Sejong University Welcomes Two New Citizens: A Naturalization Success Story
Sejong University has recently welcomed two new citizens through the Ministry of Justice's Multiple Citizenship for Outstanding Talent (MCOT) initiative. This program grants citizenship to individuals who have made significant contributions in fields such as science, arts, sports, and research, easing the usual requirements. The initiative aims to support world-class scholars in settling and working long-term in Korea, fostering their contributions to the country's development and innovation.
One of the newly naturalized professors is Nguyen Xuan Mung, a Vietnamese-born expert in aerospace engineering. He has dedicated over a decade to advancing research and education in Korea, and his naturalization signifies a profound connection to the country. Nguyen expressed, 'This naturalization is more than just obtaining citizenship; it's the moment I became certain that Korea is my second home. It is a recognition of the challenges I faced and the efforts I made here.'
Nguyen's naturalization has instilled a strong sense of responsibility to contribute directly to Korea's scientific advancement as a citizen, not merely as a foreign researcher. He believes this new status will allow him to make a more significant impact on the country's academic landscape.
Another scholar who gained Korean citizenship is Mugahed Al-antari, a globally recognized expert in AI-based medical technology from Turkey. He joined Sejong University's Department of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science and obtained citizenship in 2024 through the same program, acknowledging his academic achievements. Al-antari currently leads the Artificial Intelligence Smart Solution Laboratory and spearheads international collaborative research. He also serves as the principal investigator for a Korea-Turkey joint research project developing an AI-powered smart diagnostic platform.
Sejong University highlights that the diverse cultural and academic backgrounds of its foreign faculty members are enriching the university's research environment. By actively utilizing the MCOT initiative, which allows dual nationality, the university aims to provide a stable environment where world-class scholars can focus on teaching and research while firmly establishing their roots in Korean society and academia. This initiative not only supports the scholars' contributions but also strengthens the university's reputation and fosters a more inclusive and innovative academic community.
