Since last February, CEO Kwon has visited Siemens, GE and other businesses in Silicon Valley to explore new technologies and expand POSCO Group’s smartization plan. At CES 2018, CEO Kwon saw first-hand the latest smart technologies and plans to implement them to all of POSCO’s core businesses including steel, construction, IT and energy. He also met officials from leading smart companies such as GE and DPR Construction, and examined possibilities for cooperation over commercializing POSCO’s smart solutions.

POSCO Kwon met Heilmann Matthias, President and CEO of Digital Solutions at Baker Hughes General Electric (BHGE). Matthias oversees the digital solution business of GE Group, and the two discussed the development of PosFrame, POSCO’s proprietary smart platform, its compatibility with Predix, GE’s smart platform, as well as the possibility for joint commercialization.

In particular, POSCO ICT is planning to sign an MOU with DPR Construction, the world leader in Smart Construction, to collaborate on smart projects and find opportunities to apply new ICT technologies to construction. Through this MOU, the two companies will cooperate on projects such as constructing and operating highly-efficient, low-cost data centers and smart factories controlled by PosFrame.

CEO Kwon also visited the automobiles, home appliances, smart city and smart home exhibition booths. He examined the latest tech trends of IT utilization in steel-consuming industries to develop compatible materials and steel solutions.

He also made sure to explore electric vehicle (EV) batteries and new IT technologies surrounding EVs, as lithium materials are the new growth engine of the company. CEO Kwon also evaluated the possibility of securing new markets for the group’s construction business at home and abroad.

POSCO Group plans to continue searching for new, innovative solutions to apply to its smartization efforts and actively develop domestic and overseas data centers and smart factory markets.

Cover photo courtesy of BGR.

SIEMENS is a digital company where “all production processes are optimally integrated and controlled by IT.” Its plant in Amberg is a model smart factory thanks to its 1,000 sensors used to connect its IOT technology that makes it possible to check for abnormalities at each stage of the production process. These sensors can also stop the production line if any defective products are found and replace them with new ones. Also, with the ability to analyze 50 million pieces of process information per day, SIEMENS is continuously optimizing its production processes to ensure the lowest possible rate of defects.

GE is slowly shifting to a software company by combining new IT with its traditional manufacturing processes for aviation engines and power turbines. Recently, the company built digital ecosystems into its factories by bringing in software specialists, creating a digitalization department, and developing diagnostic programs. Similar to POSCO, GE’s power generation turbine plant in Greenville is on its way to being converted into a smart factory. GE also recently opened the Advanced Manufacturing Works (AMW) facility, a space that freely allows engineers to test out new manufacturing ideas.

At POSCO, ever since forming the Smart Solution Council in 2016, they have been integrating ICT into their core businesses – steel, construction, and energy – which has had a significant impact in transforming Korea’s manufacturing industry in the process. In its smart factories, POSCO takes 50 years of manufacturing expertise and combines it with IoT, big data, and artificial intelligence technology to produce and supply high-quality products in an economical fashion.

POSCO’s steel plate factory at Gwangyang Works has transformed its integrated production process by building a data integration infrastructure that encompasses all of its operations and facilities. It has also created a data pre-analysis system that can preemptively detect abnormalities. In addition, they have installed laser sensors with AI functionality on the second hot rolling mill at Pohang Works.

Kwon plans to continue developing new businesses under the “Smart Industry” label. Through close cooperation with POSCO’s major affiliates such as POSCO E&C, POSCO Energy, and POSCO ICT, Kwon ultimately aims to reorganize POSCO’s entire business structure by cultivating several sectors that all embrace smart technology (Smart Factory, Smart Buildings & Cities, and Smart Energy).

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POSCO ESM produces cathode materials, which are essential for the manufacturing of secondary batteries for portable IT devices such as electric vehicles, laptops, and cell phones. Since last month, it succeeded in mass-producing ‘PG-NCM’ (POSCO Gradient Nickel Cobalt Manganese), the high-capacity cathode material for low-speed electric vehicles.* They have also been supplying these materials to LG Chem. Presently, POSCO ESM is focused on  producing  general cathode materials.

