Yonsei Opens Korea’s First Australian Studies Center Korea’s first Australian Studies Center was opened at Yonsei University on October 14. The Institute of East and West Studies hosted the opening ceremonies. Yonsei President Kim Han-Joong commented on the momentous event, saying, “The opening of the Australian Studies Center will be an opportunity to increase exchange of academic, natural, and economic resources between Korea and Australia.” ANU President & Vice Chancellor Ian Chubb was present for the ceremonies and gave a congratulatory speech highlighting his hopes for the Center to become the bridge connecting the two universities and the two nations. The honorable guests of the day included Australian ambassador to Korea, Peter Rowe. Plans for the new Australian Studies Center were influenced by Australain Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s visit to Yonsei on August 11. Prime Minister Rudd had given a congratulatory speech for the online lecture demonstration with ANU President Ian Chubb, which was held at the Yonsei-Samsung Academy Information Center. In his speech, Prime Minister Rudd emphasized the importance of high-quality education in the global era and pointed out the necessity of building networks with internationally acclaimed universities worldwide. He also revealed plans to expand academic research and exchange efforts between Australia and Korea. In August, ANU opened Australia’s first Korean Studies Center.