High Time for Korean Startups to Ride on Digital Fever in Southeast Asia(1)

High Time for Korean Startups to Ride on Digital Fever in Southeast Asia

Startup boom can be named as one of the hot issues in Southeast Asia this year. This may not sound familiar to most Koreans except for those involved in the IT industry or venture capital sectors. However, startup markets across Southeast Asia have been rapidly gaining momentums. 

In fact, locally born leaders of digital economy such as Grab in Malaysia which recently acquired the Southeast Asian business unit of Uber have been acclaimed for changing the conventional industrial map in the region.

Why the World Pay Attention to Indonesia(6)

An Overview of Indonesia

Major cities in Java Island like Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Jogjakarta, Solo(Surakarta) and Bali Island are touched upon, too. In addition, general map and information of Indonesia as well as simple Indonesian expressions are provided. 

From the bottom of my heart, I sincerely hope 'Why the World Pay Attention to Indonesia' will play a timely and meaningful role of narrowing distance between Indonesia and South Korea further. It couldn't be better if this publication will prove itself helpful to those South Korean businesses and young people dreaming of their future in Indonesia.

Why the World Pay Attention to Indonesia(5)

An Overview of Indonesia 

Against this background, it is a pity that Indonesia hasn't been properly presented to South Koreans yet. Publications on Indonesia have mostly been focusing on tourism to Bali or Indonesian language learning. This is where 'Why the World Pay Attention to Indonesia' initiates.

This book aims to introduce still-unfamiliar Indonesia to South Korea in an easy way. 3-year-long experience in Indonesia mixed with curiosity of a former journalist produced 35 stories over Indonesian politics, economy, society and culture. 

Why the World Pay Attention to Indonesia(4)

An Overview of Indonesia 

Relationship between Indonesia and South Korea is getting closer as well. More and more young generation in Indonesia goes wild with South Korean celebrities while South Korean electronic goods, IT gadgets and food gain huge popularity among the public. 

In fact, the number of Indonesian visitors to South Korea already reached 200,000 in 2014. On the other hand, as many as 2,200 South Korean businesses have been actively involved in Indonesia to navigate a new growth engine such as Halal market to cope with the 21st century.

Why the World Pay Attention to Indonesia(3)

An Overview of Indonesia 

Indonesia’s color is not less unique in cultural and social aspect. It is no doubt that Indonesia represents a country of multi-culture and multi-race. As widely known, more than 300 ethnic groups with over 700 languages are observed in the territory. This diversity is no exception in religious point of view. 

Though Indonesia has been considered as part of Islamic culture where around 85% of the population, some 210 million nationals are reported to be Muslims, religious freedom is preserved and protected under the constitution.

Why the World Pay Attention to Indonesia(2)

An Overview of Indonesia 

Indonesia is being highlighted as the leader of emerging markets recently. Global money and talents have been rushing to Indonesia as its economy has shown a nearly-6%-solid growth on average during 2010-2014. A multi-national accounting firm even pictured a rosy outlook that Indonesia will be boasting of the 4th biggest GDP in the world in 2050 followed by China, America and India. 

As a result of strengthened economic clout, Indonesia has been raising its voice in ASEAN. This also seems to be in line with changes in political landscape especially in the wake of the latest presidential election in 2014 from which the first civilian president came to office.

Why the World Pay Attention to Indonesia(1)

An Overview of Indonesia 

'Biggest island country in the world', 'Country with the largest Muslim population', 'Generate 40% of the total GDP(Gross Domestic Product) in ASEAN(The Association of Southeast Asian Nations)'. 

All are called to describe Indonesia. Truly, the world is paying attention to Indonesia armed with the above top records even hard to get one by other nations.

Putting things in place and order is my power(4)

A book for children's self-esteem 

A good habit does not require a huge determination, but it merely requires a sincere attitude being developed by both parents and children on a daily life basis. Once the well-formed habit is successfully executed, children's self-reliance and self-confidence can grow impeccably. 

