Bahrain Polytechnic Signs Memorandum to Establish “King Sejong Institute” for Teaching the Korean Language

Bahrain Polytechnic signed a memorandum of understanding with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Kingdom of Bahrain on10th September 2024, aiming to establish a platform for linguistic and cultural exchange between the two nations by creating and operating the “King Sejong Institute” at Bahrain Polytechnic. This institute will be an overseas center for Korean language and culture officially recognized by the government of the Republic of Korea.

The memorandum was signed by Bahrain Polytechnic’s CEO, Professor Ciarán Ó Catháin, and on behalf of the Korean Embassy by Dr. Heonsang Koo, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea. The signing took place in the presence of officials from both sides.

On his part, Professor Ciarán Ó Catháin, the CEO of Bahrain Polytechnic, emphasized the institution’s keenness to open avenues of cooperation in academic and technical fields. They aim to implement joint programs with various prestigious universities and higher education institutions globally to enhance and prosper the educational process.

This initiative aligns with the local, regional, and international labor market needs, ensuring that academic development is in sync with the evolving academic programs. It is essential for this academic advancement to be accompanied by an understanding of the cultures and languages of the countries with which these global universities are associated. This facilitates smooth exchange, enriches students’ cultural awareness, equips them with language learning skills, and opens new horizons for them.

Professor Ó Catháin praised the depth of the strategic relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Republic of Korea, highlighting the prestigious academic reputation of Korean universities and institutes. These institutions have become attractive to sectors of students, engineers, and programmers to fuel their high-quality technological industries. The signing of this agreement is seen as a real gain for Bahrain Polytechnic and its students.

In turn, Ambassador Heonsang Koo stated: On this occasion, I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to Bahrain Polytechnic for the continuous support and cooperation to the Language and Culture program of the King Sejong Institute in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Together, the two entities have been working diligently, in strengthening and responding to the growing affection of Bahraini young generation to Korean language and culture. As an educational institute, Polytechnic saw an opportunity to expand the horizon of its students and seized it.

This Strategic MoU presents a gateway for both of our entities to further bolster the cooperation between our two countries and abridge cultural understanding, using Education as the most adequate hub for such endeavors.