The Year-End Events being run by ISSS to mark the conclusion of the semester and 2020 have found success and appreciation from the KAIST international community. The Thanks Delivery Service received 20 detailed applications, while the competition for special KAIST memories gained more than 60, which are still under careful review by ISSS staff as of December 9. During the week beginning November 30, ISSS also distributed gift boxes of Sung Sim Dang cakes to hundreds of international community members.

The Thanks Delivery Service, which received applications between November 10 and 20, was created to encourage the spread of goodwill and gratitude throughout the community, and the stories told by some of the applicants represent this purpose perfectly. Reynolds Akoto, a PhD student in the Department of Aerospace Engineering, described his thanks to a labmate for ongoing friendship and support. Ivan Kristianto Singgih, a post-doctoral researcher in the Department of Industrial Engineering, talked about the help he received just after moving to KAIST and the birth of his first child. Meanwhile, MS student Muhammad Fasih told a story of appreciation that many KAISTians can relate to: he thanked Professor Hyo-Hoon Jang of the School of Electrical Engineering for putting in great efforts to give engaging lectures. 

The stories and messages shared by each of the applicants were passed onto their chosen recipient along with gifts of a Thermos tumbler and a hand cream set. Insun Jang, one of the organizers of the event, commented that she hopes the prepared gifts “are perfect for the cold winter holidays.”

The results of the KAIST Memories competition are expected to be released towards the middle or end of December. The first-place prizes are 300,000 and 500,000 KRW for photo and video entries respectively.