Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, It is my great pleasure to be here with you today. My name is O-Bong Yang, President of Jeonbuk National University. In addition to serving as President of JBNU, I currently hold the honor of serving as Chairman of the Korean Council for University Education, which represents all 197 four-year universities in the Republic of Korea, as well as a Member of the National Education Commission. It is truly a great honor for me to witness the signing of a comprehensive and strategic Memorandum of Understanding between Jeonbuk National University and Purdue University today. First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Vice President Perloulis for his dedication and thoughtful preparation of today’s event. I would also like to extend my deepest gratitude to President Mung Chiang for his unwavering support and leadership, which made this MOU possible. My heartfelt thanks also go to the vice presidents, faculty members, and university officials who have joined us today despite your busy schedules—especially Director Velasquez of the Office of International Programs. Moreover, I am deeply grateful to all distinguished representatives from both universities who are with us today. Your presence has made this MOU signing even more meaningful and memorable. Distinguished colleagues, Through this MOU, Jeonbuk National University and Purdue University seek to further strengthen substantive collaboration across education, research, and talent development. First, we aim to expand joint and dual-degree programs between our two institutions. We have agreed to launch an online dual-degree master’s program in defense acquisition starting in September 2026. Building on this initiative, we also look forward to actively discussing the establishment of an online MBT program. Second, we seek to promote the invitation of distinguished Purdue faculty members and joint research collaboration. In connection with the Korean government’s national strategic initiative often referred to as the “Ten Seoul National Universities Project,” Jeonbuk National University hopes to invite leading Purdue professors in the fields of Physical-AI-based future mobility systems, next-generation renewable energy hub systems, and advanced biotechnology, including red biotechnology and organoid research. Jeonbuk National University is fully prepared to provide the highest level of academic respect, support, and research environment commensurate with their global standing. Third, we aim to further strengthen cooperation in AI-centered advanced technology fields. Purdue University possesses world-class strengths in engineering and technology, all of which are closely linked with artificial intelligence. The Korean government has also launched a national Physical AI initiative, beginning this year with approximately USD 28 million, and expanding to nearly USD 720 million over the next five years, with Jeonbuk National University serving as a central coordinating hub. In addition, Jeonbuk National University is currently implementing large-scale national projects totaling approximately USD 900 million, including the Glocal University Project and semiconductor workforce development initiatives. On this strong foundation, we sincerely hope to further deepen AI and advanced technology research collaboration between our two universities. Jeonbuk National University has continuously worked to align itself with these global trends, striving to become Korea’s leading hub for K-Defense talent development. Since 2023, Jeonbuk National University has operated the Defense Industry Convergence Program and the Institute for Defense Industry Studies. Over the past three years, we have signed MOUs with more than 60 major institutions and companies, including the Defense Acquisition Program Administration and Hanwha Aerospace, and have been designated as an official university for the Defense Project Manager certification program. We have also established a contract-based master’s program in advanced defense industry studies linked to employment, and opened the Hanwha Aerospace HUB Specialized Research Center on campus, among many other achievements. Most notably, in early 2026, Jeonbuk National University will establish Korea’s first undergraduate Department of Advanced Defense Industry. We are also moving forward with plans for a Graduate School of Defense Industry Convergence and a global master’s program in defense acquisition. Through these efforts, Jeonbuk National University will firmly establish itself as a national and global hub for cultivating future defense industry leaders. As President of Jeonbuk National University and Chairman of the Korean Council for University Education, I sincerely hope that today’s MOU signing will serve as a historic starting point, elevating cooperation between JBNU and Purdue University to a new level in future advanced technology research, education, and defense collaboration. Once again, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all those who have honored us with their presence today. Jeonbuk National University is fully committed to working hand in hand with Purdue University to become a global hub for talent development in Physical AI, defense, and technology management. Thank you very much.