My Experiences at Global HR Forum 2012

My Insightful Experiences at Global HR Forum 2012

            After a bit worried as to whether I could just come and sign up on site, I could now proclaim myself to be one of the lucky students to study and learn in a country called: Korea. The reason is simple. I may have to pay a few hundreds bucks just to participate in a large-scale international academic event like Global HR Forum in other places or countries. But, I paid not a single Won to participate in this year’s Global FR Forum held at Lotte Hotel Seoul. This is something that—I think—should be worth-noted in the first place.

            For an event that hosted distinguished speakers and prominent experts in varied fields, I think this is something that Korea could be proud of. In its 7^th consecutive years of facilitating such an event, Korea (read: Korean government) has successfully laid a sound foundation to keep its significant existence in the world as a country that nurtures its citizens and future generation with ample ‘ammunition’ to face the ever-changing world.  And for me, as a foreign student, being mingled with other fellow students, participants, and delegates in this event was such an insightful experience worth sharing. This is why Korea should be proud since this country has been eager to keep on learning from the best by inviting scholars from around the globe to come to Korea and share and discuss the current issues in the world. And what’s more? It was all free for all participants which surely benefits students and youngsters in Korea.

            My question was like “How could this be possible?” Then, as I came across the event venue, I came to easily realize the synergy put together by program partners, media partners, and sponsors that made it possible. This page would not be sufficient to name all, but from what I learned; the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, The Korea Economic Daily , and Korea Research Institute for Vocational Education & Training were behind the success of this event. In supporting roles, a lot of Korean institutions, business, companies were lining up to support this event. What a collaborative project indeed it was.

            One of the objectives of this large-scale event was to increase and create the opportunity for Korea and its younger generation to put themselves on the world map in term of developing human resources in the current world situation through openness and cooperation. I had to agree with this one. The reason was simple. The participants from all layers of community and background in Korea and from other countries could benefit a lot from the speakers who were more than willingly to share their insights, experiences, and knowledge on the issues they were good at. So, we came to see and listen to experts talking about something we were involved and got interested in. 

             As for me, I managed to come on the 2nd day. There were numerous and varied subjects that one could choose to participate in. Since I was interested in creative talent and how it suits the current world economy situation, I participated in two sessions. First, it was a plenary session dealing with a theme on how to harness creative talent for corporate change. The second one was a special session about the global financial crisis and the future of world economy.

            Now let me share what I learned from the first session. It was held at the ballroom so it accommodated a huge number of participants. I looked so popular since two of the speakers were Mr. Pat Gaines, the president of Boeing Korea and Mr. Kim Hyojoon, the president of BMW Group Korea.  It was a long presentation which mainly dealt with the problems companies had to face in selecting, tapping in, and recruiting the talents with ample knowledge and responsibilities. Of all the speakers and disscussants, the one person that left me with a big impression was Mr. Pat Gaines. I knew that he was indeed a person with a forward-leaping view on seeing the problem of harnessing the creative talents. He mentioned that  the turnover rate at his company was more than 50%(?). What a shocking number it was. He mentioned that Boeing had invested a lot amount of money and energy to train and educate their newly employed to be the best in their fields. Still, the turnover rate was relatively high. Instead of looking this phenomenon in a negative way, he asserted that he was proud of it. Surely many were overwhelmed by his view and I was no exception. As we kept listening and understanding his view, it was clear that he was right. He perceived it in a positive way since Boeing was proud to be able to disseminate the well-trained talents to other companies. He saw it as a contribution they made to the society. Interestingly, Boeing even told them to come back anytime should they want to be re-employed at Boeing. This was something that I admired about the way he saw a problem in a positive perspective. This was something that I learned from the first session.

