– Australian Ambassador to South Korea gives a special lecture on diplomatic cooperation and future prospects in light of 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations

– GMUK has built a foundation for collaboration with local communities through special lectures by eminent leaders

– Discussion expected between Australia and Incheon about economic cooperation and education development in local community

2021. 5. 14, Seoul – George Mason University Korea (Campus Dean: Robert Matz), located at the Incheon Global Campus, invited H.E. Catherine Raper, Australian Ambassador to South Korea, as a guest speaker for a distinguished lecture held at the university’s Event Hall.

Australian Ambassador to South Korea, Raper, discussed the 60th anniversary of South Korea- Australia diplomatic relations and its future prospects in her in-depth lecture entitled, “Australia and Korea – a history, dynamic future” where 115 participants attended, including George Mason University students and public figures from the local community.

In her lecture, Ambassador Raper explained that Korea and Australia’s 60-year diplomatic relationship, since 1961, is underpinned by a strong economic partnership. She also stressed the importance of cooperation in the fields of science, technology and innovation, from low emissions energy to biotechnology and fintech. Finally, she advised college students who dream of becoming leaders of the next generation to approach their professional fields with a global perspective.

The special lecture was held simultaneously online and offline as part of the Distinguished Lecture Series hosted by George Mason University Korea featuring notable speakers. The Ambassador also conversed with participants individually following the event.

Prior to the lecture, Ambassador Raper met with Robert Matz, Campus Dean of George Mason University Korea, Lee Won-jae, Commissioner of the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority, Shin Soo-cheol, Executive Director of POSCO International, Rowan Petz, Executive Director of AustChamKorea, and other representatives from the Incheon Free Economic Zone and local companies to discuss economic cooperation between Australia and Incheon Metropolitan City as well as education development in the local community.

Catherine Raper, Australian Ambassador to South Korea, said, “I want to thank George Mason University for hosting this event, which is my first public speech as Australia’s Ambassador. It’s great to have the chance to speak to the next generation of Korean leaders and hear their perspective on the goals and challenges for their country in the coming years.”

“We would like to thank Her Excellency Catherine Raper, Australian Ambassador to South Korea, for this special lecture,” said Dr. Robert Matz, Campus Dean of Mason Korea, adding, “George Mason University Korea continues to strive to produce the next generation of global talent by inviting prominent global leaders to inspire and connect with our students.”

George Mason University Korea is an extended campus of George Mason University located in Virginia, U.S. The Korea campus offers six degree programs including its AACSB-accredited Business program, Economics program which has produced two Nobel Prize-winning faculty members, Global Affairs program, Conflict Analysis & Resolution program, Computer Game Design program, and Computational and Data Sciences program. The curriculum is taught entirely in English.

In addition, graduates obtain the same diploma as students who graduate from George Mason University in the United States.

Visit the George Mason University Korea website for details.

Photo credit: George Mason University Korea