▲ Ham Ki-chul

The UN State of The Future 2050 mentions of disappearance of public education, classes and teachers by 2030. In an effort to take an action in advance, some of the educational institutions in the world are running academic credit bank system as an alternative. Newly established in 2014, SHTCU (Shinhanseo Talent & Career Graduate University) introduced ‘Talent Career Recognition Degree’ for students with excellent work ability and capability. 

This world’s first patented degree (No.10-1435363) in the field is said to be a new education system that surpasses the established systems run in cyber universities, virtual universities and German Meister. The idea of the degree is that one’s work ability and capability are already good enough for university level degree since current university systems are rather focused on building one’s academic background than one’s actual skills.  

The degree recognizes one’s technical competency and is offered as a degree or a doctor according to one’s accomplishment and career in each field. Apart from the degree, SHTCU also has registered 10 trademarks to Talent Donation Bank, PHU and more.

Chancellor Ham Ki-chul established Hanseo University in Seosan City in 1991 and introduced Korea’s first guard and security department. He also opened Hanseo Aviation Corp with his own expense in 1995 and the university, with an international standard airfield, is recognized as one of the best aviation-specialized universities by the World Aeronautic Association. 

He obtained a doctoral degree in natural medicine from Cohen University and has served as visiting professors at Cambodia Royal University of Phnom Penh and a chair professor at China Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

In order to obtain Talent Career Recognition Degree of SHTCU, one must pass the strict screenings of the judging panels from various fields such as economy, administration, art, sports and alternative medicine; one must also promise to attend liberal arts courses more than once a year and to sign the letter of talent donation. 

At the graduation ceremony held last August at the Yun Bong-gil Memorial Hall, Im Gui-sung (traditional Korean dance), Park So-yeon (Korean opera) and Jo Gyu-myeon (CEO of Korea Particle Treatment Center) received doctoral degree. SHTCU is planning to introduce a 100 judging panel committee with gradual increase of the number to 333. 

In 2012, SHTCU secured a license to open a university in Republic of Palau and is soon to start the courses. 

“Talent Career Recognition Degree compensates for one’s accomplishment in each field. It is field and career-based and holders of the degree will feel proud on the fact that their knowledge and hard work are well paid off. I hope more universities will join this great degree system in the years to come” says Ham.