Kim Joon-Hong, CEO of Meere Company shares his experience of CKGSB’s Korean EMBA program. A pioneering leader in the field of display process equipment, 3D sensor cameras and surgical robots, Kim Joon-Hong wanted to broaden his business insight and network in China. He says the extraordinary business network at CKGSB and the practical program gave him a better understanding of the China market.
Kim Joon-Hong, one of the first students in the CKGSB’s Korean EMBA, is the CEO of Meere Company, a pioneering firm in the field of display process equipment, 3D sensor cameras and surgical robots. CKGSB’s Korean EMBA (CKGSB EMBA on China Business: A program for Korean Leaders) is a joint program with the Seoul School of Integrated Sciences and Technologies (aSSIST). Kim Joon-Hong shares his business vision and talks about how the CKGSB’s Korean EMBA program helped him better manage his company.
Kim Joon-Hong, CEO of Meere Company, student of the CKGSB Korean EMBA
The Meere Company was established 33 years ago and has three business divisions: ‘display equipment’, ‘surgical robots’ and ‘3D sensors’. Meere Company produces a display device called the Edge Grinder, which has the largest market share in the world. The company has clients such as BOE, CSOT, Tianma and many others. The company’s new business line in 3D sensors is expected to grow as the technology becomes more widely used. The Meere Company is also diving into a new space – surgical robots. Their new product called ‘Revo-I’ is a minimally invasive laparoscopic surgical robot that has successfully completed its final clinical trial at Yonsei Medical Center in March and is the first Korean surgical robot to successfully operate in the abdomen.
“In the case of China, the central and local governments tend to overwhelmingly support Chinese companies. So it will be a crucial point for Korean companies to acquire unrivaled technological capabilities to continue our goodwill with local companies or to pursue a win-win path through strategic partnerships with local companies,” said Kim. “I think the difference in technology is very important. Even if the Chinese government fully supports its domestic companies, it will have to rely on imports for equipment that [they] lack. So, the technology will be the key for competitiveness.”
The following contains edited excerpts of the interview:
Meere Company(left) and its main product ‘Panel Grinder’(right)
Q. You took the MBA program at Columbia University. Why did you chose to further pursue an education at CKGSB?
KIM: Although I was able to broaden my business insight through the Columbia MBA program, I had limited knowledge and information on the future of China, which is the main target of my company’s business. I felt that I needed to study deeper the opportunities and business network related to the management environment in China. I learnt about the CKGSB’s Korean EMBA through Professor Cho Dong Sung. The program is held in both Korea and China, I could know that this is not only for expanding the understanding of China but also finding a bridge between Korea and China.
In addition, CKGSB believes that it has an outstanding strength in terms of having a top-notch faculty and excellent programs around the world, as well as a unique alumni network. The alumni of the CKGSB’s Korean EMBA program are excellent business people who one cannot easily meet elsewhere.
Q. Through the CKGSB Korean EMBA program, what specific lessons did you receive for your business?
KIM: One of the greatest help in the module was that I was able to broaden my understanding of the overall China market. I gained another perspective on doing business in China, the perspective from a Chinese point of view. Above all, it is a good opportunity to see and feel the business scene in China. The tour at Lapu Technology, a leading wireless peripheral manufacturer was especially memorable in our module on “Supply Chain Management”. It was especially meaningful because I got to see the present and the future of China. In addition, professors’ lectures have enabled us to gain practical knowledge necessary to conduct business in China. In particular, I learned a wide range of topics related to laws and intellectual property (IP) issues in China.
Q. To whom would you recommend the CKGSB EMBA program?
KIM: I think this course will be of great help to those who have just started to enter the Chinese market. In addition, B2B companies will find it very helpful, but if you are working at a B2C company, you will be able to get more help for your business through CKGSB alumni network. B2C companies, on the other hand, are more likely to get broad business opportunities through the network of CKGSB, while B2B firms have limited clients.
To read the full interview with Meere Company CEO Kim Joon-Hong, please click here.