During his visit to the factory, POSCO CEO Ohjoon Kwon emphasized POSCO’s commitment to the secondary battery material business saying, “The cathode materials produced by POSCO ESM are essential for the secondary battery material business of POSCO, and we are planning to invest an additional KRW 300 billion in the cathode materials business until 2020.”

To expand the secondary battery business, POSCO acquired a 75.32% stake in POSCO ESM by issuing new stocks last January. By securing the management rights of POSCO ESM, they have laid the foundation for transforming it into a specialist for producing secondary battery materials for electric vehicles.

Despite entering the cathode materials market as recently as 2012, POSCO ESM is currently one of the only two companies in the world that can produce high-capacity cathode materials with 80% or more nickel (NCM type).

In addition to the large-capacity batteries needed for IT devices, the demand for industrial energy storage systems (ESS) for electric vehicles is increasing as environmentally-friendly policies continue to take shape around the world. The size of the global secondary battery market is expected to grow from USD 29.3 billion in 2016 to more than USD 44.2 billion by 2020.

Together with RIST (Research Institute for Industrial Science & Technology) that has research competencies in lithium, nickel, titanium and carbon, POSCO plans to capitalize on the technologies it has developed over the last 50 years to actively transform high-yield businesses such as magnesium and nickel smelting and expand its future growth options.

※ Overview of POSCO ESM

• Date of establishment: March 2, 2012
• HQ and factory: Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province
• Business: Manufacture and sale of lithium ion secondary battery cathode and anode materials
• Equity structure: POSCO 75.32%, Phoenix Materials 24.68%

※ PG (POSCO Gradient)-NCM (Nickel Cobalt Manganese)

If the nickel content exceeds 60%, the cathode material is classified as a high-capacity cathode material. PG-NCM is a product that increased the nickel content to 80% and secured thermal stability by applying POSCO’s proprietary gradient technology to design the composition of the center and surface of the cathode materials differently, thereby meeting the safety requirements of electronic devices and electric vehicles.

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What’s POSTIM?
POSTIM is an innovative model developed by POSCO and applied in August 2014 to achieve the corporate vision of `POSCO the Great’. At the event, participants looked back on the efforts and traces of POSCO Family to implement `POSCO the Great`, and shared the progress results and best practices from POSTIM, which spans PWS (PJT-based Working System), QSS+ (Quick Six Sigma plus), and SWP (Smart Work Place). In addition, through the `Contest for an Excellent Project Idea`, they shared creative ideas from the shop-floor that can contribute to improving profitability, with a special awards ceremony to recognize the most promising ideas.

PWS (PJT-based Working System)
Many global companies such as Google, GE, 3M and more, are practicing various projects as they consider projects to be the key to efficiency. Through ‘Innovation POSCO 1.0’, POSCO has drawn a number of lucrative projects in each corresponding sector of production, sales, research, finance, new business and management support. By creating exclusive teams and members for projects, POSCO provided an optimal circumstance where project participants could concentrate on their tasks.

QSS+ (Quick Six Sigma plus) 
Ever since its completion in 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco carries a hundred thousand cars every day without facing any problem. Such durability is achieved by annual maintenance activities and recovery with adequate investments.

With 24-hour operating facilities older than two decades, POSCO also requires consistent management and investment in order to maintain its competitive edges. Accordingly, POSCO developed QSS+, innovative activities compatible for steel mills and has been strengthening its facilities in pursuance of a safe working environment. As POSCO deploys customized innovative activities by upgrading its core facilities, QSS+ plans are expanding with a plant manager’s lead. As QSS+ plans are settled, plants go through a major reconstruction or plan an independent activity that is appropriate to each department’s characteristic.

SWP (Smart Work Place)
From winning the 2014 UEFA Championship and 2014 World cup championship, Germany’s football teams are leading the paths of the world football. Behind such achievements, there were IT infrastructure and leadership that created positive atmosphere to the players.

Meanwhile, POSCO also embodies SWP (Smart Work Place) that promotes employees’ involvements through convenient IT infrastructure, advanced working method, and sharing gratitude. With the spread of mobile reporting system, working process has been expedited and video conference allowed meetings without limitations to time and space. Moreover, employees are using smart notes to immediately respond to client’s request and inconveniences on site. Improvements in reporting system extended task immersion and simplification in HR, training and innovation system also boosted employees’ focus on their accounts.

