Following the University of Žilina, Kia Slovakia has also signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Technical University of Košice. Over the past year, the car manufacturer has worked with five scholarship recipients, each receiving financial support of EUR 4,000 per academic year. During the same period, Kia also supported the preparation of a total of 24 final student theses.
The President and CEO of Kia Slovakia, Geon Won Shin, and the Rector of the Technical University of Košice, Prof. Ing. Stanislav Kmeť, DrSc., signed a joint memorandum on education, science, cooperation and research activities. The aim of the partnership is to provide support and identify joint activities in the fields of mechanical engineering, Industry 4.0, management, ergonomics, and other automotive-related topics. The car manufacturer will offer university students free internships, site visits, practical placements and paid scholarships. The memorandum also enables creative and research activities for students preparing bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral theses. At the same time, it highlights the importance of cooperation between academia and the automotive industry, which is undergoing rapid development and transformation.
“With today’s signing of the memorandum at Kia’s European manufacturing plant, we are formally launching a project that will bring many opportunities for both parties. We believe that cooperation between experts from both organisations will soon deliver the first results in the areas of education, science and research,” said Geon Won Shin, President and CEO of Kia Slovakia.
“This partnership should lead to an improvement in the quality of education, the creation of new opportunities for students, the exchange of expertise, and support for research projects. Expanding cooperation with Kia Slovakia is very encouraging for us. This collaboration will enable practical outcomes and the development of education that reflects current market requirements,” added Prof. Ing. Stanislav Kmeť, DrSc., Rector of the Technical University of Košice.
The ceremonial signing of the memorandum was also attended by Won Jeong Jeong, President of Kia Europe. Kia Europe oversees the brand’s activities in the region and strives to attract top talent across all areas of the business. The presence of the President of Kia Europe underlined the importance of this topic for the Kia brand. The car manufacturer has also expressed interest in cooperating with additional universities.
University students most commonly find opportunities at Kia Slovakia in the fields of electrical engineering and mechanical engineering, as well as in administrative roles. With regard to final theses, occupational health and safety (OHS) is among the most frequently represented areas.
