Asia and South Pacific Design Automation Conference

Transcription

>> MOON: So, thank you, everyone. We're here. I'm very surprised that this last-minute TechTalk is well-attended. And we have quite a few [INDISTINCT]. Ooh... Projection [INDISTINCT]? Okay, well, anyhow, my name is Christine Moon. I'm a manager of the International Engineering Ops Team. So, background on this talk. I got a call from my friend who's in DC last Friday asking, "Hey, we have Dr. Kim coming into town. Are you willing to host the talk?" And, you know, it's very last-minute but we were able to pull it off. We found the room and we found people who are interested and people who were concerned as well about talk. So, I'm very excited about this topic because I think we have people from whole different political spectrum with interest on this topic. But I do want to remind you that this talk is being recorded and when we do go into Q&A session or even there at the talk, please be respectful to your fellow audience and also to the speaker. And rather than making this a politically-charged dialogue, debate or discussion, I would really like to focus on listening and learning, and learning more about what it is they're trying to do. So, that's my only thing. And I just want to follow up that I, myself, am ignorant about what's going on in North Korea. I have no ties and I just met Dr. Kim today, and I'm here to learn and listen and, you know, I would love to hear about what's going on. So I just don't want to go too much into his bio except for the fact that he's the vice-president of Pyongyang University of Science & Technology, and you guys saw the background on his educational background. But he's a long-time Silicon Valley resident. He still has a home in Fremont. And he's here with us today to share with us what's been going on with the University. Please welcome him. >> KIM: Thank you. And, again, I was born and raised in South Korea. And after my college there, I came to the United States for my study in the Bay Area. UC Berkeley was my graduate study in mechanical engineering. After that, I spent out over 30 years before I decided to go on my second career in my life. To make that decision, I realized that I was born in 1946. That's--when I was four years and I was in that Korean War time, and as you know, right after the war, the whole country was torn off. And I spent through miserable things but with someone help, somebody's help, and that unconditional, you know, care and love, then I could be in the United States in continuing my study and my career. And I thought I was successful, in a sense. So, there was a time to pay back to those people who is needed. So I joined a group of people in northeastern corner of China where the borders to North Korea. There was a school teaching that Korean-ethnic Chinese for their college level study that made their lives changed just like me. So about 200 foreigners, including Korean-Chinese, Korean-Americans, and all of the United States and others, about 13 countries, over 200 faculty members is teaching and giving their lives to those in that area of people who was pretty much deprived, in a sense, no hope, no, you know, education. But after that interface, a lot of them are more successful like us. So, you know, there was very meaningful life of, you know, in my career. And so, I spent about six and a half years as a teacher there. And I also involved in the school administration as a vice-president of Yanbian University of Science & Technology. While I was working in that time, I was asked to be a project manager for this new school in Pyongyang, so I worked as the project manager. The reason was I was the project manager of power projects in Bechtel Power Corporation and also Pacific Gas & Electric Company in this area. So, that was, you know, my brief background. And I have two kids living in San--Fremont area and... Okay, let's go from here. So why don't I give you--my plan is give you 10 minutes video showing Yanbian University of Science & Technology, and another part is Pyongyang University of Science & Technology and, historically, we had opening ceremony or you can say building dedication ceremony and president inauguration ceremony in September last year. That was a historical moment. The school is open. Now, we are waiting for the students in April. That's where we are. So after this video clip, then I will give you more detailed story. >> As the new chapter in the history of Northeastern Asia opens, Korea and China are coming together for a new level of partnership with the 21st century Pacific Rim era. China, whose northeastern borders with Korea is borne by Tumen River originating from Baekdu Mountain. The entire nation of China is developing rapidly to take her place in the international community, and Yanji is no exception. In the midst of rapid changes, Yanbian University of Science & Technology stands as the first of foreign-Chinese joint venture educational institution. In 1991, even before the international relationship was formed between Korea and China, YUST was approved by the China Bureau of Education and Jilin Provincial government and had its historic beginning in September 1992. A unique campus with unmatched qualities in China, YUST is a place of learning, nurturing the future leaders of China and Korean-Chinese community who will lead the era of Northeastern Asia. Engineering schools focusing on the latest technology and practical applications; School of Materials, Mechanical & Automation Engineering; School of Biochemical Engineering; School of Computer, Electronics & Telecommunication; School of Architectural Engineering; School of Business nurturing the future CEOs of China; Befitting this global university, School of Western and Eastern languages which include English, German, and Korean departments; in addition, English Conversation Department and General English Education Department provide intensive English education for all students; the goal is to produce future leaders who are multilingual, fluent in English, Korean, and Chinese; the School of