IP Festival 2014 Event Sketch
At the ‘IP Festival 2014’, executives and employees shared the outcomes and best practices from POSTIM. Groups and individuals who have displayed outstanding performance throughout the year were awarded at the event.

• Groups and individuals who had excellent project performance received awards

• Best cases of projects were introduced at the event

Let’s see what other interesting activities were shared at the IP Festival 2014!

• Employees are participating in a performance that they prepared during the break times

• Employees engaged in performances that induced participation in between each session

Visiting Every Corner of Downtown on a Wheelchair 

Mr. You is a new employee of POSCO-Humans WithPlus. Although he has been working for POSCO for only 3 months, he is already very famous and is often interviewed by various mediums, including a TV station and a daily newspaper. Mr. You’s popularity is largely due to his volunteering work ‘Drawing Travel Map for the Disabled’ at the Miral Welfare Foundation. Let’s look into what his voluntary work is all about!

Since last year, volunteers from the Miral Welfare Foundation have been directly visiting Seoul’s key subway stations and attractions in an attempt to analyze accessibility of these places in the shoes and eyes of the disabled. Mr. You’s role within this project is to wheel around the city in a wheelchair and take a note of amenities and necessary information for the disabled. Then the collected information (e.g. subway station exits with an elevator, toilet designed for the disabled, commuting distance between the stations, etc.) is marked on the map to provide useful information to the disabled at a glance.

Out in the Street on Behalf of the Disabled

Mr. You is participating in the project once in every one or two months. It might not be easy for him to move around every corner of Seoul on a wheelchair. Despite the difficult condition, the motivation that drives him on the street, is his wish to complete a map that includes every little elements of inconvenience that only the disabled could experience.

When he is on the road for the map project, he scans the geographic features while strictly maintaining his view as the disabled. Therefore, he is able to include even the small details that non-disabled were easy to miss before. For instance, he found out with his own perspectives that an old sewer drain – shaped in a square figure – can dislocate the front wheels of a wheelchair.

Finding hope at the end of despair

Because of his benign mind, Mr. You appears to be a young man who has always been very bright and positive. However, he also had suffered from a severe depression after his sudden accident that caused the lower body paralysis. The fact that he needs to live the rest of his life on a wheelchair led him to a serious frustration. However, as he started to play wheelchair fencing, he became a different person. His passion grew further as he won several medals from the National Sports Games and finally revived his confidence to finish his undergraduate degree.

His Life at POSCO

Since last May, he has been in charge of POSCO Help account as an enthusiastic new member of the IT service group. In fact, he had applied for a number of companies upon his college graduation, but the job market was certainly not lenient for him because of his severe disability. In the midst of the job search, he happened to visit POSCO Humans booth in Seoul Job Fair for the disabled. After he completed the process of application and interviews, he was proudly accepted as a member of POSCO.

His Warm Heart Goes On 

The biggest support that lifted him to the society again was his peers at his wheel chair fencing center. “I was inspired by the peers who play wheelchair fencing because everyone was happily married and actively participating in their career despite their disabilities”, said Mr. You. As numerous people inspirited him, he expressed his desire to share the same love and support for others now.

“Although I have to try a little harder than most of the people but I believe that nothing is impossible. I will continue to work harder on my wheelchair so that I can be more helpful to others!”

Despite having a handicapped body himself, Mr. You has been leading by example to create a map for those who are more in need of help. If you support Mr. You’s warm-heartedness and selfless contributions, why don’t we give a big round of applause?

Today, we are living in a world of amazing products and technologies that go beyond our wildest imaginations. New things that alarm us pop up every other day, and it’s really a difficult task to keep up with all the latest trends. To help our readers out, Hello, POSCO prepared some of today’s most promising trends from secondary batteries to unmeltable steel. How about taking a glance into tomorrow’s technology together? 

A look into today’s leading trends in the advanced materials and energy industry

Thanks to the high enthusiasm and active investment on the part of POSCO and various companies in developing new business opportunities, Korea’s technology is making its way to the top.

Shall we take a closer look into Korea’s globally recognized advanced materials and energy sector?

