Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-koo Foundation builds global alliance to develop next-generation ASEAN leaders

The Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-koo Foundation signed a multilateral MOU with 10 leading universities, research institutions and international organizations focused on ASEAN affairs at the National University of Singapore Asia Research Institute (NUS ARI) on Thursday, the foundation announced Friday.

The nine institutions joining the foundation in the agreement are the NUS Asia Research Institute, Korea University's Asiatic Research Institute, the ASEAN Foundation, the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia, the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Indonesia, the Southeast Asian Regional Exchange Foundation, the Faculty of Political Science at Chulalongkorn University, the King Prajadhipok's Institute and the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at Kyoto University. It marks the first time a South Korean private public-interest foundation has established a multilateral cooperation framework of this scale with major ASEAN institutions.

ASEAN is a region with strong potential for geopolitical cooperation, and its strategic importance continues to grow as it sustains economic expansion even amid global instability. Developing next-generation leaders who can understand the political, economic and cultural dimensions of both South Korea and ASEAN — and drive cooperation between the two sides — is therefore a key strategic priority for advancing the Korea-ASEAN relationship.

With that need in mind, the foundation launched the CMK ASEAN School in 2023 to cultivate future Korea-ASEAN leaders. The program has produced 49 graduates to date, some of whom have gone on to pursue graduate studies in ASEAN-related fields or completed internships at international organizations such as UNESCAP and the ASEAN Foundation. Building on those results, the foundation pursued the MOU to expand its cooperation network with major ASEAN universities, research institutions and international organizations.

The agreement is expected to significantly strengthen the CMK ASEAN School's education and exchange programs. The foundation plans to develop educational programs for future talent, expand global internship opportunities at major ASEAN institutions, pursue joint research with leading ASEAN think tanks, and hold Korea-ASEAN international forums — all aimed at producing ASEAN specialists with hands-on experience and global competencies beyond classroom learning.

Choi Jae-ho, secretary-general of the Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-koo Foundation, said the agreement carries great significance as it establishes a global alliance for jointly nurturing and exchanging talent with major ASEAN institutions. "We will continue to expand our cooperation network with the world's top ASEAN think tanks and universities to develop truly world-class ASEAN specialists," he said.

Vinita Sinha, director of the NUS Asia Research Institute, said the future of Korea-ASEAN cooperation depends on the capacity of the next generation to forge new partnerships across countries and sectors. "Through this partnership, we will actively support Korea-ASEAN youth in growing into global leaders," she said.

Nineteen students in the fourth cohort of the CMK ASEAN School began an on-site exploration program in ASEAN countries on Sunday and are scheduled to visit Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia through Aug. 21, conducting joint team projects at local universities, international organizations, research institutions and global companies.

Meanwhile, the Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-koo Foundation has also been active in talent development and support, recently hosting the "CMK Arts Class 2026 Creative Arts Education Teacher Training" at Bloom Vista in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province.