            At the second session that I participated in, two speakers were present: Mr. Richard Jerram, a Chief Economist at Bank of Singapore and Mr. David Fernandez, a Managing Director of JP Morgan-Asia. Frankly speaking, I thought I could get something new from the two speakers, but they mostly described the current situation. I guess it was a bit difficult to predict the future of the global economy—that they themselves also admitted.  At least, the audience could still solicit their opinions on the Q&A sessions. However, here are what I learned from the session. Both speakers interestingly admitted two things: first, the unsustainability of the Western social democratic model; second, the potential for emerging economies to be driven by their own domestic or regional market. All of these were the result of the demographic differences in the West and other part of the world as well as the difficulties faced by Western countries in term of their declining industrial output. On the other hand, developing Asian countries have grown up 50% during 2006 – 2012 alone. Mr. Fernandez asserted the fact that in the 1990s, Asia’s share of economic output was only 14% to the global economy, but in 2012 it has gone up to 30% or one third of the global output. In the midst of the crisis, this is the region that the world should pay attention to. Two last things that I could grasp from their thoughts were inequality and extrapolation. I know what inequality is and the fact that it persistently exists could impede the actual growth. But, I am not quite sure what extrapolation is. They said that this posed a dangerous threat to the world economy. If I could understand it correctly, I guess they mentioned that one should not make wild and hasty prediction of the world economy on the current data although the trending phenomenon exists. Things could change. All in all, both speakers suggested that we should pay more attention on these two notions.  

Those are my thoughts and experiences of attending the Global HR Forum 2012, held on October 23-25, at Lotte Hotel Seoul. Seeing and Experiencing more than what I had expected, I am undoubtedly looking forward for the 2013’s Global HR Forum.

Eyra and Freya's Biscuit Making Experience

Under the invitation of Dongdaemun Board of Education, all of the foreign children of multicultural families had a chance to experience a cookie-making class at Jegidong Vocational College. While their Moms were busy preparing for the kimchi, the kids were busy having the best cooking class, yet.

With eyes full of curiosity, kids were having a close-look into how cookies were made right in front of their eyes. Since it was at a cooking college, the cooking utensils were of good standard.

Freya....they were just having their own self-made cookies. 

Eyra, too, was having a good time there. I suppose.

As for me,,,,I was in Andong...^^ 

 Let me put it this way, lots of things to do for each member of our family during this weekend (Oct. 27, 2012)

Eyra & Freya's Tight-but-happy Days

Hanbok time. It is already autumn, yes..indeed. But, wearing hanbok inside the house is still ok as long as they are not wearing it outside...^^ (oh, it's 8 degrees Celcius). We got a hanbok as a gift from my wife's friend. The kids love it so much that they take turn wearing it.

It's still too big for you, eh, Freya?

Now, it's Eyra's turn. A complete touch with a traditional pouch on her right hand seamlessly perfected the hanbok experience. Oh, don't forget the 'V' shaped finger salute--a typical Korean photo-session gesture--that should not be missed^^

This is the day when Eyra had a cultural celebration in conjunction with her school anniversary. Since it was the early week of Autumn and the sky was bright blue, all of the families came along to cheer up the festivities. Just look at the red marks on Eyra's cheek--a used-to-be symbol of beauty in Korea.

Ooo..pps what does this picture do to be in this entry? Anyway....Freya was playing along with one of the camera apps. Her eonni made this one.

What a cute little Freyalaphant eating ice cream^^.

Back to the school's day out: Eyra was in the dressing room getting dressed--of course. Her sister, willingly accompanied her, seemed to be happy being around other friends of her sister's.

Get ready....and go!!!

Eyra was dancing along with her other fellow friends at the schoolyard during the Autumn festival. She seemed to enjoy it.

Eyra and her friends, this time...the boys were out, too. They seemed to enjoy the rest of the days doing some parade, dancing and singing along.

She looked so adorable. ^^

Wait...what is it? Ok, just read my other entry on a trip to Andong or 안동시 (Andong City).

It was full of great experiences.

Haneul Park/하늘 공원 'Sky Park' @ Seoul

Spring? Nope...it's Autumn, for sure. But..the flowers were everywhere. I was alarmed to see that Seoul City Government seems to do everything it could to keep its city flourished with the naturally colorful richness even during the Autumn. That's why the feeling of Spring being everywhere was also all too obvious--which is a good thing.

After getting off at World Cup Stadium station at about 3 pm, we had to walk for about 4 km before reaching the so-called Sky Park or Haneul Gongwon. See the throng of people there? We were surprised at ourselves as we realized that lots of people were coming in at the same time as we were. There must be something good and extraordinary up there.

Yes, is this the so-called the 'view' from Haneul Park? NOPE. Definitely NO. 

It is the World Cup Stadium seen from the half-way to the top of the hill where Haneul Park was located.

Since it was a bit tiring especially for the kids, we might as well use the resting area in between to take a rest and took some pictures of the surrounding.