#1. Secondary Batteries

Secondary batteries are known as one of the three most significant electronics of the 21st century, along with semiconductors and digital displays. Secondary batteries can be recharged and reused unlike the generic disposable kind. Corresponding to the rising interest in eco-friendly energy such as electric cars, the lithium secondary battery market soared 20% annually over the past five years.

According to a report by B3, a Japanese market research company, this year’s lithium ion secondary battery market is expected to increase 24% compared to last year.

Secondary batteries are classified by the material used; there are Nickel, lithium ion, lithium polymer, and nickel zinc batteries. Among these, the most promising is the lithium ion secondary battery which is widely used in various appliances including mobile electronic devices.

The Advantages of Environment-Friendly Secondary Batteries

 The most important reason secondary batteries are so influential in today’s energy industry is that its impact on the environment is minimal. Unlike fossil fuel, secondary batteries do not produce harmful emissions, making it an attractive energy source for cars. Also, because it does not require an internal combustion engine, there is no need to worry about making too much noise. Isn’t that wonderful?

From Automobiles to IT: The Various Applications of Secondary Batteries

Secondary batteries are thrown into the spotlight as the key to eco-friendly growth in various fields such as the automobile, IT and energy industries.

 From various IT devices to electric cars, secondary batteries are being used more and more frequently. Recently, secondary batteries are mostly used in mobile phones because they are light and suitable for storing high amounts of power.

In the automobile industry, the development and implementation of next-generation secondary batteries for electric cars will be a truly significant feat that will change the industry forever.

Game Changer: POSCO develops revolutionary lithium extraction technology

Korea is the world’s largest manufacturer of secondary batteries, but it has also been 100% dependent on imports for the core material lithium. To solve this problem, POSCO and the Research Institute of Industrial Science & Technology (RIST) jointly developed a revolutionary lithium extraction technology.

(POSCO’s Pilot Plant (Phase 2) located at the Maricunga project near the city of Copiapó, Chile)

The lithium extraction technology was developed after the successful installment of a pilot plant (phase 2) located at the Maricunga project near the city of Copiapó, Chile.

The chemical lithium extraction technology, which was developed by POSCO’s own research unit, reduces recovery time from around 12 months to just eight hours! It also increases the lithium recovery rate from a maximum of 30% using traditional evaporation ponds to more than 80%.

In a time when secondary batteries are in the limelight, POSCO’s new technology could possibly be a game changer in various next-generation industries such as electric cars and smart grids. We hope to lead the global green industry with this awesome technology!

#2. PosMAC, the Unmeltable Steel

(The demand for highly durable and cost-efficient PosMAC is on the rise in the solar panel industry)

We usually consider steel as vulnerable to rust and corrosion over time. However, Korea’s leading steelmaker POSCO has developed a revolutionary steel by the name PosMAC. PosMAC is free from rust and corrosion for 10 to even 50 years!

The researchers at POSCO felt the need to develop a highly durable steel suitable for use in sites vulnerable to corrosion such as livestock handling facilities or coastal structures. The result was a futuristic multi-purpose steel that not only ensured long-term stability, but also added to the cleanliness and aesthetic of structures.

PosMAC is highly durable to moisture, heat and various chemicals while being affordable. PosMAC is also highly resistant to alkali and ammonia, which makes it highly suitable for use in livestock handling facilities or in situations where components are in contact with concrete tar.

We expect the corrosion-free PosMAC to be a significant contribution to the steel market in areas struggling with rusty steel!

More information on PosMAC at Hello, POSCO Blog

• PosMAC: The Revolutionary Steel 

#3. Substituting Fossil Fuel with Marine Bioenergy

Last but not least is the marine bioenergy industry. Marine bioenergy is an alternative energy produced through the refinement and fermentation of marine biomass such as seaweed. By substituting fossil fuel, bioenergy aims to narrow the gap between energy supply and demand!

Korea is currently heavily dependent on imports for energy, with 97% of the country’s energy being imported. Thus, it is crucial to reduce the dependency while finding out a way to produce energy independently. Marine bioenergy has been thrown into the spotlight as a promising new alternative energy due to Korea’s geography being suitable for development.

The advantages of marine bioenergy is that there is no need to worry about depletion. Also, it can be used continuously once developed, and large-scale development is possible. Lastly, its impact on the environment is minimal. It will be great if Korea would be able to utilize its geographical advantage as a peninsula and develop the environment-friendly alternative energy in the future!

