KAIST president targets 30% int'l student share by 2030

KAIST President Bae Choong-sik has announced ambitious goals for the university’s internationalization strategy, aiming to raise the percentage of international students to 30% by 2030. Taking office recently, Bae emphasized that this target represents more than just numerical growth, it reflects a broader vision for fostering meaningful academic and research collaboration between Korean and global scholars. According to Bae, the current proportion of international students at KAIST ranges between 10% and 15%. While the 30% benchmark appears daunting, he stressed that the true success of the university’s global outreach will depend on the quality and impact of collaborative research produced by these students and their Korean counterparts. “We don’t want to simply increase the numbers,” Bae explained during an exclusive interview. “We want students who can measure up to our outstanding students and interact with them.” To achieve this, Bae outlined plans to expand opportunities for international students, including the introduction of dual-degree programs with foreign universities. These initiatives aim to deepen academic ties and encourage cross-border intellectual exchange. “Internationalization is not achieved simply by increasing the number of international students or overseas agreements,” he noted. “What will matter more than how many people have come is how much research we have done together and how much innovation we have created.” Building on previous efforts, Bae described his new internationalization plan as an evolution rather than a departure from prior strategies. He referred to it as “Global Connect,” a continuation and enhancement of the earlier “Global Twin” initiative. This program had focused on institutionalizing overseas partnerships that were initially driven by individual researchers and departments. Now, Bae aims to foster a more balanced and sustained two-way exchange of students and researchers between KAIST and its international partners. “Global Twin created key overseas footholds for us,” Bae remarked. “For them to become more meaningful, and for international cooperation to be sustainable, people need to move naturally in both directions.” He likened this dynamic to a continuous flow, comparing it to blood circulation. “We need to create a system where it is not only us going out, but people coming here as well, with exchanges continuing to flow like blood.” Bae acknowledged that attracting global talent hinges not solely on promotional efforts but on developing research programs that offer unique value. He highlighted fields such as physical AI, where artificial intelligence is applied to machines and systems in the physical world, as an area where South Korea’s industrial strengths provide a distinct advantage. This interdisciplinary field combines AI, mechanical engineering, materials science, electronics, and natural sciences. Additionally, Bae pointed to semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, energy, and bioscience as sectors where KAIST could establish globally competitive research capabilities. Beyond recruitment, Bae’s vision includes creating conditions that encourage international students and researchers to remain in Korea after completing their studies. Whether through employment, entrepreneurship, or continued research, he believes KAIST should provide compelling reasons for individuals to settle in South Korea. To this end, he mentioned the growing presence of government-funded research institutes, corporate labs, and deep-tech startups in Daejeon, the city where KAIST is located. Strengthening connections with these entities is central to his strategy. However, Bae also recognized that attracting talent is only part of the equation. He outlined several factors that would influence the ability of KAIST to recruit and retain top researchers: research autonomy, robust infrastructure, English-language administrative support, assistance for families relocating to Korea, and access to international research networks. While salary remains important, he argued that the overall environment for conducting high-quality research is equally critical.