Nursing Science, training the future leaders in the field of nursing; making it a total of 9 colleges, 12 departments, and 35 research institutes at YUST. Two most unique features of YUST are the diversity and integrity-focused education. Faculty and staff members from all corners of the world and Han-Chinese, Korean-Chinese, Russian, and exchange students from abroad produce diversity through which students benefit both academically and socially. All first and second year students are required to live in dormitories in order to learn the community spirit. Under the motto of creativity, cooperation, and volunteerism, students learn the community spirit and practical experiences through various internships and community service activities. Various students clubs also enhance the students' college experience. YUST graduates in the world; over 2,300 graduates in 12 years, working for leading global companies in China while 15% went abroad for graduate studies. Unlike other universities, YUST provides opportunities for the graduates to return to school when the need for further education arises. Leaders who understand and appreciate both Chinese and Korean cultures will serve as a bridge between China and Korea. And it is in training and educating such leaders that YUST will make its contribution to the 21st century Northeastern Asia. >> Pyongyang University of Science & Technology, a project for the reconciliation of the north and south of Korea. The campus of this exciting new university is on a site of great historical interest. >> On this very place stood the church memorializing Thomas, martyrdom of the first missionary to Korea. >> In March 2001, Dr. James Kim, president of YUST in China, was appointed by North Korea to be president of PUST and asked to build a university like YUST in their country. >> Fifty years after the division of the Korean peninsula, we go north to teach these brothers and to teach with them. We go to recover a heart of unity and to display God's glory. This will be a place of God's marvelous works. >> Now, all the basic construction is complete with heat and electricity in all the buildings on campus. In the first half of 2007, along with a marble exterior put up on the IT building and the multipurpose complex and the paving of the campus access road, basic construction was done on the Service Center, Research and Development Center, Student Center, and school garage. In addition, student and faculty dorms were painted and readied for interior work. In the second half of 2007, we celebrated the completion of construction work on all of the main buildings and of the enclosed hallway connecting the whole campus. We are on the verge of completing all preparatory construction. To open this school on schedule, we need your help to purchase equipment prerequisite for the operation of a world-class university. Having waited and worked together with you these several years for the realization of this amazing dream, we are now filled with excitement to see how close we are to the goal. PUST will be the very first international university in North Korea working for the reconciliation of the north and south. We invite and challenge you to participate in this great historical event in the history of the Korean people. >> The Pyongyang University of Science & Technology, PUST, held its first-phase building dedication ceremony on September 16th. Various officials attended the ceremony including James Kim, the founding president of the Pyongyang University of Science & Technology, and members of the delegation he brought with him to celebrate the completion. Several speeches were delivered at the ceremony. After Dr. Kim was officially installed as PUST co-president, the whole delegation took a tour of this newly constructed campus. >> KIM: Well, that shows the two schools. Without explanation of Yanbian University of Science & Technology, we called it YUST, without understanding the YUST it's hard to explain the PUST, which is in Pyongyang, Pyongyang University of Science & Technology. So, I tried to connect this PUST and YUST. The word I'm going to use is a dream. One person's dream becomes his, you know, vision. And the lifetime vision makes him work on such as a Yanbian University of Science & Technology. So Kim Chin Kyung, one person's dream becomes the rest of us especially working for somebody else's success. That's the main reason we are there, and that can be explained by the unconditional love toward the people there. So later on, I would say, why we do this in North Korea? To help the people there. And Yanji is right above where that red dot is and also--this is about 24 years ago where in Dr. Kim was invited by a Chinese group to Beijing. And he met a group of young, you know, adults, and he realized that he need more good vehicle to teach youngsters, like a school. So in that region of Yanbian, he started a school in a place where nobody thought about, and he built a school in five years. The school had a shape and starting a school in 1992. Then in 1993, it becomes a junior college level then 1996, four-year college. And you can imagine about 100 people, you know, gather there. Some of them have a vision of this school becoming like this in 17 years. So right now, the school used to have about 1,800 undergraduate students. And so far about 3,000 graduate out of this school. And out of that, about 400 students advanced for their degrees, so some of them in the United States, some of them in the Europe, and some of them in Korea. And out of that, about--okay, let me go back. Community in YUST, right now, 13 countries the faculties come from, over 200 faculty members, and with their family of 500 faculty--you know, foreigners in the one location. We're happy family with the students and even exchange students within China. And some of our graduates got their PhDs and master's degree then came back to the school to join us as a faculty member. There are about 20 YUST alumni working with us as a faculty and another 20 working as an administrative staff. So, that we feel very good about it. So