Over the weekend, the Rector of Dongseo University (DSU), Prof. Dr. Je-kuk Chang, visited Lithuania, marking another significant milestone in the academic and cultural collaboration between the Republic of Korea and Lithuania. His visit included a meeting with Mykolas Romeris University (MRU) and a visit to the Presidential Palace, where an official awards ceremony was held on February 16 to honor individuals for their exceptional contributions to Lithuania.
During the prestigious ceremony, Prof. Dr. Je-kuk Chang was awarded the Officer’s Cross of the Order for Merits to Lithuania. This recognition was granted in acknowledgment of his long-standing and substantial contributions to fostering academic ties between Lithuania and South Korea, promoting international cooperation, and strengthening cultural connections between the two nations.
“This distinguished award is a significant recognition of the long-term, sustainable collaboration between Dongseo University and Mykolas Romeris University, as well as the vital role it plays in strengthening academic and cultural relations between Lithuania and South Korea. More than a decade of partnership has opened new opportunities for students, faculty members, and researchers,” said MRU Rector, Prof. Dr. Inga Žalėnienė.
The Sustainability of Academic Cooperation
For many years, Prof. Dr. Je-kuk Chang has actively promoted academic dialogue between South Korea and Lithuania. Under his initiative, Mykolas Romeris University established the first King Sejong Institute in the Baltic region, which has been successfully teaching the Korean language and culture for over a decade. The institute has become an essential platform for students eager to deepen their understanding of South Korea and has significantly contributed to enhancing cultural awareness between the two countries.
During his visit, an important meeting took place at MRU with the university’s Rector, Prof. Dr. Inga Žalėnienė. Discussions focused on further opportunities for collaboration, with an emphasis on expanding academic exchanges, developing joint research projects, and strengthening cultural partnerships. Both parties highlighted that this relationship is not only strategic but also deeply rooted in shared values, fostering academic growth and intercultural dialogue.
“Our 14-year collaboration has already yielded tangible results. We have established a ‘two plus two’ program with your university, where students study for two years in Lithuania and then two years in South Korea, ultimately earning a double degree. This experience not only enhances their competitiveness in the international job market but also allows them to act as bridges connecting our two nations,” emphasized Prof. Dr. Chang.
The Importance of International Collaboration
For Lithuanian universities, opportunities to collaborate with Asian academic institutions signal the country’s increasing visibility in the global academic and educational landscape. The partnership between Dongseo University and Mykolas Romeris University serves as a successful example of how international cooperation can not only expand academic opportunities but also foster greater cultural understanding.
Prof. Dr. Je-kuk Chang’s visit and recognition mark an important step forward in Lithuania-South Korea relations, demonstrating that higher education and culture can serve as powerful bridges connecting different regions of the world.