The POSCO Women Leadership Series, which were designed to shed light on the concerns of female workers exploring new career possibilities amidst the rising female presence in the work place, has enjoyed unforeseen interest from female workers looking for an inspiration. To encourage further enthusiasm, we prepared yet another episode featuring POSCO ICT Deputy Director Mihwa Park. Shall we listen to her candid remarks about leadership and planning a successful career?

Deputy Director Park manages IT and information-based strategy planning at POSCO ICT

Could you please tell us what made you knock POSCO’s door, and about the work you’ve done at POSCO ever since?

When I was at high school, we went on a field trip to POSCO’s iron mill. I was inspired by its grandeur and valiant aura, and that inspiration stayed with me ever since. When I was a college senior I was pleasantly surprised to find a POSCO pamphlet in the university office, and I started preparing my job application right away.

My first post when I joined the company in 1989 was in the information systems division. That same year, POSCO Data, which is now known as POSCO ICT, was founded and I became the youngest member of the founding team. My main responsibilities were managing POSCO IT system and developing IT solutions. I was then reappointed to the management and planning division in 2005, where I gathered experience in business strategy, investment management, and new business development.

Could you tell us about your efforts to improve competence in the field of IT and Information-based Strategy Planning?

I’m currently in charge of IT strategy planning/standardization and IT outsourcing which are part of POSCO’s information management project. I attend various external seminars on current trends because having a good idea about what hottest trends are is crucial in IT and information-based strategy planning. I also monitor periodical reports published by professional IT organizations, as well as expanding my insights through networking and communicating with various professionals in the field.

When was the most rewarding moment during your time at POSCO?

I find those moments when I make things work through sound decision making and careful execution despite widespread concern to be the most rewarding. It’s also very gratifying when I feel my colleagues and I are one united team during times of hardship.

Let me give you a personal example. I used to be the leader of the strategic investment team in POSCO ICT management and planning division, and it was my responsibility to lead an investigation on M&A and new business investment. I remember plowing through countless sleepless nights with my teammates to lead the company to the right direction during the M&A process. The fierce intensity of the situation at the time was something I will not forget anytime soon.

POSCO ICT Deputy Director Mihwa Park shares tips on how to survive in the IT industry!

What are some of the traits or mindsets that a woman should have in the IT industry?

Let me tell you first and foremost that, in the IT industry, there barely exists any kind of sexual discrimination. In fact, I think there are plenty of opportunities for the female to take the advantage; there would be no real obstacles if she can bring feminine subtlety and gracefulness to the work place.

One thing to keep in mind, though, is to develop insight. This can be done by keeping yourself well-versed in the field of humanities – especially history – and develop perception and decision-making skills. As for myself, I read Romance of the Three Kingdoms and Records of the Grand Historian – both are masterpieces written by the ancient Chinese – multiple times to develop my insight.

When were difficult moments as a female worker, and how did you find the strength to march on?

The hardest task as a female worker was to find the balance between family and work. Through trial and error, I finally came to realize that being a “Superwoman” who excels in both the home and the workplace is a very difficult challenge indeed.

After I realized that I am not, in fact, a Superwoman, I tried a different take: I communicated with my family on what I could do and what I couldn’t, and straightforwardly asked for help when I needed it. My husband and children believed in me and supported me, which was tremendously helpful. I am especially thankful to my husband who, sometimes as a supportive friend and sometimes as a watchful colleague, understood and believed in me wholeheartedly.

Could you share with us some of the know-how you accumulated through your long career in IT?

Two things: an objective perspective and sound inter-personal relationships.

It’s absolutely crucial to be able to keep an objective perspective on the current situation in order to make an accurate decision. It’s easy to judge others; it’s much difficult to fully recognize the shortcomings of one’s own situation. This is why I make a continuous effort to maintain an objective perspective of my own self.

Maintaining solid relationships with other people is equally important. We are living in an age where it is impossible to perform an important task solo. I think it’s very important to have an accurate evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of each person, and to solve a given problem together as a unified team.

POSCO ICT Deputy Director Park’s efforts to become a Generous and Understanding Leader

Tell us about your personal efforts to become a truly respectable leader.