this dream continues on to Pyongyang. Again, this is to help the, you know, people. As you heard that this project became North and South Korean cooperative project and it was legally operated and with much, you know, difficulties. The buildings are all done and ready to accept the students. Right now, we're going to start with engineering school and business school, and also a school of global education. When it--you know, fully in operation, graduate study will be around 600 students and undergraduate would be around 2,000. And--but initially this spring, we will start with 60 graduate students and 150 undergraduate students in three schools. And faculty members eventually would be 250 from all over the world, but initially around 40 to 50 this year. Teaching language will be English. That's something–-I want to underscore that. And this school is different from the other universities in North Korea, such as Internet will be available for the students and faculty members. So upper top-right side is where the YUST is. The left bottom, that's where PUST will be. The school was designed by Junglim [INDISTINCT], which is a reputable company in South Korea which designed the Incheon International Airport, which is a pretty good design, you know, I was told. Out of these nice buildings, the phase one consists of these 17 buildings. It's completed and will be used for first phase of class. Just a--you know, quick history of the buildings, how we went up. And right now, it's ready and--ready for the students coming in. By the way, do you see the apartment behind the school? That's where southern part of Pyongyang. I'm talking about--yeah, between the buildings, you see the--what do you call that? Those buildings about 25, 30 stories of apartments which--showing the skyline of southern part of Pyongyang. So in September last year, group of people from all over the world joined the building dedication ceremony, as you saw, tape cutting, and it was published in their official newspaper. So the school is official in North Korea and also internationally. There isn't--this is significant moment to us. So far, I've been working on the six and a half years, you know. I was asked, "Is it going to be really in operational? After we complete the building, it will be taken away by the North Koreans. So why do you do that?" That question really hurt me. But finally, you know North Korean came out and say, "This school is international school," and President Kim was installed as an operational president. That shows the world this is not their school. This is an international school." In addition to that, we apply for EAR, export regulation administration. Is that the right word? EAR to commerce department to make that more complete application. We asked the North Korean to make sure this is international school. So they were told this is going to be international school and all the equipment we are bringing in inside of the school will be property of international community. And if there's any question, misuse, then you can come in and inspect any time, we'll cooperate. So that is the spirit of the school. The school, we say this school will be different from the rest of the universities inside of North Korea. As we tried and we have a track record of making YUST different from the rest of the Chinese universities in three areas; practicality, and creativity, and global-minded. So outcome is honest, sincere, and the students, alumni with a global sense. So they are very good at working with the others and international community. So with that, you know, track record, we are going to go in and teach them in North Korea. Undergraduate student will be two plus three, meaning that two years undeclared majors and three years majored area. And graduate students will learn one-plus-two system. One, you know, emphasis on English and basic science, then two years in their majors. So three years in graduate and five years in undergraduate, that's what we're going to start with. One more time, teaching language in graduate school is fully English and undergraduate, we will teach them one year, very accelerated English courses in the first year, then second, third, so that they can be taught by English in third and fourth year. Schools, for three years--schools will be the ones which we're going to start with; Information & Communication Technology; and Industry & Management; and Agriculture and Food and Life Science. Industry & Management is their [INDISTINCT] of MBA, but--not only in MBA, they asked us to teach trade and, you know, tariff and finance and banking and all of those. So we are very excited about that. And agriculture, again, you know, we want to focus on to feed the people there. So that is our emphasis on that. Information technology, they need help, outside help, especially, you know, South Korean friends and brother and sisters. They want to, you know, get on the industry which they will help. So not only the school, we also designed Techno Park like a Silicon Valley eventually, so that South Korean and US companies can come in, in that campus. So our students can go, you know, work there and also the businesses can utilize all those highly-educated people in Pyongyang. So we want to use this school as a gateway for both sides. You know, business and research centers, and all of the world can use this Pyongyang University of Science and Technology as a gateway go in and to work with the people inside. And also inside, you know, opportunity can work with outsiders through this campus and facilities. To make it happen, we want to make this school and Techno Park as a special district. The district--special district concept is nothing new. It is guaranteeing the free in and out of people and materials and information. You know, for the [INDISTINCT] in the road anything invented or, you know, produced the IP, Intellectual Property, has to be guaranteed. So this special district concept has been communicated and, in principle, agreed with them. And so we are looking forward to have this, you know, special district right. How