입력 2025.11.13 16:03
- Global talents in aerospace and AI, rooted in Korea through the “Special Naturalization Program for Outstanding Talents”, lead Sejong’s research innovation
Sejong University (President Um Jong-Hwa) has recently achieved remarkable results in major global university rankings, including the THE World University Rankings and the Leiden Ranking, firmly establishing its reputation as a research-intensive university. Its high citation impact and strong performance in international joint research demonstrate Sejong’s growing role as a global hub for knowledge creation. While systematic administrative support and advanced research infrastructure have been key factors, the true driving force behind these achievements is the academic synergy generated by the university’s outstanding international faculty.
Professor Nguyen Xuan Mung of Sejong University’s Department of Aerospace Engineering is a scholar who has devoted more than a decade to research and education in Korea. He recently obtained Korean nationality through the Special Naturalization Program for Outstanding Talent administered by the Ministry of Justice.
The program grants Korean nationality to individuals who excel in fields such as science, arts, sports, and research, under relaxed requirements compared to ordinary naturalization. By permitting multiple nationalities, the program aims to help world-class researchers settle in Korea stably and contribute to the country’s long-term development.
“This naturalization is not merely about obtaining nationality,” said Professor Nguyen. “It symbolizes my deep connection to Korea, my second home, and recognition of my efforts and challenges over the years.”
Professor Nguyen’s research encompasses critical fields such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), satellite systems, and autonomous navigation, which are crucial to national security and technological competitiveness. He has established extensive international collaborations, including research partnerships with Vietnam and other countries.
“Korea already possesses world-class competitiveness in advanced materials and electronic components,” he added. “With continued government support, the Korean aerospace industry will soon emerge as a global leader.”
Since his naturalization, Professor Nguyen has also been working to improve his Korean language skills, saying, “Now, as a citizen of Korea, I feel an even greater responsibility to contribute directly to the country’s scientific advancement.”
Another scholar who obtained nationality through the same program, Professor Mugahed A. Al-antari, is an internationally recognized researcher in AI-based medical technology at Sejong University’s Department of Artificial Intelligence Data Science.
Professor Al-antari was granted Korean nationality in 2024 through the Outstanding Talent Special Naturalization Program, in recognition of his academic achievements. He currently leads the AI Smart Systems Laboratory (AISSLab), spearheading international collaborative research projects.
“Sejong University fosters a dynamic and collaborative academic environment,” he said. “The university’s autonomous research culture, e-campus infrastructure, and dedicated administrative support have significantly enhanced my research capabilities.”
As the principal investigator for a Korea-Türkiye joint research project, Professor Al-antari is developing an AI-based smart diagnostic platform and plans to launch a startup named XAIBioMed to commercialize medical software solutions in the near future.
In recent years, Sejong University has attracted a growing number of distinguished researchers from around the world, fostering a genuinely global research environment. International collaborations are thriving in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), aerospace engineering, and data science, while academic exchanges between professors and students continue to expand.
The cultural diversity and academic flexibility brought by foreign faculty members have given a boost to Sejong’s research culture. The university continues to support the Special Naturalization Program for Outstanding Talent, helping world-class scholars become established members of Korea’s academic community and devote themselves to research and education in a stable and inclusive environment.