The 6th Korea-Japan Millennium Forum Yonsei, Korea, Keio, Waseda The Presidents and professors of the top four private universities of Korea and Japan came together, November 13-14, for the 6th Korea-Japan Millennium Forum in the New Millennium Hall at Yonsei University, to share ideas on the role of the university in a global society The four universities came together in the 1st Korea-Japan Millennium Forum, held at Waseda University in 2002, to seek cooperative relationships between Korea and Japan, the leading nations of Northeast Asia. Each of the four universities takes turns in hosting the annual Forum, and the prior two Forums were hosted by Korea University (2005) and Waseda University (2006). The four universities are ideal partners, sharing remarkably similar traditions. Yonsei University and Korea University are the best private universities in Korea. Their rivalry is intense but is also akin to sibling rivalry: it is not uncommon to see Yonsei and Korea students and graduates to greet each other as brothers and sisters. Keio University and Waseda University share a similar tradition. The four universities can be paired differently. Keio University and Yonsei University are traditionally strong in the fields of business and economics, while Waseda University and Korea University have long been known for their excellent programs in law and politics. The theme of this year’s forum was “The Role of Universities in Forming a Northeast Asian Community,” and talks were held on various sectors, including foreign policy, national security, economic cooperation, social and cultural exchange. The Presidents Speak on Globalization Strategies The presidents of the four universities spoke about globalization, localization, and the role of universities, and emphasized the need for cooperation. They agreed that cooperation between the four universities would not only benefit each university individually, but also contribute to the formation of a Northeast Asian, or perhaps world, community. President Yuichiro Anzai of Keio University spoke first: “We must form new paradigms and boundaries to go beyond exchanges in culture, sports, or students. Next year will be Keio’s 151st anniversary. At this point, we will create a blueprint of globalization to reach out to the world. Korea and Japan should work together to lead globalization.” President Han Sung-Joo of Korea University was next, explaining Korea University’s globalization efforts and projects since 2003. President Han emphasized the importance of strategic thinking in the age of globalization. President Katsuhiko Shirai of Waseda University demonstrated the success of Waseda’s efforts, stating that, “Compared to last year, Korean students coming to Waseda increased by 10 percent, proving the fact that our inbound globalization is going well.” He also added, “A global network is a human network which transcends nationality and class.” Acting President Yoon Dae-Hee of Yonsei University spoke last: “Like a Dalmatian, which has distinct black spots against a white background, getting ahead in the age of globalization means forming a strong sense of identity within the backdrop of the world. Creating superficial programs and increasing the number of international students is not the key. In order to achieve true globalization, the university must strive to enhance its quality to meet the level of other top international institutions.” Chairman Yoon Hyoung-Sup, former Minister of Education and Human Resources Development, wrapped up the discussion: “Let us consider how we mix ingredients as we prepare food. The Korean meal Bibimpap starts out as a medley of ingredients, but even when they are all mixed together, each ingredient retains its wonderful texture and taste, asserting its identity. When a university achieves globalization, it must retain its own identity so that it will be able to serve its purpose to the end.” This year’s forum served to reaffirm the role of the university as well as to renew discussions on academic exchange, the future of the four universities, and various national and international issues. The participation of graduate students from each university made this year’s event even more meaningful; the students were able to better understand each other, a vital step in the direction of cooperation and exchange. In addition to the main forum, President Yuichiro Anzai of Keio University gave a special lecture on November 14, titled “Contributing to Social Change: The Future of the Partnership Between Korean and Japanese Universities”. The lecture was held in the Gakdangheon of the College of Business and Economics.