On September 27, KAIST announced that a 40-year-old widow donated stocks valued at 2 billion Korean Won to KAIST for use in scientific development and educating talented students’ in Korea, in accordance with her late husband’s wishes. Yoon-Gyeong Shim, whose late husband Gyeong-Dae Kim was former CEO of Seoul Alloy Metals, currently resides in New Zealand with her two children and donated her and her children’s inheritance to KAIST through an agent.

While figuring out how to use the inheritance left behind by Mr. Kim, Mrs. Shim came across certifications of donation and deeds of covenant in her husband’s possessions. For three to four years, her husband had been making monthly donations to be used for undernourished children and others in need. In light of this discovery, Mrs. Shim decided to donate to Korea’s leading technological institute KAIST in hopes of continuing her late husband’s philanthropy and his lifelong devotion to the IT field. Her two children, Hyun-Jae (19) and Young-Jae (17) both participated enthusiastically.

“I know my late husband, who left before his time, would be very happy with our decision,” said Mrs. Shim. “Although we live far away in New Zealand, my children and I are proud Koreans and we are very glad to be able to give a small hand to Korea’s pride, KAIST. We hope KAIST can accomplish my husband’s belief and passion for the development of science and technology, not only in KAIST, but also for Korea as a whole.”

“We are grateful of Mrs. Shim’s decision to donate to KAIST,” commented President Suh. “With respect to her late husband’s noble will, KAIST will try to become the best university in the world by creating the best science technology workforce.”

Seoul Alloy Metals, the former employer of the late Mr. Kim, is a national company that produces basic conjugates used in electric and electronic machinery, with founding technology in the environmental-friendly smokeless lead-free solder field.

Since the inauguration of President Suh, KAIST has put a lot of effort into popularizing the donating culture. Since then, donators to KAIST have both increased in number and come from various groups in society, including professors, staff, students, alumni, parents and the general public.