The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Korea Institute of Design Promotion (KIDP) announced on the 25th that they will launch the "Korea Design Membership Plus" program with 1.5 billion won ($1.04 million) in funding to nurture practical design talent.
KIDP said the Korea Design Membership Plus program aims to produce industry and corporate-tailored talent ready for immediate deployment in the field. The program will select promising design students from across the nation and provide two years of diverse practical training. Participants will have opportunities to join industry-academia projects with global companies on cutting-edge topics, with corporate designers serving directly as mentors.
KIDP plans to focus on cultivating convergence-oriented talent to lead the future by operating advanced educational programs that reflect rapidly changing industries and environments. The agency will invest 1.5 billion won annually to support global design workshops, latest trend education, creative space provision, and participation in overseas awards and exhibitions.
The agency also plans to strengthen fairness and objectivity in evaluations by implementing a blind review process that conceals applicants' affiliated schools during student selection.
"Starting this year, we will apply a blind evaluation method in selecting beneficiary students to enhance fairness and credibility in assessments," said KIDP President Kang Yun-ju. "We plan to select students based on their skills and potential rather than their alma mater, and nurture them into competitive, practical talents for the industrial field through two years of support."
Applications for the program are open until March 10. Eligibility requirements and application procedures are available through the "Talent Development and Education" menu on the KIDP website.