to participate? And we need, you know, prayer partners and also financial partners for the equipment and, you know--operational costs and also educational partners such as volunteer work and also faculty members. This is something which I am, you know, coming here for. We are looking for a long-term faculty member, spending two or three years in there. But, short-term, meaning that one semester which is four months or visiting scholars of one month or two weeks or even a day, you know, that is a visiting scholars. Even short-term, if four months is, you know, tough in, you know, working people like you, probably to have a joint, you know, lecture team. So two plus two branch-type arrangement can be made. So, if there's anybody interested, certainly, you know, contact us. This school took a lot of materials. These bricks, 12.5 million bricks, signify how difficult it was. And, you know, with many reasons, we had to bring the bricks from China. You know, one piece of brick costs about 20 cents, but after seven times of uploading, downloading from trucks and trains and when it arrives at the site, it became $1.20. So that is one, you know, example of how difficult it was. However, we ended up working with, you know, this people. They are North Korean soldiers but, you know, I would say their physical condition is really not--you know, don't fit that battle really type thing. Yeah, this--their height is above my shoulder and they look like about 14, 15 years old boys and girls, but actually they are 25, 26 years old adults. And according to what [INDISTINCT] study, he says, "It will take another 60 years to have equal physical conditions between South and North Korean, you know, boys." That is a really sad story. I want to just remind you that recent Haiti earthquake, you know, this tragedy is--I was really shocked by the--you know, the magnitude and the number of people affected. And I was moved by the way the world, you know, just to try to help them, that was really good. But at the same time, it reminds me of Ethiopia and Africa a few years back. You know, they were, you know, about same conditions and all of the community try to help them of its ongoing, you know--tragedy. But there is a, you know, one country, a lot of people suffering for some reason. But we don't hear about it, we forgot about it, it's been over 60 years, you know, and they've made the Earth this malnutrition for generations, and really that's visible. And that's why we want to help the people, and that's why we are doing this. This picture is the same, you know, workers. It reminds us why we are doing this. Do you see the bottom-right corner, two shoulders wear the jacket, the winter jacket, dawn jacket, really warm, nice, manufactured by the [INDISTINCT] the Chinese University. Those students really loved President Kim. And no matter what he does, they will support. And this particular entrepreneur happened to be a she. She just donated 800 copies of jackets for the good cause of helping neighboring country, brother and sisters. When he brought this 800, you know, copies really warm and nice jacket giving to them and made a comment, he say, "You've been so good and we appreciate that, and even your brother and sisters in China is sending this for you. But remember, do the good job, build this school right because this is your school." I'm quite sure some of them has that, you know, thing pierced in their heart. This is their school. And when we open the school, I'm sure I will see many of them say, "Yes, I was there. I got the dream of yours and your love, you know, we felt that." I hope many, many of those--this young soldiers would come. Yes, this school, this is the school, and why education and why North Korea, and why science and technology? Past six--over 60 years, we've been trying to help them by food, clothing, and medical help and so on. It is necessary. I wish you keep doing that. But also, it is endless, you know, vicious circle. We like to teach them how to fish, not only giving them fish. And education is very essential, and we experienced that in China. That made people change--you know, change their lives and they become motivated and they become the leader of their own family and society and so on. And another example is, Korea became a very good country, South Korean became, you know, very good country because of the education--educational institute which, you know, those missionaries came in early days, built a school and hospital and so on. So, I think we owe them so much and that great vision of school made the people educated in the right way. So, in addition to all those humanitarian aids, we like to start this school so that not only teach them the knowledge but also share the--you know, our experience in the world with them so that they can be a good partner with the rest of the world when they--when the time comes. Such as, the North and South unified and we should have somebody who can communicate with the South people or Western people. That's our goal of this school. And science and technology, why science and technology is kind of a sensitive issue? Certainly, North is capable of making nuclear bomb and missiles, but that area about teaching, we certainly want to help the people so that every culture and the basic science, including IT. And there's a certain grade of acknowledge which we all know, commercial grade versus military grade. And I'm a mechanical engineer working the nuclear power plants, so I know the difference between nuclear power plant and atomic bomb. And I'm not capable of making atomic bomb, but I can teach nuclear power reactor and design and the commercial, you know, usage of it. That's where we are coming from. And IT industry, IT knowledge can be used for weaponry thing. However, the professors we have not in their area of expertise and so on. But we like to help them to be able to work with the rest of the world, and we like to use their highly educated people working with us so that we can be partner in the, you know, earthly village, you know, community. Anything else? >> MOON: