As part of its ongoing Tech Café series, MIMOS held an engaging session on 18 April 2025 that took participants on a journey through South Korea’s unique blend of culture, language, and technological advancement. Titled ‘Annyeong Korea: From Kimchi to Quantum,’ the talk was delivered by Aisyah Humairah Najihah binti Nor Alias, Senior Analyst from the Technology Diplomacy Division, MIMOS Berhad.
In the session, Aisyah shared her personal journey of learning the Korean language and her growing appreciation for the country’s rich cultural heritage. She highlighted how language became a gateway to understanding Korea’s values, from strong work ethics and respect for tradition to its vibrant culinary customs and health-conscious food culture.
Moving from cultural immersion to technological innovation, the session also explored South Korea’s remarkable leap into frontier technologies. Aisyah discussed the country’s success in sectors such as semiconductors, 5G, artificial intelligence, and quantum technology, underpinned by sustained R&D investments, a thriving innovation ecosystem, and strategic government support.
The session offered MIMOSians not just a glimpse into Korea’s high-tech landscape, but also reflections on how tradition and innovation can beautifully coexist. It inspired attendees to think about what Malaysia can learn from Korea’s journey, particularly in leveraging culture, education, and diplomacy in advancing national innovation agendas. By bringing global perspectives into internal knowledge-sharing spaces, MIMOS Tech Café continues to support its mission of fostering curiosity, collaboration, and forward-thinking ideas among its talents.