Well-formed habits, at the end of the day, also assist children to achieve their goals. Putting things in place and order may seem small and trivial at first. But if continuously carried out, needless to say, it would provide amazing power to grow ourselves.

Putting things in place and order is my power(3)

A book for children’s self-esteem 

Putting things in place and order is also a manner to care about others. Let’s imagine empty cans and snack packs are messed up and scattered around at public libraries. Visitors can undoubtedly frown at them. 

However, parents' burdens could be much more relieved if things are put in place and order neatly. This kind of clean environments can provide a better place for students to study at school and people can pleasantly pay a visit to the public areas.

Putting things in place and order is my power(2)

A book for children’s self-esteem 

Putting things in place and order is no less important than above types of habits. If children’s belongings are put in place correctly on an everyday basis, these belongings are easily found whenever necessary. 

Putting things in order is not only a way to cherish our belongings but also a way to love and respect ourselves. This habit can teach us how to live in a neat way and how to live ourselves more transparently with a neatly arranged mindset. 

Putting things in place and order is my power(1)

A book for children’s self-esteem 

'What is learned in the cradle is carried to the tomb.' Have you ever heard of this? This famous proverb represents that fixed habits are very difficult to be switched. On the other hand, if a decent habit is being formed from the early childhood, it continues to play an important role in our life. 

As an example, early developed children's habits, going to bed and waking up early, and not complaining about food quality, can bring a positive impact on later stages of adulthood's healthy life styles.

Should Go to a College?(5)

How successfully students of 6 Special High Schools and Meister High Schools get a job

Expectation on the first graduates of two meister high schools in February of 2013, 'Suwon Hi-tech High School(Industrial-educational collaboration)' and 'Wonju Medical Instruments High School(Differentiation)' is high. These schools would be especially important to those parents whose kids soon advance to high schools. 

It is a still long way to go. But from the bottom of my heart, I sincerely hope stories of these schools will surely spread to all over the country. In doing so, this book can serve a timely opportunity to have the society slept on the significance of all-pervading academic cliquism-inflation and desirable models of vocational education in Korea.

Should Go to a College?(4)

How successfully students of 6 Special High Schools and Meister High Schools get a job

My book was born based upon these backgrounds. Since Bubsung High School, I have pondered over how to engage myself in other cases of exemplary special high schools and meister high schools. 5 other high schools were finally selected and introduced to this e-book along with Bubsung High School. Foundation principles and goals of these schools are all different. 

In addition, these 6 schools aren't yet to be called best vocational schools in Korea. However, there’s no doubt these schools have enhanced unique education programs to bring up young talented resources. 'Bubsung High School(School Enterprise)', 'Seoul Girls' Commercial High School(Personality Education)', 'Suwon High School for Agricultural Science(Customized Education)' and 'Induk Technical High School(Internationalization)' are special high schools where the Korean public should exemplify. 

Should Go to a College?(3)

How successfully students of 6 Special High Schools and Meister High Schools get a job

Bubsung High School’s story is something more than good news. I was obligated that the public has a right to appreciate this trivial, but meaningful success story. In fact, the story imminently showcased a negative impact from Korean hakbulism(academic cliquism) which resulted in discrimination and alienation against graduates of special high schools and fierce competition in resume management to college graduates, I believe. 

After my article was released, Korean media professionals rushed to Bubsung High School to cover them into their own and even Japanese business start-ups came to Korea to benchmark the school. My story’s sudden fame brought me a great confidence as well.

Should Go to a College?(2)

How successfully students of 6 Special High Schools and Meister High Schools get a job

The online shopping mall launched less than a year ago has monthly revenue of 10 million Korean Won could be surprising news to anybody. In other words, it was such a great news source that could quench thirst of curious journalists like me who’s been longing for something unique to write. 

My visit to Bubsung High School turned out to be a great anecdote. When I paid a second visit to the school 8 months later, Bubsungmall even reached revenue of 100 million Korean Won per annum.