Yeah. So I just wanted to give the audience and people who dialed in a chance to ask you questions. We have about 15 minutes left. And I also wanted to invite you, guys, to stay afterwards for lunch, if you want to join Dr. Kim and couple of us, stay behind. And we also have Mike and Neil from the training compliance team. If you have questions about the wealth of North Korea, as an individual or as a Googler, is it okay for me to participate and then I'll give you sort of general guidelines on how you can. So you can stick around and ask some questions but... >> KIM: You know, why don't I just add one more thing before I forget because I easy to forget. This project, we've been reporting everything, you know, regular basis to U.S. government. As a matter of fact, I was in DC right before that snowstorm meeting, US government, State Department officers and also senator and US congressman and those people. Make sure that what we are doing is legitimate in legal terms. And we've been reporting everything what we've been doing, quite regular basis, at least, once a year. So--and also as I said, any equipment we are bringing in should be regulate by EAR. Okay. Where the money come from? Mostly from the grass root-type, you know, mostly Christian in the U.S. and South Korea and all over the world. One thing--I've been working in North Korea past six and a half years, and sometime I got this comment. "You Christians are quite crazy. However, we trust you." They say we've been dealing with so many different types of people, but Christians are only trustworthy people who deliver what they say. So that's how they see us, even though we have a different idea and different, you know, goal. But that's how we--they know who we are and they know our goals. And the common ground is we want to help the people there, and we believe education is something can achieve, not only just bit, you know, small area, but broad ways, you know, good cause. Okay. I'm ready to take... >> MOON: So any questions from the audience? So, Dr. Kim, can you just repeat the questions [INDISTINCT] can hear you? >> KIM: Yeah. All right. >> MOON: Questions or comments? Yeah? >> So what's the admission process like and what's the...? >> KIM: The admission process for the students, we do not get involved with the, you know, selecting students. Just like China. China also... >> MOON: Can you repeat the question? Sorry, someone is getting off their phone? >> KIM: Why don't you come over here and ask the question, then I'll... >> MOON: Okay. >> KIM: ...answer. >> MOON: I don't think this... >> It does. >> MOON: Oh, it does? Okay. So I'll do the question for the remote offices. The question was, what's the admission process like? Are you interested in applying? Okay, [INDISTINCT]. >> KIM: Again, in China--all the student take SAT-type test, and by the score they apply, then the government will decide who they will go. So in China, we don't interview or we don't get anything involved. We just get the students and we teach them. Same thing will happen in North Korea. They will do their own, you know, selection process and we will receive. Okay? >> MOON: Any insight on what the process is like, or is there--is it transparent process, or you don't know? >> KIM: I don't know. >> MOON: Okay. >> KIM: But one thing is that--in, you know, February, they do have a period of SAT-type test for three days, seven subjects. And all the parents go crazy, I can see that. Because of the result of that test will be deciding factor for their lives whether they go university or working place or a military service. So, they are very desperate on that, you know, testing. That's all I know. Yes. >> What kind of immigration issues do you encounter? Do you expect participants would encounter after going and participating in North Korea [INDISTINCT]? >> MOON: So we're taking question from here first and then you can ask. >> Okay. >> MOON: Okay. So the question was for the volunteers who want to volunteer. So the question was sort of volunteers, what's the [INDISTINCT] process like or anything else then, any security issues, is that the sort of? >> Yeah. Where like [INDISTINCT] hassle and you come to the United States. >> MOON: Oh, coming back, are there any [INDISTINCT] from the State Department, that sort of thing? >> KIM: Okay. Not at all, that's why we've been reporting and we've been informing our government, and even I checked with our government and say, "Is it okay for me go in and out for doing this project?" And I was told that US government doesn't have any concern on individual going for their own cause. Not, you know, anything against US policy and so on. So, going for doing this project, it is okay, and as I said, to make it more secure and safe, we are promoting that idea of a special district. They will make the visa process more simple, that's what we are looking for. So far, any US citizens, the visa process takes about four to six weeks. And I would say from my experience being there, safe. You know, is it safe to go there? When I come back to the Bay Area, I have to concern about, you know, earthquake. Is it safe to be here? I want to get out of this place as soon as possible. I don't mind being in North Korea for that safety concern, you know. >> MOON: How many times have you been there? >> KIM: How many times? I forgot, but past six and a half years, about a month, once a month type--but it is getting more often. Then April and on, I will be there in a permanent... >> Just a followup question. What about going to South Korea after having been to North Korea and today not having issues with you starting this month? >> MOON: Okay, just to repeat that. The gentleman asked, what about going to South Korea after going to North Korea. Are there any issues? >> KIM: No, not at all. >> They don't stamp your passport, by the way? >> MOON: They don't what? >> No, they do not stamp the passport? >> MOON: [INDISTINCT] North Korea does not stamp your passport. Okay? In the front, and then I will the [INDISTINCT] question next, sorry. >> Are--is there any knowledge about whether