After I gave birth to my children, I was able to view my colleagues and other situations in a motherly way. I’m trying to foster synergy among colleagues by examining their traits and helping them exert their unique capabilities. Also, I try to keep a positive attitude and attempt to put the company before my division when making decisions.

What are your five- and ten-year plans?

I wish to be an admirable and respected leader even five or ten years later. It would also be nice to be remembered as a leader who contributed to building trust and satisfaction in IT management for POSCO and the POSCO Family!

Please show your support to all the female workers out there!

I advise you to focus on what you do best. For female workers, it will be difficult to divide household chores when you’re a junior at work, as was my case.

Fortunately, though, more and more women are achieving success in various fields, which makes dividing household chores more socially understandable. That said, I urge all female workers out there to stand up straight and take ownership of their jobs. Go get’em, tigress!

We hope POSCO ICT Deputy Director Mihwa Park’s story on leadership left you truly inspired. Don’t let fears of prejudice or social discrimination discourage you; in the end, it’s all about keeping your chin up, respecting others and making the right decisions. Hello POSCO will always support people who dream and aspire, whether it be male or female.

The first person we would like to highlight is Yukyung Lee of POSCO M-TECH.

Executive responsible for marketing at POSCO M-TECH

Please share with us your experience in applying to POSCO as well as your time here since then.

After graduating from college, I was working at a foreign IT company when I saw a position opening for a female at POSCO. I recall there was an advertisement on the first page of the daily newspaper. At the time, the 1^st female recruitment announcement was a big issue as it was very rare for Korean conglomerates to recruit female employees and there were no past cases of women, regardless job function, being able to freely apply for jobs

Pictured here: A newspaper ad for  the 1^st recruitment of female employees at Pohang Steelworks

After joining the Department for Exports, I worked on exports for southeast Asia and I also moved to the Plant & Equipment Procurement Department and then to the Raw Materials Procurement Department.

What kind of company is POSCO M-Tech and what is your role there?

I am responsible for marketing at POSCO M-Tech.

POSCO M-TECH started as a steel packaging specialized company in 1973. Currently POSCO M-TECH produces the alumnium deoxider and molybdenum used for the steelmaking process as well as steel packing for Pohang and Gwangyang Works. In addition, it has been creating new growth momentum by operating plants for steel raw material such as magnesium plants and ferro silicon factories.

The marketing department has been responsible for raw material procurement and product sales. As such, you can consider this department to be responsible for the profitability of the company.

When did you feel the most satisfaction while working at POSCO?

I felt most satisfaction with my job when I received recognition for my hard work. While working in the Department for Exports, I had to consider how to receive real-time market information and utilize the network of trading companies in order to receive information on each of the different markets. As the system developed, today it has become what we call GIH (Global Information Hub) which is an internal information sharing system for POSCO. In addition, at the time of plant and equipment purchase, TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) was introduced so that purchases were not only based on price but also quality by creating a process that evaluated suppliers based on considerations of maintenance costs and other costs that arise while operating facilities

I felt the most satisfaction after receiving recognition for my efforts which led to increased profitability.

Superwoman who takes care of work and family! What is her secret?

What is your secret to finding work-life balance?

I got married and had a baby soon after joining POSCO so I had to get help from my mother-in-law and a housekeeper. I started to live together with my mother-in-law since the birth of my second child and gave full responsibility on the house chores to the housekeeper even though it was costly. As nurturing and housework were taken care by others, I naturally could concentrate on working and spent time with children during my spare time. For women pursuing their careers, I advise you to ask for help from those around you so that you can focus on making most of your talents and excelling at work.

At first, my children wanted their mother to be home, but as they grew older, they say they are proud to have a mother who has a profession. Especially, my elder child wants to become a person who is passionate about their work like me.

A few words for those who dream of becoming a woman leader! 

As a woman leader, we would like to listen to your views on strength of women leaders and what efforts you have done to be where you are today.

Generally, the woman in the family listens, is considerate, takes initiatives, and solves problems that arise between family members. These are the roles and qualities also required for leaders at work. If you see a family as a small organization, the mother’s leadership which involves listening, being considerate, taking initiatives, and solving problems, could be said to be the strength for women leaders in the workplace as well.

