by Eddy (Sangmin Hong)

We hosted a session with Eddy from Nextrans, who has been in the global startup investment scene for over 20 years and has attracted more than $400 million in investments. He emphasized that startups aren't just about scaling from 1 to 100 but are about achieving "zero to one", doing things that haven't been done before. He encouraged a perspective of harnessing new technologies and solving challenges others haven't. The courage to venture into 'High risk, High return' opportunities starts with a clear vision and mission. Listening to his insights, I felt motivated to address world issues. He learned about the concept of "investing in people" from a book written by a Japanese individual. He highlighted the importance of gathering the right group of people and understanding what it means to nurture global talent. Ultimately, the desire to tackle the impossible and create innovations is crucial, and it's essential to continuously study new technologies and strengthen our thinking power. Let's continue to study and take daring challenges!

The Game Changer of

Malaria Diagnosis,

Fail a Lot to Innovate

by Dongyoung Lee

We hosted Dong-young, who has a profound vision for the 'startup ecosystem' and has successfully listed his bio venture company, 'Noeul', on KOSDAQ to address disease issues in developing countries. After volunteering in Africa, he felt the urgency of the malaria and tuberculosis situation and started his entrepreneurial journey with an innovative idea for malaria diagnosis. He started his venture not for money or fame, but with a genuine passion for introducing something new that would genuinely help many. His Ph.D. research aimed at hoping his studied technology would be applied, but he realized that during his startup, neither his major nor his degree was essential. An important insight he gained was respecting failures and's important to envision the future while solving current problems. After all, inspiration is what brings forth problems and ideas, so we must meet various people and continue to draw inspiration from various places. Let's follow our hearts and create real innovations in our world!

"First Penguin" by Marc

Living Library by Heejin Choi

In last week's Living Library session, Hee-jin introduced a book called 'Action in Waiting.' What is the Gospel? It's about a new world, God’s Kingdom where God rules everything.' Waiting isn’t merely doing nothing; it's a powerful and creative act that hastens the kingdom of God. I'm grateful to her for introducing us to many good books over the 8-week Living Library session.

The next presenter, Marc, introduced a book titled 'First Penguin' under the name 'The Unobservant Questioner.' This marketing-related book discusses finding a fresh, big idea and dominating the market with a unique approach. Marc, who loves penguins, seemed to fit perfectly with this book. Let's try to stand out, not as the first penguin, but as a distinctive pink penguin!

The next was Inae's 'Ray of Light in the Wheel,' introducing the book 'Under the Wheel.' Inae, holding the youngest title in METES, seemed to have drawn immense inspiration from this book. "Let's live at our own pace and style, not just following others!" was the conclusion. When you lead a life with a genuine identity, colors of character come to life. As explained in the book, "We are not the snails under the wheel. Perhaps we are the wheels themselves with a destiny to push forward." Let's live vibrantly in our own colors!

United Nations:

Voice for the Voiceless

and the Future Generations

by Won-soo Kim

We had the honor of hosting Mr. Kim Won-soo, the former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations. It was truly a privilege to wrap up our session with such a distinguished guest, especially on the theme of working with diverse stakeholders. Through the session with him, our perspective on global challenges significantly broadened. Having transitioned from a diplomat to holding a position at the UN, he has been exposed to some of the world's most pressing issues. We were fortunate to hear his insights on major concerns like climate change and the hegemony of the United States. In this interconnected world, it's essential that we work collaboratively to address sustainable challenges and shape a better future. Let's commit ourselves, starting now, to contribute towards that vision. A huge thank you to Mr. Kim for gracing our closing session.

Looking back at the sessions held this week at METES, we learned a lot. METES continues to offer various sessions to support the growth and development of makers and help with their projects and businesses. We'll keep you updated with METES’s news every week and support your challenges and growth as a maker! Let us know if you need anything! Thank you.