the students, after they've graduated, will be allowed to work internationally or will they be restricted to remaining within North Korea? >> MOON: Okay. So the question is, the graduates, are they able to work internationally or not? I guess since the school hasn't opened yet, I think it's [INDISTINCT] to answer, but then you [INDISTINCT] Chinese University [INDISTINCT]. >> KIM: Right. It's yet to be seen but in China used--we do have an exchanges student program with about 25 colleges in the South Korea and US. So we exchange students, semester basis. And also, after graduation, they go for collegiate study in all the countries. That is our hope. You know, we haven't come to that point yet, but in, say three, five years, students, you know, freely exchange and go abroad. Not only the students, but also professors can go, you know, as exchanging professors. That is our dream. Now... >> Have you gotten any indication from the government or the higher office as to whether [INDISTINCT]? >> KIM: I think there's a speculation. I don't want to do that unofficially. Okay? >> MOON: So, question from the remote offices? >> I thank Dr. Kim for sharing [INDISTINCT] I have two quick questions on--other than us going in, you know, do a lecture. Is there any other thing that we can help, you know, to help you--help what you're doing? and also let's say if we can travel North Korea for about, like a week or two for a quick lecture, when is the best time for us to go? >> KIM: Yeah, not only at regular lectures. We are organizing, number one, international conference of a certain subject. And you can join there. And also we have IT program. We have a seminar, series of seminars as an introduction to the course. And in that, we are inviting many frontrunners or experts in the world. So in that class, we will have a lot of different, you know, wide range of, you know, experts in that class. And also, I would encourage, you know, Google employees have a group just to visit us and see us. And also we will have sort of a one-hour special lecture to the students, that's what we are hoping. In China, every Friday, three to five, we will have guest speakers from variety of, you know, backgrounds. Students see the world through the speakers. Like, students see the world through me, me living with them. Actually, the students and faculty members living in the same campus in China, and they visit us very freely. We almost, like--live like a family, and that's how we interact and that's how they'll see the world through us. So, I don't know, did I answer your question? >> MOON: He also asked, "When's the best time to visit?" >> KIM: Best time? I'd rather say, best time is school time and best time, you know, to meet your, you know. Any time is the best time. One thing is, summer vacation, we plan to have--in China, during summer session, all the regular faculty members don't take any classes. It is all for the outsiders. So all the outsiders come in and have classes for four weeks to five weeks. That's where the students meet outsiders. So, if you can come in summertime for four weeks that will be great. If you can come in only one week, that's also fine. And if you can come only at three days, that's fine, too. So just come and visit us. >> MOON: And there were questions around, "Is there anything else besides teaching that people can help out with?" >> KIM: Certainly. We like to have equipment. Right now, we need computers and desks and chairs and, you know, basic, you know, kitchen equipment for making food and so on. So, yeah, certainly, we need your help, support, donations, and just ask your family and brothers and sisters. Actually, when I talk this to my church friends a couple of months ago, Christmas time, there was a mood about, "Yeah, why don't we just give out Christmas presents to someone who we don't know about that certainly need help?" So, I ended up getting, you know--our family, family of four, we donated four computers, so that we'll go in. So nowadays, I believe each computer will cost around 500 bucks. So, that is one way. >> MOON: Okay, it's the last--we have the last. >> So this seems to be like a pretty major [INDISTINCT] North Korea which has been quite isolated so far. So I was wondering did you meet any opposition from the North Korean government and how did you manage to convince them to open a university like PUST in a special district like the one you're talking about? >> MOON: Okay. So, let me repeat that so, you know, North Korean government that isolated, how did they go about pursuing this initiative, any resistance, and specially opening up the--what was it called, techno club or camp? >> Special zone. >> MOON: Special zone. >> KIM: Okay. I cannot tell the exact, but history will tell us later on. But just my, you know, assessment is that since the Eastern Bloc collapsed in 1989, about 20 years ago, North Korea doesn't have any of their brothers, you know, exist anymore to send the students. So, my observation is that there's a big vacuum in their faculty, you know, demography. And they've been watching this school in China, YUST, for a long time. In the beginning, they objected having this school in the backyard of their, you know, country. But later on, they saw Yanbian University of Science & Technology, you know, we do not object any of that socialistic countries the policy or anything. Rather, we encourage the students be more patriotic and love each other and even encourage them to be a communist party member. So seeing all this, they realize that we are not against that government. We are there for the people and of good cause and actually help them to advance their career in life and all those things. So, it is them to ask us to come in and build this school, same thing in China, so why not? So we are there. But my, you know, [INDISTINCT] probably they want--they figure out instead of sending their students to abroad, which they don't have any control, and some of them, you know, have a different result than what they expected, now they ask us to come in, and inside of this fence, they have