Bridge to Korea

the newly-launched initiative is positioned to introduce the many facets of Korean culture and society and to promote research on Korea to local and regional audience.

MKRC head Dr Kim Keum Hyun said the entity has played the role of a bridge between the two countries, especially in collaborations involving Korean, Malaysian and South East Asian scholars in Korean-related research. The new addition will add another dimension to its offerings.

“In the past three years, we have published three books about Korean culture, Korean politics and recently, on the dynamics of South Korea’s relationship with East Asia Pacific. We have also been published in journals — local and international. Some of our current work includes collaboration in research work with researchers from other countries,” she said.

Among the ongoing projects by MRC are a literature comparison between Malay and Korean proverbs about women, and rural development comparison between Malaysia and Korea which is set to be published next year.

“The study is being undertaken by UM, Universiti Utara Malaysia and several universities in Korea,” said Kim.

She added that MKRC has also, in the past, conducted a Malay language class for Koreans and Korean language classes for Malaysians.

“They were vastly popular so we hope to carry out such activities,” said Kim.

Meanwhile, UM Deputy Vice Chancellor (student affairs) Datuk Professor Dr Rohana Yusof said the Korea Corner would be useful to its student community as well as researchers.

“UM has many students going abroad to Korea. This corner and centre would be helpful to students, researchers and people from outside who want to know more about Korea. The corner is a good starting point for preliminary research. It will give another avenue other than the Korean embassy to get resources,” she said.

Also present at the launch was the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea Professor Dr Yu Hyun-Seok.