Once again: colorful flowers were grown on pots or flower beds along the way up to the Haneul Park. 

The Autumn festivity was the one that drew lots of people there? 

It turned out to be NoPe. That's not the reason.

BUT.....

This is it! It was the 억새축재 or okse festival. Well, it's a long and tall grass with white flowers. I call it ' padang ilalang' in Indonesian. But, I could not find what it is in English. (Gosh, I need to find some reviews about it).

As long as the eyes could see, there lied right in front of us...an indescribably vast white tall grass.

The blue sky; the white tall-grass; the uniqueness; the warmth as well as the cold weather. 

Eyra and Freya were all too excited to be in a newly different place like this one.

Doesn't it look like paddy? But with soft, tender, and longer husk...?

It was beyond words.

Another shape of the grass. I thought it was  one of the eye-catching thing on this kind of grass.  

The wind somewhat escalated and was getting stronger...so they were moving about accordingly. 

Apart from the grass, real wild  flowers do exist in this kind of are.I think there are lots of people who might have the same idea about how beautiful that place is.

Freya and Eyra, too, were having the time of their day. ^^

Instead of using even the horse-toy, they were using their imagination to run wild playing around with the fence-turned ropes.

The sky was about to get darker and darker. It was sun set. Most people were still up there. and some were already home.

To give an overview of how beautiful this was..and how the situation at Seoul's Haneul Park was about ...

Just click on the above video or blogs so as to keep our memories intact. 

Gwanghwamun @ Night

Saturday Night. Where to go? We heard that there would be some festival in Gwanghawamun area so we were headed to that area. It turned out that the festival was held until afternoon so as we did not see anything but the empty tents. To compensate what we'd missed, we might as well enjoy what Gwanghwamun had to offer for its visitors. At night it looked so bright and especially the main plaza where the statue of Admiral Yi Sun Si located. The fountain with its colorful lights emitted  from within was the solely soothing attraction in the area. 

The kids loved it. We could just sit on the benches and watched the fountain as it played its charms. But, it was a bit chilly for us to just stay and remain there at an open air. 

(October 13, 2012)

Seoul City Hall Event

I was walking through the City Hall or 시청 right in downtown Seoul en route to President Hotel to meet one student of mind who was in Seoul for a seminar. Upon walking through it, I found an event, I wished I'd known what it was.

But I spotted some soldiers or those related to Korea's security or homeland security. I guess it must've had something to do with that. 

Even, Rain was scheduled to hold a concert there--did not know as to whether he did show up since I did not have a chance to take a look.

Anyhow, I just want to point out that this huge area of City Hall has been the very venue that has printed its historical traces as the place where thousand of 'Red Devil' or 'Be The Reds' supporters gathered during the 2002 Korea - Japan World Cup.

And..recently, it accommodated approximately 80,000 people to witness PSY's Eoppa Gangnam Style's free concert for his fans.

Asia Society - Korea Center: Kim Jong Un Cult

On October 16,  Asia Society  ( asiasociety.org ) held a luncheon meeting at Lotte Hotel, Seoul. I just learned that it is a monthly event for anyone interested in current issues related to Korea. A lot of dignitaries attended the meeting, including some ambassadors of certain countries, reporters, heads or CEOs of certain companies, and students like me. I met some students from HUFS and a new friend from Hong Kong. 

The fact that we were invited and thankfully got an arrangement for the luncheon meeting was indeed a good part of my decision to pursuing my Korean Studies right her in Seoul. No other reason than ...the fact that there are numerous and endless arrays of seminars, colloquium, workshops, and meetings related to Korea and other fields that I love.

And.. of course,....meeting new friends and colleagues.

The speaker of the luncheon meeting was Prof. Brian Myers from Dongseo University.

I think he is indeed an expert on North Korea in a sense that he talks like an insider of what's going on there. Well, he makes a frequent visit to the country and I am glad to have attended the meeting.

We live here!!!

Right at the back of our campus, there are numerous housing for rent. Be it villa, mansion, one room, two room, apartment, boarding house, hasuk, gositel, and many other types of real estate. No wonder that it is such a crowded view like this. I took a chance to take a picture from the 10fl. of HUFS Main Building. Well, I live somewhere in one of those housings. 

In short, between HUFS and Kyunghee University are there numerous housing complexes.

A crowded place as it may seem, it is livable. 

Imundong, Seoul.