a better control over us and the students. So that's what I kind of speculate. Yes. >> MOON: Okay [INDISTINCT] >> So, one question. So, this new place would have, like, unfiltered Internet access? >> MOON: So the question was "Is Internet access unfiltered?" >> KIM: That, I don't know, but we will see how it happens. So even just a filtered Internet access will be of great thing to start with, okay? We don't get everything at once. Even China, the first classes were monitored by the official monitors sitting back with a note. But it has progressed quite a bit. So, the real, you know, good thing is Internet access for the students. That is promised. And it may not happen overnight. But no matter what, the fiber optics was installed from the school to the nearest--and actually I wanted to show you some pictures. And this is our conference room with these two screens, so somewhat like what we have over here. So, it is a remote learning center and conferencing--video conferencing capability which you need Internet access, and that's what we will get, okay? >> MOON: Okay, front row? >> Yeah, so I have a couple questions. First of all, you're talking about sending computers to North Korea and sort of, like, installing fiber optics. Is there any problem with the sanctions or is there any restrictions that are imposed on PUST with regards to the sanctions that US has to North Korea? And the second question will be, is there--you were talking about the special form of visa for people going to PUST. So I wasn't sure if you are more lenient towards being detained by the North Korean authority in any way, or is there a possibility of that happening? And the third question is, okay, if that's all satisfied, if everything's all right, so a little bit question for you guys, too, but is there anything prohibiting us like the [INDISTINCT] like, say, opening up a Google office in Pyongyang? >> MOON: Okay. So he has three questions, but it was, like, five. >> KIM: [INDISTINCT] repeat the questions. >> MOON: I think one was about sending equipments? Are there any--is there a word of issues around it? And then secondly, it was the special visa that you're asking about? Is there any chance of being detained? And then third was, are there any legal restrictions for individuals to participate in this kind of program? >> KIM: Okay. Equipment, certainly they are, you know, certain equipment not allowed to go into that country. So, that's what EAR stands for. And some of them are applicable and some of them not. And computers, not all, some, you know, low-tech computers can go in. But hi-tech computers and, you know, servers which can be--can have a dual use, say, a military use, you know, they are restricted, so we are not bringing those things. So the answer is yes. So we are very sensitive to make that decision. And what was the other one? >> MOON: Detained. Can you be detained? >> KIM: If you did anything illegal in the country, then you can be detained. >> What is illegal there? >> KIM: Okay. So, I'm not going to go in anymore. And what's the third one? >> MOON: The third one was--more question for Mike. I guess the legality around participating, maybe Mike can comment. >> KIM: Okay. >> MIKE: Yeah, at first, I just say check with us before you do anything from a Google standpoint--from a Google standpoint, as an individual. You know, do what you want, but I'd advice you to chat with somebody before you go out and do something. There are heavy sanctions on pretty much everything, so even low-level equipment that you think, you know, this is pretty low-level, we have to--given the goal of it, we have to apply for a license and maybe there's a possibility we can get it. But even a low-level computer is still controlled in North Korea, unfortunately, because it's still has dual use items. So--but we'd be happy to work with people to see what we could do about getting things there if Google decided to want to donate things like that. There are other restrictions on individuals. There's--there's something called a deemed export rule, so that if a North Korean citizen was in this country, there'd be limits of what could be shared with that person. It's true of any country, but because the controls are so tight on North Korea, there really are strong limits on what could be shared. And, likewise going there, there are certain limitations on what technical data could be shared. There are some exceptions related to education, and then anything that's probably available. But, again, I'd advice checking with--there's a [INDISTINCT] google.com alias. We'd be happy to work with anybody who wants to share just to be--to be sure that we don't run into any issues and [INDISTINCT] to that--the alias too, so to speak. >> KIM: So, if you have any question, ask him. Okay? Okay, good. >> So, we are [INDISTINCT] question here. >> MOON: So, I'll moderate. Who has--raise your hand if you got a question. Okay. >> So you have the website up there, but how are do we get in touch with you directly if we are interested? >> KIM: Me? >> Yes. >> MOON: [INDISTINCT] your contact info to? >> KIM: Yes. Just a Gmail, you know, it's easy. Kimbbob, you know, if you like kimbab. >> MOON: K-I-M-B-B-O-B, right? >> KIM: At gmail.com. >> MOON: It actually is like a Korean sushi, kimbap. >> So, K-I-M-B-B-O-P. >> KIM: B. >> B-B-O-P. >> MOON: Kim-B-bop. >> Okay. >> MOON: Okay. At gmail.com. Okay? >> KIM: Okay, then, yeah, how far do we go? >> MOON: Okay, any [INDISTINCT] questions? The guy--the room with the two guys. >> Thank you, Christine. >> MOON: Okay. >> I have one question [INDISTINCT] Dr. Kim mentioned about the US citizenship and the US government, so what about other restrictions about the citizenship? For example, like a Korean citizenship or in Korean government, because I'm basically Korean and that one day how we work. >> MOON: Yeah. >> KIM: Okay. Actually we had an agreement in principle. This--the faculty will be coming from one-third internationally, one-third from South Korea, one-third from Korean foreigners. So, South Koreans will consist about around