President Kwang Hyung Lee has gradually begun to realize his vision for KAIST, following his proposal of the new “QAIST” strategy since his inauguration. Alongside this, his efforts to communicate actively with the KAIST community have become more evident. The first “First Tuesday Talk” (FTT) was held on May 4, where students and staff shared their opinions and inquiries with the president. In addition, President Lee presented his vision to the student body during the “New KAIST for the Next 50 Years” event held on May 13. 

The FTT was organized to provide a platform for open discussion with President Lee and the KAIST leadership team. Only 20 pre-registered participants were allowed for this month’s FTT due to the COVID-19 situation on campus; however, the limit on the number of participants may be removed in the future. Simultaneous interpretation from Korean to English was also provided to allow international students to engage in the discussion. Various issues and questions mainly revolving around the “QAIST” vision were brought up in the first FTT. Participants in general sympathized with the new vision, with the emphasis put on creating a collaborative rather than a competitive environment between students. Following this plan, a suggestion to revise the mandatory courses’ grading system to an S/U grading system was made. Concerns about further internationalization were also expressed — while the president intends to increase the number of international students to up to 50 percent of the student body, issues such as the language barrier and assimilation into the KAIST community still exist. In response, President Lee proposed improving the freshman bridge program and international student support policies. He also recognized that it is necessary to consolidate the platform for internationalization by improving exchange student programs and strengthening overseas internship programs for graduate students. Further inquiries about enhancing student welfare by remodeling dormitories, the progress of the art gallery project and promotion of large-scale state-led research projects were also made.

Ayantu Teshome Mossisa, an undergraduate student from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, who attended the FTT commented, “I think it was a great stage for solving the problems of the KAIST community… Since this event is going to be held every month, I think it will definitely bring our school to a better level.” The FTT, which is expected to become a representative platform for communication at our university, will continue to be held on the first Tuesday of every month from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the first-floor lobby of the Administration Building (E14). 

Through the “New KAIST for the Next 50 Years” talk, President Lee shared the details of his vision and “QAIST” with undergraduate and graduate students. The event was held at KSEEK studio located in Jukdong at 8 p.m. and was broadcast through ThankyouAge, an online platform that allows for interaction between the presenter and audience through chat and interactive activities. A Zoom meeting of the event with English translations was also provided for international students. President Lee and four panelists representing the Undergraduate Association (UA) Emergency Response Committee and the Graduate Students Association (GSA) met offline. 48 video participants were present, along with students watching the online broadcast. The event consisted of the president’s presentation, discussion and Q&A, and short surveys and quizzes. The surveys collected student opinions on topics such as which element of  “QAIST” should be most prioritized, the type of support most needed for students looking to found a start-up, which aspect of the living environment at KAIST should be improved, and the most important virtue of professors. Participants were also able to give feedback and ask questions through the chatting function. The topics of discussion included the failures President Lee himself experienced and what types of failures would be beneficial for members of KAIST, a book President Lee would like to recommend, improving the meal options on campus, and the realistic difficulties of taking on challenges for graduate students, among others. Although not all questions could be answered due to time limitations, the comments from the talk are expected to be organized and delivered to President Lee.

On May 12, Episode 106 of the variety show You Quiz on the Block starring President Lee, along with hosts Yoo Jae-suk and Jo Se-ho, was aired. The president shared amusing anecdotes: becoming the model for the lead role of the K-drama “KAIST” broadcast in 1999, teaching students who founded successful companies such as Nexon, and bringing the geese onto campus. Revealing that he watches the TV upside down to break away from stereotypes, President Lee commented, “I believe the people who change this world are the eccentric… I want to create a playground where these people can run around freely to their heart’s content at KAIST.” He also added, “To convince all members — students and professors — to think, ‘Let’s become the first’… all I can do is to serve them.”

Through President Kwang Hyung Lee’s efforts to become more approachable to the student body, it is anticipated that members of the KAIST community will be able to directly and effectively voice their opinions to the KAIST leadership team, and the increase in communication will result in positive changes.