Kang Jung-il Wins Presidential Award at 2025 Gyeongnam SME Conference

July 09, 2025

Sources:
Gyeongnam Domin Ilbo (https://www.idomin.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=941241)
Daehan News (https://cafe.naver.com/89558655/30168)

On July 8, 2025, a meaningful event was held in which key figures of Gyeongnam’s economy gathered in one place to encourage one another and share their visions. The Gyeongnam Regional Office of the Korea Federation of SMEs (Chairman Noh Hyun-tae) hosted the 2025 Gyeongnam SME Leaders’ Conference at 2 p.m. at the Changwon Convention Center under the slogan, “Cheer Up, SMEs! A Reinvigorated Republic of Korea!”

This conference is the largest event for the SME community in the Gyeongnam region, organized to recognize and reward small and medium-sized business leaders who have made significant contributions to Korea’s economic growth and job creation. It was designed to enhance the status and boost the morale of local SMEs. The event was attended by around 120 notable SME contributors in the region, including Chairman Noh Hyun-tae and Sohn Han-guk, Head of the Gyeongnam Regional Office of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups.

This year, eight individuals, including Mr. Kang Jung-il, Chairman of Samkun Century Co., Ltd., received the Presidential Commendation.
Mr. Kang was recognized for his contributions to technological advancement and the localization of products in the offshore and shipbuilding plant industry.

Chairman Noh Hyun-tae stated,
“Despite the unprecedented challenges posed by complex political, economic, and trade issues, Gyeongnam’s SMEs have been overcoming the crisis through relentless technological development and investment. We hope the new government will continue to engage and collaborate with the SME sector to reignite Korea’s growth engine and support the advancement of regional SMEs, startups, small business owners, and workers.”

The 2025 Gyeongnam SME Leaders’ Conference served as a meaningful occasion to commend the silent efforts of SME leaders who continue to contribute to the regional economy amid difficult economic conditions and to pledge a new leap forward for the future of the Republic of Korea.