one-third and another one-third will be Korean foreigners like me, I'm a US citizen, and another one-third just like the rest of the world. So, this is international university. So South Koreans will go. But for the moment, there is uneasiness between South and North. So for the moment, South Koreans may not go this fall--this April, but eventually it'll be, you know, okay. We hope that day will come sooner but--okay. Any other questions? >> MOON: Okay? >> This is another occasional substance but an occasional kind of curiosity that you're contact info--where is [INDISTINCT] says that pust.ki, as in, [INDISTINCT] KI is the CCD ID for South Korea and the CCD ID for the North Korea is KP. So is this related to the [INDISTINCT] in North Korea. So, I've never seen that any domain registered under the North Koreans CCD ID KP. So I was wondering what the North Koreans thought just having a PUST period if the email of that is somebody at pust.ki instead of pust.kp? >> You'll be Gmailed. >> KIM: Again, that website is KR which is South Korea site, which we will get--you know, we will have information for you and we'll get your interest logged in then we'll get, you know, notify so that we can communicate. And I do have, you know, email address of that KR and the KP. But I don't, you know, communicate easily, you know, using that. So right now, let's stick with what KR and the other one. So, okay. >> MOON: I think we're a little over time, and I want to take that [INDISTINCT] question except that I can't read it well. Can you slide it down a little? Down. Okay. Isn't North Korea under a complete embargo by the US government? Is it legal to send any equipment at all from the US to North Korea? You want to comment, Neil--Mike? And we'll just take one more question after this and then we can go to lunch, and you, guys, can stick around to comment, yeah. Go ahead. >> MIKE: I wish there was a simple answer, but the best answer is probably just to say yes. You know, pretty much any equipment would be restricted going to North Korea. There's actually different levels of embargo. So Cuba, Iran, and Sudan are the tightest level, and then North Korea and Syria are just a little bit above that. So--but for all practical purposes, pretty much anything you should check first. Anything would need a license. There's minor exceptions but... >> KIM: That's why we apply for the license from Commerce Department, that EAR. So that's what we do, okay? So, your comment is right and, you know, his, you know, definition is right and that's what we are working on. We are--we have applied that license. >> MOON: I'm sure you, guys, have legal team looking into all these matters, right? >> KIM: We have been looking that for a long time, and we are complying with US law and international law. We are working. >> MOON: One more question there except that it's slanting, the angle isn't--oh my gosh, now you, guys, are all... >> MIKE: Just a thing about travel, $5,000 you can travel through Beijing. Is there a better way to do that? >> MOON: Oh, how do we get to North Korea, is that the basic question? >> MIKE: Yeah, it looks like that. >> MOON: Okay. We're going to assume that's the question. How do we--what's the best way to get to North Korea from here? >> KIM: The best way to North Korea. North Korea, Pyongyang, there's a flight between Pyongyang to Beijing and Pyongyang to Shenyang. From Shenyang to Pyongyang, it takes only 40 minutes flight, and Beijing 1 hour and 40 minutes. And so, it is a matter of you coming from this bay area to Incheon, then Shenyang and Pyongyang is the shortest route. Or you go to Beijing then go to--Pyongyang from Beijing is another route. So, I don't think it'll $5,000 unless you--both of you are going. >> MOON: Okay. >> Have you ever crossed the North-South Korean border instead of going through the Beijing, China? >> KIM: No, we are looking for the land, you know, passage between South and North Korea. One day it will be done because--I didn't know about that. I realized that between Seoul and Pyongyang is only one--you know, 130 miles away. And the freeway is pretty good and so it'll take only two hours. But right now, from Seoul to Shenyang then Pyongyang. So one day, that passage will be open. And... >> MOON: Let's take that paper question except that we can't read it, so can you just read it yourself? >> Me? >> MOON: Yeah, can you--yeah. >> Is Google supporting--Google is visiting North Korea, visiting the Pyongyang University or volunteering it? >> MOON: I don't think anyone is here who can answer that question and that's a more complicated question. So let's pursue at the individual level first and then if you guys are really psyched about this and you guys can really email me and if--you know, maybe we can get something going, but at this moment, nothing official. Let's just keep it informal. Any last--we'll take last comment or question from the room and then we'll go to lunch. >> KIM: Okay. >> I just have a comment. I've been to North Korea. We've been working in North Korea for a long time. Many, many organizations are doing a lot of activities there. We're in the middle of finishing up a very large hospital and this [INDISTINCT] about a church in Korea in the middle of the most--you know, most beautiful campus in North Korea. And the whole idea is we want to love on them and, you know--I think Christine knows that I'm not a communist. And so, I want to say thank you, Dr. Kim and, you know, Dr. Kim Jin-Kyung for the amazing vision. And the most amazing, miraculous breakthrough you've had to be able to finish that building. It's a miracle. Thank you so much for all that hard work. >> KIM: Thank you for the kind words. >> MOON: So it was a comment that it's a miracle that Dr. Kim and team were able to make headway into North Korea. And that, you know, some conspiracy theories like our Dr. Kim and another, you know, Dr. Kim--both Dr. Kims, are the agents of North Korea, you know, it's not the case, you know. But anyhow, let's end on that--let's end on that note and go to lunch. Thank you, Dr. Kim, for your talk.