밀양박씨제실 (전통가옥체험): We were Making Tteok! & Other Stuffs!)

We were making our amulets^^. Well, it is for fun. But, for those who believe in this, they might as well use it as it is real for them. Basically, each of us was given a small round wooden plate on which we wrote down our wishes. 

Enough of the classroom, we were then ushered into the wilds where we would reach a tomb of of one of the family clan 'Park' called Park family of Milyang or Miryang. (밀양박씨).
On our way we found lots of natural wild plants. The first one was as shown on the picture. I forgot what it was, but one thing for sure, it lets out a distinct smell just like 'kemangi' back home in Indonesia. What a weird as well as intriguing to find a similar plant with almost the same value and use.

Got some and brought them back home.

The pack of city hurdles like us was happy walking up the trails into our destination. It was a bit chilly, yet the sun was shining brightly that made some of us struggle to adjust themselves with the increasing altitude.

Finally we arrived the tomb of the first Park family on the hill. This patient lady was the one who kept explaining the whole thing along the way and down the hill.^^

This is practically the view we saw as we stood facing the mountainous areas in the area. In fact, the tomb was deliberately set up in this very place since the feng shui is the best. It is kept discreetly by the mountainous area surrounding it with a flowing river downstream beyond. 

As we were walking back down the hill, we saw numerous hard-to-miss stuffs, like: stuffing up your stones as a token of your prayers. Some people do make this--a typical thing we may be able to find on mountains or near-temples site on up the mountain.

Wild flowers just sprung up everywhere we looked. They just looked so awesome.

I uploaded this picture on my other entry. But, anyway..this is also something we saw along the way when we were climbing down the hill. A nice place to relax, eh?

Now came the time when we had to compete against each other in pounding the dough to make tteok or rice cake. Never thought that it would require us to let out such an energy to do this.

But..hey..it was so fun that we even wanted to do it again and again.

The girls with huge wooden hammer-like tool pound the dough right. With synchronized timing and move, we managed to make the dough elastic enough to shape into tteok.

Here came the process of making the dough into shapes as we wanted them to be. We were told that we would get a prize for the prettiest tteok we ever made.

Without further ado, we clung to our hands under the scorching heat of the sun--about noon, actually. They say that too many cooks spoil the broth. But on our case, too many hands turned out to be quite helpful.

What are these? These are chaegichagi in the making. Well, it is sort of pastime plaything that people used to do. It is made of paper wrapped and knotted in such a way with a round metal wrapped inside it.

Then we cut and sliced the paper into long pieces so as to make it swirl and whirl while we toss them into the air with our feet. That's basically how we play with this so-called chaegichagi.

Here they are!!

What could be more fun than being on a gama and transported to other places without having to walk. Well, this was used by the princess or royal families ladies. So they said.

Our program was then marked with the gama game. Poor all the guys who had to carry the gama...ouch it must have been so heavy.^^

Then..lunch was ready. We were asked to make our own lunch, though. Most of us were then so tired to start with it. But, the churning stomach lured us to start ...

 

The group photo in front of the 예절교육장. It is too far to make out who's who.

OKAY, I'll make it bigger. Still, ....

The last picture I took of the whole facade of the school. See the blue sky? Se the clear sky? See the green hills where we hiked to see the Park's family tomb? See the whole picture where we'd been, right?

On our way back home, we were taken aback and so surprised to find out that just a few meters away from the school, there was a LAKE!!!! Gosh, how come that we did not know anything about it.!!

Had we known.!!!!

These strawberries-like plants were just wild flowers by the lake. All of these pictures--sadly--were taken from inside the bus when we were leaving the are.:( sigh!!

Gosh..gosh..gosh...

The simplest reason as to why we did not know that it even existed was because the time we arrived at the school 밀양박씨제실...was late at night..it was so dark for us to make out where we were.!!!

We were like stranded in the middle of nowhere. Well, indeed we were. But once again....had we known that we were just a walking-distance to see the lake, we'd have gone there and had some activities right by this lake. 

Oh, before forgetting all about this. I should probably have mentioned that this place was the location of KBS's famous variety program called 1박 2일  or 1 Night 2 Days. I took the picture of the hosts' signatures as the memoirs and token of their presence in that place.

So, above are two maps showing the location of the place we stayed during weekend 

on October 5 - 6, 2012.

  

Good Bye.....!