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The Salzburg Global Seminar – Korea Foundation Fellowship connects Korean leaders with a diverse, innovative, and global network of Fellows

Salzburg Global Seminar asked Daniel Shin, a Fellow taking part in the first year of the program, about his experience.

“My name is Daniel Shin. I'm based in Seoul, Korea. I am a venture capitalist with 10 years of experience under my belt. I also closely work with the German luxury brand called MCM, which operates in 43 countries with 700 doors. I also teach at Korea University. I received my doctorate degree from Paris Sciences et Lettres or in short, University of PSL, in 2019. I am currently working on my second masters at University of Oxford, Faculty of Law.”

Through the Fellowship, Daniel has returned to take part in the Salzburg Global Corporate Governance Forum as he did in 2019.

“I found that Corporate Governance, ESG, a ‘resilience‘ topic that Salzburg Global Seminar offered were particularly more engaging. Then I found the Korea Foundation Fellowship opportunity, and finally gave it a try. Sessions that I was sitting in were quite diversified, from all different regions, time zones and varying perspectives. By nature, I am learning many new things from my work, but when you hang out with only the same people, it is hard to pick up a new perspective. That's what Salzburg Global Seminar is really good at, bridging many different ideas and providing a safe venue for people to bring themselves as who they are.”

As part of the Fellowship, each Fellow is assigned to a mentor, to provide professional guidance and strengthen cross-cultural relationships.

“Philip Sinclair, a fellow at the Judge Business School at the University of Cambridge, is my mentor appointee. We have had many common grounds. He is an entrepreneur by himself and has been involved in various policy work as a key influencer. I see myself becoming a policy entrepreneur in the coming years. I'm grateful to find this journey that resonates with my future career goal.”

Each Fellow produces a capstone project that builds on the learnings of their Fellowship and contributes to the impact in their respective areas.

“I'm digging in how entrepreneurship will bring forth a major social change in North Korea. I've gotten connected with North Korean refugees who have made various fruitful transitions in their lives with entrepreneurship. During the fellowship, I would like to spotlight a few cases that have felt inspiring so that others can feel the same.”

Salzburg Global Seminar: What does being Korean mean to you in this global age?

“Korea is all about resilience. Korea suffered tremendous oppression. It has been lacking precious resource, but we have a great talent, which is willing to learn and go the extra mile. Korea will shine with its people, their entrepreneurial spirit and creativity. As you can see from a recent saga of very popular K-content around the globe, Korea will also contribute tons to bring forth original stories and creative innovations that will be a source of its soft power.”

What advice would you give to those interested in the Korea Foundation Fellowship?

“‘Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.’ These were the famous words of John F. Kennedy and the motto of Harvard Kennedy School. The doors of the Korea Foundation Fellowship are open to a wide range of people. Before asking whether I am qualified, take time to think about how much you can contribute to Salzburg Global Seminar and the Korea Foundation Fellowship with your unique background and bright mind. Please make sure to apply!”
 

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