¡®Student satisfaction¡¯ is new goal

Newly appointed Minister of Education Song Ja always has stressed the character-building aspect of education: "Education leads to bright and good-hearted nature."

"In the 21st century, all nations will be actively promoting the creative aspect of education, as the international community swings ever further toward knowledge-based societies,¡± he said at the first press conference after his appointment to the post. ¡°As such, it is not enough to consider education policy in terms of crisis management."

Given his nickname, "The Managing Chairman", he introduced a business concept to education.

"There is a need for a customer-satisfaction mindset even in the field of education," he explained. "Only then, student satisfaction as well as teacher satisfaction can be achieved."

Song proposed three basic principles: education freedom; equal educational opportunity; and educational globalization.

"Capitalist societies stress gradation rather than equality, and efficiency rather than equilibrium," he said. ¡°Students and parents must have the right to choose and select from a wide range of educational opportunities."

Based on his principles, many expect the minister to encourage the establishment of various public institutions, as well as independent private institutions and special schools geared to students in special fields.

Concerning equal educational opportunity, the minister said that all students should have the opportunity to receive a public university education. As such, the minister is expected to push through with the current reform of placing greater weight on high school grade-point averages of students, as well as their non-academic accomplishments, for university entrance criteria.

In connection to education globalization, the minister is expected to push through reforms to increase the competitiveness of Korean universities in the international arena.

"Reforms must be realistically practical," he said in response to the backlashes against educational reforms, hinting at a readjustment of the schedule for the reforms.

During his tenure as president of Yonsei University, he had to overcome much criticism concerning his dual nationality. However, he also successfully adopted a business mindset to obtain 217 billion won in contributions for school development.

Many consider him as an able leader who places great responsibilities on his subordinates but at the same time demands excellence and accuracy. He also is known for his great store of ideas, personal contacts and people skills.