Publication Date: September 16, 2025 (Issue No. 778)
Venue: Lotte Resort Buyeo
Date: September 3–4, 2025
The Association successfully hosted the “2025 National CEOs’ Training Program for Cooperative Members” on September 3 (Wednesday) and September 4 (Thursday) at Lotte Resort Buyeo, located in Buyeo County, Chungcheongnam-do.
This annual CEOs’ training program is designed to promote information exchange and a spirit of cooperation among member companies. This year’s program brought together over 100 participants, including CEOs and executives from member companies nationwide.
The 2025 training program was organized to foster unity, cooperation, and information sharing among members, with the aim of overcoming the challenges currently facing the mold industry and redefining its future direction amid growing global uncertainty.
In his opening remarks, Chairman Shin Yong-moon stated:
“This CEOs’ training program was arranged in Buyeo, Chungcheongnam-do—a place rich in history—to promote harmony and information exchange among our members. At a time when U.S.-led tariff pressures and China’s low-price competition are intensifying, I sincerely hope this event will serve as an opportunity for the entire mold industry to stand together, wisely overcome the current crisis, and lay the foundation for renewed growth.”
Meanwhile, Chairman Park Man-hee of the Daegu–Gyeongbuk Mold Industry Cooperative encouraged participants, saying:
“The CEOs’ training program provides a valuable opportunity for executives and employees of member companies to gather, share concerns, and explore joint response strategies. I hope today’s meeting will become a cornerstone for the mold industry’s next leap forward.”
The mold industry is currently facing unprecedented challenges, including:
In response, the training program featured a variety of lectures and discussions focused on crisis response strategies, corporate applications of AI, and organizational conflict management.
The first presentation, titled “Industry-Wide Cooperation and Joint Response Strategies for Overcoming the Crisis in the Korean Mold Industry,” was delivered by Mr. Lim Young-taek, Executive Director of the Association.
Mr. Lim highlighted increasing uncertainties in domestic and global mold demand, the rise in mold imports, and the growing trend of overseas mold sourcing by major manufacturers. Based on feedback collected through multiple industry meetings held by the Association this year, he presented practical countermeasures currently being pursued at the Association level.
This was followed by an in-depth discussion moderated by Chairman Shin Yong-moon, during which participants actively shared additional opinions and discussed policy tasks requiring joint efforts between the government and industry. Chairman Shin emphasized that, given the heightened sense of crisis across the industry, the Association would continue to actively propose government support measures and present a clear roadmap for industry recovery and renewed growth.
Following the discussions, invited lectures were held as part of the program.
Professor Seo Yong-seok of the KAIST Moon Soul Graduate School of Future Strategy delivered a lecture on “Corporate Strategies in the Era of AI Transformation.” He explained how three structural forces—technology, demographics, and climate change—are reshaping industries and organizations, emphasizing that AI represents not merely an automation tool but a paradigm shift that deconstructs and reconstructs work processes.
Professor Seo noted:
“AI is not simply a technology that replaces humans; it is a tool that dismantles and recombines tasks to expand human capabilities. Companies must evolve into agile, learning organizations in order to seize new growth opportunities.”
Next, Ms. Cho Jung-hye, CEO of the Korea Institute for Digital Conflict Management Promotion, presented a lecture titled “Understanding Organizational Conflict and Communication Strategies by Situation.” She emphasized that conflict should not be viewed merely as a problem to be avoided, but as a signal for growth for both organizations and individuals. She further explained the importance of systematic diagnosis and structured mediation and negotiation processes to reach mutually acceptable solutions.
Ms. Cho stated:
“Conflict does not have to mark the end of a relationship; it can become the starting point for new dialogue and cooperation. Organizations must detect conflicts early and create productive change through participant-centered resolution processes.”
An evening banquet provided participants with opportunities for networking and fellowship among member companies.
On the second day, September 4 (Thursday), various outdoor programs—including nature walks and a friendly golf tournament—were organized, allowing participants to relax and enjoy time together in a natural setting.
Following last year’s event, this year’s two-day, one-night off-site training program again drew strong interest and active participation. With a broad range of topics—from crisis response strategies to AI utilization and conflict management—the program concluded successfully through presentations, discussions, and Q&A sessions.
The training program served as a meaningful platform for reviewing key industry issues, exploring cooperative solutions, and engaging in in-depth discussions on the future direction and sustainable growth strategies of the mold industry.
Through this program, the Association reaffirmed the importance of information sharing and collaboration among member companies and remains committed to continuously providing practical forums for addressing industry challenges and securing future growth drivers. The Association will continue to take the lead in helping the industry overcome current challenges and build a foundation for sustainable growth.
