SK Group Chairman Choi Tae-won emphasized the importance of giving back to society during the 50th anniversary of the Korea Foundation for Advanced Studies (KFAS). Speaking at the commemorative ceremony held at Walkerhill Hotel in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, on [date], Choi quoted the Chinese proverb "飲水思源" (Eumsusawon), meaning "drink the water and think of the source," to encourage the younger generation to contribute to society.

"Just as we can drink water today because someone dug the well, someday you too will become people who dig new wells and think about the source," Choi said. "I hope you will become individuals who design their own methods of giving back to society while always remembering this proverb."

Founded in 1974 by the late Choi Jong-hyun, the first chairman of SK Group, KFAS has been dedicated to cultivating global talent. The foundation has been fully funding the tuition and living expenses of its scholars for five years, allowing them to pursue doctoral studies at world-renowned universities without any obligations such as joining SK Group.

Despite facing economic crises such as the 1997 Asian financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, KFAS has consistently supported its scholars. Over the past 50 years, the foundation has produced over 1,000 doctoral graduates and 5,000 scholars, including prominent figures such as Bank of Korea Governor Lee Chang-yong, former Korea University President Yeom Jae-ho, and Harvard University's first Asian dean, Cheon Myung-woo.

At the ceremony, a special video was presented featuring a digitally recreated image of the late Choi Jong-hyun, who expressed his gratitude to Choi Tae-won for carrying on his legacy. "I told the students who were going to study abroad to plant seeds in their hearts," said the virtual Choi. "I meant that they should have big dreams but not be too impatient and focus on their studies."

Choi Tae-won also announced the foundation's new vision of fostering "KFAS-type talent" who are knowledge-driven, forward-thinking, action-oriented, and socially conscious.

The event was attended by over 300 people, including current and former KFAS officials, scholars, and SK Group executives. Several distinguished alumni, including Bank of Korea Governor Lee Chang-yong and Minister of Trade, Industry, and Energy Ahn Duk-geun, sent congratulatory messages.

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