Human capital: Korea's No. 1 asset; New agency aims to foster globally competitive talents

A new state human resources policy agency will step up efforts to produce more globally competitive talents and to reach out to developing nations by sharing Korea's successful educational initiatives, its chief said.

"We have two purposes: to make the individual competitive and innovative in the economic sense. On the other hand, the same individual needs to be a very integral part of the society. We want to help foster social capital," former Deputy Education Minister Kim Gwang jo, who now heads the Human Resources Policy Office, said in an interview with The Korea Herald.

"Every individual needs to be competitive in the global world, making him or her superior in any part of the world. This is what we're aiming at eventually. It may take a decade or a quarter of a century but, eventually, we will reach that point."

Earlier this month, the Education Ministry launched the agency to coordinate a set of long term projects involving human capital development, which is key to upgrading the country's competitiveness.

The 67 member body is affiliated with the presidential National Human Resources Policy Committee which is chaired by President Roh Moo hyun and consists of 30 members, including Education Minister Kim Shin il and other government officials and private experts.

"We understand that human capital is the key to economic development and social cohesion," he said. "We will focus on how to develop human capital, and distribute it among different sectors of the society."

Kim also said the new commission will play the role of "bridging the gaps among different branches within the government" by leading the process of agenda setting, planning, coordinating and policy evaluation.

"From an individual perspective, it means that we should provide the skills and competence required in this ever changing society and economy. In particular, we aim to provide adaptability for individuals and organizations," Kim said.

At 52, he has worked for more than three years in the Human Resources Development Department at the World Bank in Washington, D.C.

He said the headquarters will also work to help developing countries by sharing Korea's successful educational experience and providing assistance in e learning, vocational training and other advanced educational programs.

"We also try to enlist more talented students from abroad by offering financial assistance such as scholarships and grants," Kim said. "We do this as part of our focus on recruiting world class talent, especially because advanced countries are very active in recruiting exceptional people from abroad. Korea cannot and should not be an exception to this global trend."

Kim also expects to increase the number of students participating in its 'Study in Korea' program.

Human resources projects may take various forms such as lifelong learning, vocational education and on the job training, Kim said.

"Investment in human capital will lead to innovation and labor productivity; the society and individuals will benefit from it simultaneously."

He added that another issue that must be addressed to enhance the human resources measures in Korea is teaching people how to cope with a multi ethnic society, which means making new members of the society more productive.

"How to forge a productive member of Korean society is one of the key challenges in years to come," he said. "Successfully integrating foreign workers and immigrants in the society poses an important challenge."

(sharon@heraldm.com)