Mason Korea Campus Dean Robert Matz signed an MOU with Hea Jeong Yun, President of the Korea Data Agency (K-DATA), to provide internship opportunities for students and offer business consultation to Korean companies seeking global expansion opportunities.
This agreement will allow Mason Korea’s Computational and Data Sciences program to provide high-quality internship opportunities and practical experience in the data industry to students through K-DATA. In addition, K-DATA, a government-affiliated organization under Ministry of Science and ICT, will provide a 'Data Safe Zone' tour program to allow students to learn about the domestic data industry.
During the ceremony, Mason Korea Campus Dean Robert Matz remarked that George Mason University in the United States is designated as an R1 university, the top ranking for research productivity. “Through this agreement, we look forward to mutual cooperation, such as providing business consultation to Korean companies seeking to expand to the US market,” said Dean Matz.
“The global data market has grown exponentially since COVID-19 and collaboration between countries is crucial,” said Hea Jeong Yun, President of K-DATA, adding, “ We look forward to a healthy partnership and mutual growth with George Mason University Korea through our global connection.”
Mason Korea will also provide consultation on data technology and business management to start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) registered with K-DATA that are seeking to expand to the global market. In addition, the University will organize joint research projects and events such as symposia and conferences.
"Mason Korea is improving the quality of education through industry-academic cooperation and allowing students to experience practical industrial examples," said Dr. Shannon N. Davis, Associate Dean for Faculty and Academic Affairs and Director of the Industry-University Collaboration Foundation, adding, “This opportunity is one example of how Mason Korea seeks to support the Korean data industry through comprehensive classroom and experiential learning."
Professor Brian Colchao, who teaches Computational and Data Sciences, believes that this partnership will enhance Mason Korea’s data science program. “Our overarching goal is to foster the talents of our students and guide them to become exceptional leaders here in Korea as well as the international data science industry,” said Professor Colchao.
