| Open Interview (https://m.blog.naver.com/openinterview/223428981633)
Noh Eun-sik, new chairman of Gimhae Chamber of Commerce and Industry
On March 25, the Gimhae Chamber of Commerce and Industry (hereinafter referred to as Gimhae Chamber of Commerce) held the '14th Assembly Member Inauguration and Chairman Inauguration Ceremony' at the Grand Ballroom on the 3rd floor of the Gimhae Ice Square Hotel. The event was a great success, with approximately 300 people in attendance, including Gimhae Mayor Hong Tae-yong, National Assembly members Min Hong-cheol and Kim Jeong-ho, Gyeongnam Provincial Vice Chairman Choi Hak-beom, and City Council Chairman Ryu Myeong-yeol.
In his inaugural speech, newly appointed Chairman Noh Eun-sik said, “I feel a great sense of responsibility to take on the important role of the 14th Chairman of Gimhae Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who will lead the regional economy amidst a challenging business environment, including the fragmentation of the external US-China global market, intensifying competition in cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, and the crisis of regional extinction due to low birth rates and youth exodus from local regions.” He also said, “As the only comprehensive economic organization in the region and the focal point of the regional economy, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry will go beyond its role as a hub for economic networks among businesspeople to serve as a regional economic platform that communicates with local governments, universities, and local communities, and will revitalize external cooperation projects.” He also said, “In this era of local extinction due to low birth rates and youth exodus from local regions, the social role of companies is important. Local companies should also take an interest in creating social value that the times demand through ESG management and the spread of new entrepreneurship, as well as in local issues such as global universities.”
The next morning,
- Congratulations on Kim Hae-sang’s inauguration as the 14th president. How do you feel?
“I am honored to be elected as the 14th Chairman of Gimhae Chamber of Commerce. I feel a great sense of responsibility as I am in a position to represent the local economy. My goal is to lead Gimhae Chamber of Commerce to work together for the happiness of Gimhae and the future of its companies. To this end, I will listen to the voices of our member companies and do my best to cooperate with Gimhae City to contribute to the development of the local economy.”
Chairman Roh also said, “I will prioritize communication and harmony with my senior and junior members, and continue the good intentions and will of the previous chairmen.” Kim Hae-sang has continued the tradition of electing the chairmen through a nomination process since its inception. His term of office is three years.
- What are your plans for local economic development?
“I plan to be more faithful to the original mission of the Gimhae Chamber of Commerce and Industry. To this end, I will first accurately identify the difficulties faced by local businesses and suggest solutions. For example, the 52-hour workweek and the expansion of the hiring of foreign workers require institutional improvement. These are issues that require cooperation with higher-level organizations.”
Chairman Roh presented the following as key tasks during his term: ▲ revitalization of external cooperation projects ▲ policy alternatives and deregulation activities ▲ strengthening of support for corporate services ▲ expansion of local government cooperation and community contribution activities ▲ creation of local jobs, and he will lead Gimhae Chamber of Commerce together for the happiness of Gimhae City and the future of its companies.
As soon as he took office, he drew attention by conveying his voice for the local economy and society to the candidates for the 22nd general election. He asked them to adopt the major opinions that local businessmen want as the 22nd general election policy pledges on behalf of the local business community. The major suggestions from the Gimhae local business community are ▲rationalization of regulations on facilities using water-soluble cutting oil ▲attracting the 2024 Global University to Gimhae ▲postponement of the application period of the Serious Disaster Punishment Act, etc.
-What are your core values?
“It is a company that grows together, takes on challenges together, and shares together.”
Perhaps this is why Chairman Roh said, “Now, Kim Hae-sang will support the growth of companies and increase future value, contributing to the development of the local community as a successful business partner.” He added, “Kim Hae-sang will be there as a partner that grows together with companies.”
He lived by the motto of Thales’ famous quote, “Hope is the bread of the poor.” Born in 1956 in a poor family in Hamyang, Gyeongnam, Chairman Roh lost his father at a young age, barely graduated from elementary school, gave up going to middle school, and took responsibility for his mother’s livelihood early on. However, he did not give up his studies at the urging of his older brother, and went to Busan to study day and night. Those hours spent working hard, buried in bolts, nuts, and nit-bolts, became his blood and sweat. Having served in the 317th Marine Corps, he is not afraid of challenges or failures with his strong physical and mental strength. After getting married in 1984, he and his wife began to work hard to save money, and in 1986, he started a small factory called ‘Daegwang Nit-bolt Company.’ Chairman Roh grew by proving his technological prowess through continuous research and development based on his passionate and sincere attitude. Even in 1997, when the IMF recession was over, the company maintained financial soundness and accumulated growth momentum by securing new customers and expanding facility investment. In 2000, in line with the millennium era, the company changed its name to 'DK Lock Co., Ltd.' and focused on exports rather than domestic sales. As a result, it was listed on KOSDAQ in 2010, selected as one of the World Class 300 companies in 2015, and won the $50 million export tower award. In addition, it has grown into an export-oriented powerhouse by operating 117 agencies in 47 countries including the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Oceania.
- What are DK Lock’s future plans and vision?
“We plan to expand our semiconductor fittings and valves business to diversify our sales channels and secure future growth engines. We also plan to expand our eco-friendly fuel fittings and valves business, such as hydrogen, to respond to market changes. We expect to see results from our investments in semiconductor fittings and valves starting this year. This is an important journey for continued growth and the future.”
DK Lock Co., Ltd. recently received product approval from Samsung Electronics for its fittings and valves. Regarding this, Chairman Noh said, “In a situation where large corporations such as Samsung Electronics are focusing on domestic production of imported parts, the sales of semiconductor fittings and valves are only 10%, but in 5 or 6 years, they will account for more than half of sales.” He added, “In the future, we will also supply fittings and valves to semiconductor companies such as TSMC.”