Miami University

$1 million gift enhances Miami Asian business studies

06/14/2006

The expansion of Miami University's international study opportunities in the Pacific Rim has received a major boost with a gift from the president of Miami's Alumni Association in Korea.

Prominent Korean business leader Higgin Kim, class of ‘69, is CEO of Seoul-based Byucksan Engineering and Construction Co. His $1 million gift will establish the Higgin Kim Asian Business Program within Miami's Richard T. Farmer School of Business. Income from the endowment will enhance the school's Pacific Rim summer study program and semesterlong exchange programs with premier universities in Asia. It will also facilitate productive relationships between Miami faculty and their Asian counterparts.

“The goal of the Higgin Kim Asian Business Program is to promote educational exchange programs and research opportunities between the Farmer School and business schools and corporations in Asia,” explained Sooun Lee, coordinator of the school’s Asia business studies program and professor of decision sciences and management information systems.

“It is absolutely essential that our students - and our faculty - understand the cultures and economies of the dynamic nations of East Asia. Thanks to Mr. Kim’s gift, we will strengthen ties with key institutions and corporations that will be advantageous to us and to them,” said Dean Roger L. Jenkins. “It will have an important impact on the school of business.”

Kim received an honorary doctoral degree from Miami University in 2002 for his significant contribution to the Korean business society and to the Richard T. Farmer School of Business Pacific Rim summer program.