Kookmin University (President Jeong Seung Ryul) held the graduation ceremony for the third cohort of the 『Future Automotive Expert Training Program』, jointly operated with GM Technical Center Korea (GMTCK), at the Main Administration Building on Friday, September 19.

This program was conducted in collaboration between Kookmin University's College of Automotive Convergence and the Future Automotive Business Division of the College of Innovation and Convergence, aiming to strengthen the core competencies of GMTCK employees in future automotive technology. The training ran from June 23 to August 29, 2025 (9 weeks total), with 20 GMTCK employees participating.

The program covered vehicle software engineering, mobility cybersecurity, autonomous driving technology, microprocessor applications, big data and AI, and automatic control. It was structured as a systematic course comprising 6 weeks of theory and 3 weeks of practical training. GMTCK employees who participated in the training expressed high satisfaction, stating they acquired specialized knowledge and practical experience applicable to their actual work. Furthermore, with a total of 65 graduates produced across the first, second, and now third sessions, the close industry-academia cooperation between Kookmin University and GMTCK has been further solidified.

Approximately 50 attendees were present at the graduation ceremony, including Kookmin University President Jeong Seung Ryul, GMTCK CEO Brian McMurray, Dean Shin Sung Hwan of the Automotive Convergence College, faculty and staff, graduate student teaching assistants, and GMTCK employees. The ceremony proceeded with the President's congratulatory address, remarks by the GMTCK CEO, a speech by a graduate representative, the presentation of certificates and excellence awards, and a commemorative photo session. At the ceremony, certificates of completion were awarded to all 20 graduates, and five outstanding students received excellence awards and plaques.

In his congratulatory address, President Jeong Seung Ryul stated, “The knowledge and experience gained while enduring unprecedented heat during the training period is not merely technical skill acquisition, but will become the driving force leading the future automotive industry.” He added, “Kookmin University will continue to strengthen cooperation with companies to cultivate talent that leads innovation.”

Brian McMurray, CEO of GMTCK, expressed, “We are grateful to the Kookmin University faculty and staff for operating this excellent training program to enhance our employees' capabilities.” He added, “We are confident this training will contribute to elevating GMTCK's R&D capabilities and hope for continued mutual efforts to further solidify practical industry-academia collaboration.”

Celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2026, Kookmin University is at the forefront of cultivating talent in the future automotive mobility sector—focused on autonomous driving, electrification, and software—through its unique College of Automotive Convergence, Graduate School of Automotive Mobility, and its role as the lead institution for the Future Automotive Consortium under the College of Advanced Innovation Convergence. The university is also dedicated to setting new standards in future automotive education and sharing and disseminating its achievements.