Learning from Asia Project – 17 July 2025

On 17 July 2025, we had the pleasure of welcoming Dr. Jongwoo Han as the guest speaker of our ongoing seminar series, My Journey in Leadership. This series offers students and young researchers a chance to hear candid reflections from distinguished scholars and leaders—stories that illuminate how intellectual growth, character, and leadership ability develop over time. Dr. Han’s seminar added remarkable depth to the conversation.

In his engaging and thoughtful talk, Dr. Han drew from both his academic trajectory and personal experiences, illustrating how leadership is formed through a combination of disciplined study, self-reflection, and the courage to pursue meaningful goals. He highlighted that true leadership is not simply a matter of holding a formal position, but rather the result of a long-term commitment to cultivating two essential pillars:

• Intellectual capacity and expertise, grounded in rigorous academic work

• Leadership power, earned through consistent effort and demonstrated dedication

Dr. Han stressed that developing leadership power requires more than ambition—it demands deep study, a clear and original dissertation topic, and well-defined research questions that reflect genuine scholarly curiosity. When students pursue research with seriousness and sincerity, he noted, they not only strengthen their own academic profiles but also gain the respect and recognition of their peers and mentors.

Participants appreciated Dr. Han’s openness, wisdom, and the practical guidance he shared. His reflections encouraged many to re-examine their own academic paths and to consider how leadership can emerge naturally when one stays committed to intellectual excellence.

We express our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Jongwoo Han for his inspiring contribution to the series and for generously sharing his leadership journey with our community.

We look forward to continuing this series with more voices, more stories, and more opportunities for meaningful learning.