Professor Kim didn’t mince words about the transformative power of education. He argued that private education is crucial for “providing new opportunities and hope to children and youth,” particularly in regions like Changwon and Gyeongnam where access to high-quality educational resources can be uneven. According to Joongdo Ilbo, Kim highlighted Daewon University’s efforts to support high-quality education and research, pointing to the development of seven academic departments—including career counseling, regional social welfare, and special education—as evidence of the university’s commitment to meeting regional needs.
In his remarks, Professor Kim also touched on ongoing strategies to enhance educational and research capabilities at Daewon University and across the region. These include sustainable educational development plans and a focus on building a cooperative ecosystem between private and public institutions. “The cooperation between private and public education sectors is essential to improve educational outcomes and regional social welfare,” he noted, underscoring the need for shared responsibility in tackling the challenges of a rapidly changing society.
The forum at Daewon University was more than just a lecture—it was a community-wide conversation. The event featured a panel discussion moderated by Kim Young-jin, head of the Daejeon Research Institute, and included voices from local government, welfare organizations, and academia. The dialogue revolved around the challenges and opportunities presented by an aging society, the digital divide, and the role of lifelong learning in empowering seniors and bridging generational gaps.
Local officials echoed these themes in their speeches. Nam Seung-do, co-representative of the Dong-gu Forum, opened the event by emphasizing the need for education across all generations to adapt to a digital age. Daejeon University President Nam Sang-ho welcomed participants by stressing the growing importance of lifelong education in the AI era, stating, “Lifelong education is essential for adapting quickly to the AI era and bridging the digital gap between young and old.” Dong-gu Mayor Park Hee-jo highlighted efforts to create smart learning spaces in senior centers, pledging to do everything possible to ensure that seniors do not feel left behind by new technologies. Oh Kwan-young, chairman of the Dong-gu Council, noted the high proportion of seniors in the region and reaffirmed the commitment to providing them with new knowledge and a sense of belonging.
Both the Unhae Scholarship Foundation and Daewon University are responding to the pressing needs of their communities—whether it’s through scholarships for underprivileged students, research support for graduate students, or innovative educational programs for lifelong learners. Their efforts reflect a broader movement in South Korea to harness education as a tool for social mobility, economic development, and community cohesion.
As 2026 approaches, these initiatives promise not only to expand access to education but also to deepen the bonds between institutions, businesses, and the communities they serve. In an era marked by rapid technological change and social transformation, their work stands as a testament to the enduring power of education to shape lives and societies for the better.