I also try to listen and consider various opinions of employees before saying my thoughts. When receiving reports I always ask for the opinions of the person in charge since there is no one more knowledgeable about the matters at hand than the person in charge. I think when leaders listen to employees, the employees are motivated to work harder, think more and propose better ideas.

In addition,  I think the initiatives of a leader influences the atmosphere of the organization, so I try hard to be efficient with my time by exercising in the morning and constantly working on self-development even after work. I hope I can be recognized by employees as a hardworking leader that is smart and realistic but also warm-hearted.

Please tell us about your plans for the next 5, 10 years.
I am currently working as the marketing executive for POSCO M-TECH and I would like to help grow the company to be a specialized, global materials company. My current work is focused on sales of Ferro Alloy like deoxidizer, molybdenum, etc.

Going forward, I would like to take on responsibilities beyond operation of POSCO’s ferrosilicon factories and magnesium factories to contribute to management as well. I also want to be able to inspire juniors by setting an example as a successful female leader in the steel industry.

Finally, please give a few words to women who are entering the work force!

First of all, I want to say “take a long-term view of your life.” When you first enter a company, you may be disappointed when you realize that not everything can be done with only passion. Because each organization is made up of a diversity of people, there are many unexpected issues that can arise and problems between internal and external bodies. Also it is possible to have to do work that is not necessarily always that meaningful.

Nevertheless, I don’t think you need to be too disappointed. It is through these experiences and conflicts, you are able to build your career and your unique strengths.

Grow your dreams and boldly take on those challenges. If you were tired of simultaneously taking care of children and doing work, ask for help from your family, friends or neighbors. And enjoy the work and responsibilities with passion.

I advise to work while keeping in mind what others around me and customers need. Most of all, work stamina is very important. You should always make time to take care of your health. That way, you can have an enjoyable work life.

Hope that Yukyung Lee is a source of inspiration for you. Please look forward to reading our next post for the POSCO Women Leadership Series!

This marked the first time in 40 years that POSCO began producing molten iron overseas since its first effort on Yeongilman Bay in Pohang. POSCO’s 40 years of devotion to steel has begun to make its appearance overseas.

Approximately 500 employees and government officials of both countries attended the ceremony. These attendees included the Indonesia president Yudhoyono, the head of Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade Hidayat, the Vice Minister of  Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy Kim Jaehong, Korean Ambassador to Indonesia Kim Yeongseon, ASEAN Ambassador Baek Seongtaek, POSCO CEO Chung Joonyang, Krakatau President Irvan, client companies, construction companies, suppliers, external partners, and regional representatives.

In his congratulatory speech President Yudhoyono said, “I anticipate that Krakatau POSCO’s steel products, manufactured at these cutting edge facilities will both satisfy steel demand in Indonesia, and greatly contribute to economic growth and job creation.”

CEO Chung said, “The past 30 months of integrated steelworks construction was not an easy journey, but we have succeeded with the strength of Korean technology and Indonesia’s excellent manpower. Just as POSCO’s philosophy of serving its home country by the means of steel production became the basis for national economic development in Korea, I am certain that Krakatau POSCO will serve Indonesia in the same capacity.”

Krakatau POSCO was jointly established by POSCO and Indonesia’s state-run Krakatau Steel at a share ratio of 7 to 3, and boasts iron making, steelmaking, and steel plate production facilities. The company is capable of producing 1.8 million tons of slab and 1.2 million tons of steel plate.

Krakatau POSCO plans to reach positive operating profits in 2014, its first year of operation, through proactive market development and low-cost production technologies. The company will proactively secure sales networks in the domestic market where prices are higher than exports, and sell 1.5 million tons of slab and 600,000 tons of steel plate in Indonesia.
The company also plans to secure competitiveness in its early stages, through innovative cost reduction activities such as utilizing POSCO’s unique production technology which can employ low grade materials, and thus gradually utilize Indonesian steel ore in place of costly imported steel ores.

Over the course of the integrated steel works project, the POSCO Family companies in each field, including construction, power generation, and IT, gathered together to mark a new milestone in overseas steelworks construction. When the Pohang Steelworks was first built 40 years ago, POSCO had to solely rely on overseas technologies but it can now construct overseas steelworks on its own.

