Sharjah, The first King Sejong Institute Center (KSIC) headquarters in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has officially opened in the emirate of Sharjah.
In collaboration with the Department of Government Relations (DGR) in Sharjah, the KSIC has been launched in line with the emirate’s ongoing mission to build bridges between cultures and strengthen collaborations with countries worldwide and will begin pilot courses in the first half of this year to be held at the University of Sharjah.
According to Emirates News Agency (WAM), the new regional headquarters is set to commence its operations in the region by initiating pilot courses in the first half of this year, with plans to expand its network, establish local connections, and introduce regular courses in the second half of 2024. Following this initial phase, the trajectory of the institute involves further expansion into the MENA region, adding additional courses, and developing locally tailored content throughout 2025.
The courses will be offer
ed through three comprehensive levels of Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced, enabling students to progressively build their language proficiency and cultural understanding.
The KSIC in Sharjah will also advance the connection between the two nations by training translators to mediate between Korean and Arabic, catering to professionals in the UAE, Korea, and the wider MENA region.
The institute has developed specific textbooks tailored to various industries, including tourism, education, and business. These textbooks are designed to address the unique needs of different demographics, ensuring that students acquire the necessary language skills for their specific career paths.
This strategic approach aims to solidify the institute’s presence, enhance cultural exchanges, and promote the Korean language and culture effectively in the region.
Shaikh Majid bin Abdullah Al Qasimi, the Director of DGR, affirmed the department’s essential role in advancing international cooperation based on cultural exchange an
d communication with countries and cultures worldwide.
He noted that DGR’s efforts align with Sharjah’s vision to nurture communities focused on strengthening bilateral relations and understanding between peoples, bolstering the emirate’s status as a hub for cultures and a platform for comprehensive human dialogue.
Lee Hai-young, the President of the King Sejong Institute Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm and gratitude for the opportunity to establish the first regional headquarters in Sharjah.
The opening ceremony featured a variety of segments, including performances of traditional Korean music and a K-pop routine which featured performers from both South Korea and residents in the UAE, and an official ribbon-cutting ceremony, which shows the cultural exchange between South Korea and the UAE, and marking the official opening of the institute centre.
Source: Bahrain News Agency