New scholarships targeting AI, emerging technology and materials science launched this year

Hoban Scholarship Foundation Chairman Kim Sang-yeol (center) poses with scholarship recipients after the 2026 Hoban Scholarship Presentation Ceremony. [Hoban Group]
Hoban Scholarship Foundation Chairman Kim Sang-yeol (center) poses with scholarship recipients after the 2026 Hoban Scholarship Presentation Ceremony. [Hoban Group]

The Hoban Scholarship Foundation's cumulative scholarship grants have exceeded 20 billion won ($14.4 million) since its establishment in 1999. This year, the foundation restructured its scholarship programs to focus on science and engineering talent in AI, emerging technologies and new materials, as well as outstanding students from regional schools.

The foundation, part of Hoban Group, announced Thursday that it has supported approximately 10,000 students over its 27 years of operation.

Established as a public-interest foundation funded by Chairman Kim Sang-yeol's personal assets, the Hoban Scholarship Foundation runs scholarship programs and supports academic research.

This year, the foundation revamped its scholarship system to nurture talent for future industries. It launched two new programs: the Hoban Innovation Scholarship, targeting outstanding science and engineering students in AI, emerging technologies and new materials, and the Hoban Bridge Scholarship, designed to strengthen the academic and employment competitiveness of top students at regional vocational high schools.

About 500 students will receive scholarships this year. Beyond financial support, the foundation also operates various development programs to help recipients build the skills needed for career exploration and entry into the workforce.

A Hoban Scholarship Leadership Program aimed at strengthening recipients' capabilities and fostering connections among them will run Thursday and Friday at Splash Risom in Yesan, South Chungcheong Province, featuring AI collaboration workshops, training on strategic use of ChatGPT, student-led activities and networking sessions.

Last month, the foundation held the Hoban Innovation Scholarship Academy, offering career education and hands-on industry experience. Scholarship recipients visited the Hoban Construction headquarters and a Taihan Cable & Solution research laboratory, and attended a lecture on AI, future careers and industrial change.

Going forward, the foundation plans to expand beyond scholarship grants to provide broader support throughout recipients' academic and professional journeys, including career education, industry site visits and networking opportunities.

"We will continue to support our scholarship recipients so they can fully realize their potential in their respective fields and grow into contributors to our society and national development," a foundation official said.


quq@heraldcorp.com