Busan is good

Busan Appoints Cho Nam-joon, Endowed Chair Professor at Nanyang Technological University, as Chief Planner for the Urban Convergence Special Zone

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Busan Metropolitan City announced that Mayor Park Heong-joon appointed Cho Nam-joon, Endowed Chair Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), as Chief Planner for the Busan Urban Convergence Special Zone at 9:50 a.m. today (the 23rd) at the City Hall Protocol Office.

This appointment was made to strengthen the strategic advisory framework aimed at developing Busan’s urban core into a global future city growth hub where industrial, residential, business, and research functions are integrated.

As Chief Planner, Cho Nam-joon will be responsible for presenting comprehensive directions and coordinating efforts across the overall development of the Urban Convergence Special Zone, particularly in the areas of industrial strategy and corporate attraction.

In addition, a system of sector-specific chief planners for the Urban Convergence Special Zone will be operated concurrently. Woo Shin-gu, Chief Architect, will participate as Chief Planner for the architecture sector, while Na Gun, Chief Designer, will serve as Chief Planner for the design sector, each providing specialized advisory input and coordination within their respective fields.

Cho Nam-joon is a globally renowned scholar who earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, as well as a master’s degree in materials science and engineering and a doctorate in chemical engineering from Stanford University. He is currently serving as an Endowed Chair Professor at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.

Building on innovative research achievements in the materials and bio fields, he has led the commercialization of research outcomes and industry collaboration, including the co-founding of the bio venture LUCA AlCell. He has also served as President of the Korean Scientists and Engineers Association in Singapore, through which he has built extensive global research and industry networks.

Based on Cho Nam-joon’s global research experience and private-sector startup background, Busan Metropolitan City expects the Urban Convergence Special Zone to establish itself as a future city model where advanced industries, innovative companies, and global talent are concentrated.

Upon his appointment, Cho Nam-joon remarked, “Busan is a city with the potential to represent Asia. Drawing on my research and industry experience, I will do my utmost to ensure that the Urban Convergence Special Zone becomes a successful future city model where technology, industry, and urban space are organically integrated.”

Mayor Park Heong-joon stated, “Busan is a city endowed with diverse assets, including ports, industry, finance, and culture. The Urban Convergence Special Zone is a key initiative that brings these strengths together and enables Busan to leap forward as a future growth hub with global competitiveness.” He added, “With the appointment of Professor Cho, a world-class researcher with hands-on industrial experience, as Chief Planner, I expect this to provide significant momentum in transforming Busan’s urban core into a global future city where cutting-edge industries and innovative talent gather.”