POSCO E&C was responsible for overall engineering and construction of the integrated steelworks including iron making, steelmaking, and steel plate production facilities, while POSCO Energy was in charge of constructing a steam power plant. POSCO ICT established the EIC engineering and IT integrated system, while POSCO CHEMTECH supplied a processing facility producing limestone furnace and coke byproducts. POSCO M-TECH built a factory to produce aluminum deoxidizers, necessary for molten iron production. Daewoo International will support overseas exports and domestic sales of the steel materials produced in Indonesia, as well as new resource development in Indonesia.

In addition, 248 Korean small and medium sized companies participated in the construction of the Indonesian integrated steelworks, setting an example for win-win cooperation between large scale and small and medium sized companies. These small and medium sized companies were thus enabled to be involved with advanced steel facilities and global capabilities via POSCO.

The necessary equipment for the steelworks was provided by 222 small and medium sized companies, including Taechang Machinery which provided equipment to custom cut steel plates according client requirements, and Hyundai Mechanic & Electric which provided electric power receiving and distribution facilities. Overseas on-site construction was carried out by 26 companies, including Dongjin and Daeah E&C.

Indonesia makes up a large market, with a population of 250 million, maintaining an average annual growth at 6%. The market has excellent steel consumption potential, as 12.5 million tons of steel are necessary for economic growth. However, Indonesia has mostly relied on imports, with annual steel consumption per person of 50kg, less than one-twentieth that in Korea. There are no quality and cost competitive steelworks in surrounding economic areas, including Vietnam, Malaysia, and Myanmar, thus ensuring further market potential for the steel industry in Indonesia. By commencing operations of the Indonesia integrated steelworks POSCO plans to complete a steel belt spanning China-Vietnam-Indonesia-India to target the Southeast Asian market, and continue to grow as a global steel company offering the world’s best competitiveness.

As a part of ‘Habitat Vietnam’ project, the houses were built over the past two months by the volunteers from POSCO Vietnam, the experienced participants from Habitat Vietnam and the students who were granted with POSCO’s scholarship in Vietnam.

Houses with Love Deliver Shelters for Many Locals

Tran Minh, one of the local residents who can now live in the houses built by POSCO expressed his gratitude. “I am really happy to receive such a beautiful house. From now, I don’t need to worry about rain or flood any more. This will be a happy home and I would like to send POSCO a deep gratitude. This will change my life completely.”

POSCO SS VINA’s General Director, Ryu Ju-yeol also shared his overwhelming feelings during the ceremony. He said, “POSCO has always been proud to support local communities, as we did in Gwangyang and Pohang. For our overseas operations, POSCO also puts its best effort for the community development.” “I hope that the lives of Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province residents get better via this house-building project,” he added.

Launching IT Room For Tan Hoa Commune

POSCO Vietnam also launched an IT room to provide job trainings for socially neglected residents at Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province’s Tan Hoa Commune. POSCO sponsored eleven computers and other necessary equipment for the facility in order to train IT skills for the locals.

Upon the launch, Manager of POSCO Volunteers, Yang Weon-jun said “I would like to thank POSCO volunteers for all the effort they have put to make this project come true. This IT facility will help the local residents to earn their own livings with the knowledge from the trainings they will receive here.” The IT room will be managed by Kim Kwang-seok, a general manager of representative office of POSCO ICT in HCMC, Park Yong-nam, a deputy general manager of POSCO ICT and other POSCO employees.

Bringing the sharing culture of POSCO to Vietnamese Students

25 POSCO Scholarship students from the Vietnam National University of HCMC (VNU) and University of Da Lat participated in this project and they played a major role in building love-houses at Tan Hoa Commune.

When I asked Phan Nguyen Vu, a 3rd year student from VNU, about his participation in the project, he told me, “I am not used to the voluntary activities in Vietnam. I think it’s very interesting to take part in and to find the profound meanings of this activity.” He also said he would like to thank POSCO for giving him a chance to be part of the heart-warming project.

In the near future, POSCO Vietnam will organize more volunteer campaigns with the local Vietnamese students in various areas. I will keep tracking POSCO’s humane supports for Vietnam and also share the moments with you at ‘Hello, POSCO.’