Shinhan Foundation chairman urges scholars to 'believe in your own potential'

The Shinhan Scholarship Foundation has awarded a total of 41.5 billion won ($27.6 million) in scholarships to about 3,000 recipients since its founding in 2006, according to figures compiled Monday.

The foundation held its 2026 Shinhan Scholarship Camp over two days starting Friday at Shinhan Bank's Blue Campus in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. Current scholarship recipients, alumni scholars and foundation officials took part.

Scholars selected this year will receive a living-expense stipend — 3 million won for middle school students, 3.6 million won for high school students and 6 million won for university students — along with a self-development allowance, for a maximum total of 8 million won.

The camp was organized to strengthen participants' sense of belonging and pride while deepening networks among scholars. It featured mentoring sessions with Shinhan leaders and alumni scholars, lectures by prominent figures and team-based collaborative activities.

Foundation board Chairman Jin Ok-dong used the "Shinhan Leader Mentoring" session to emphasize the mindset and attitude needed to grow into future leaders, urging scholars to believe in their own potential and take on challenges as they pursue their studies and plan their careers.

Participants gained a deeper understanding of the foundation's vision and the purpose of its scholarship program, and received practical advice on academics, career paths and entering the workforce from alumni scholars who have already made their way in society. The camp reflected the foundation's focus on going beyond financial support to foster meaningful exchange and growth among its scholars.

A foundation official said the camp gave scholars a chance to reinforce their pride as members of the foundation and build bonds and networks with one another, adding that the foundation would continue to expand its range of growth-support programs, including mentoring, lectures and social-problem-solving projects.