SONSIK 2024: Fostering Interdisciplinary Innovation for Sustainable Development

KATHMANDU: The Society of Nepalese Students in Korea (SONSIK), in collaboration with Namseoul University and supported by the Embassy of Nepal in Seoul, successfully organized the SONSIK International Conference 2024. This significant event marked SONSIK’s 20th anniversary and was the 10th edition of the SONSIK Educational Seminar. Held under the theme “Collaborative Leadership: Catalyzing Interdisciplinary Innovation and Scientific Excellence for Sustainable Development,” the conference attracted over 200 students, researchers, scientists, and professors from various universities, with presenters from six different countries.

The conference was graced by the virtual presence of Hon. Sumana Shrestha, Minister of Education, Science, and Technology of Nepal. Special guests included Prof. Dr. Yoon Seung Yong, President of Namseoul University; Mr. Pushpa Raj Bhattarai, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Nepal, Seoul; and Ms. Kim Na Yun, Team Director at the Study in Korea Center, National Institute for International Education (NIIED). The opening ceremony, chaired by Mr. Meghanath Poudel, President of SONSIK, was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Yoon Seung Yong and Mr. Pushpa Raj Bhattarai.

In her congratulatory address, Hon. Minister Shrestha emphasized the importance of such conferences in uniting scientists and researchers from Nepal, South Korea, and around the world, expressing support for similar events in Nepal in the future. Namseoul University President Prof. Dr. Yong, Deputy Chief of Mission Mr. Bhattarai, and Honorary Chair of the Scientific Committee Dr. Devi Basnet also highlighted the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration for sustainable development and commended SONSIK for organizing the event.

Keynote speeches were delivered by Prof. Dr. Niranjan Parajuli of Tribhuvan University, Nepal, on “Journey Towards a Sustainable Common Future,” and Prof. Dr. Lewis Nkenyereye of Sejong University on “International Students’ Study Choices for Sustainable Development: The Role of AI and Cybersecurity.” Renowned TV personality Mr. Sujan Shakya gave a special speech on “Navigating the Scope After Graduation in South Korea: Opportunities and Challenges.”

The first day featured special sessions on mental health by Prof. Dr. Kim Eun Sil and Prof. Dr. Thapa Sirjana from the Department of Global Addiction Rehabilitation Counseling at Namseoul University. Their session, titled “Mind Matters: Understanding and Supporting Mental Health,” focused on psychological well-being, mental illness, counseling strategies, and brain systems involved in cognition, emotion, perception, and behavior. The day also included a talent show, a drawing competition for immigrant Nepali children, and a quiz contest.

During the conference, participants engaged in four parallel sessions aimed at exploring diverse fields of study crucial for global advancement.

The Natural Science and Medicinal Science session, chaired by Prof. Dr. Agni Koirala and moderated by Dr. Saugat Siwakoti, delved into groundbreaking research in natural sciences and medicinal advancements.

The IT, Engineering, and Computer Science session, led by Prof. Dr. Gyanendra Prasad Joshi and moderated by Dr. Bimal Subedi, showcased developments in technology and engineering.

The Social Science and Management Studies session, chaired by Prof. Dr. Madhu Sudan Atteraya and Prof. Dr. Shreejana Gnawali, with moderation by Dr. Kapil Gurung, discussed socio-economic trends, management strategies, and policy implications.

The Mental Health and Wellbeing session, co-chaired by Prof. Dr. Sirjana Thapa and Prof. Dr. Eum Sil Kim, and moderated by Hammad Ul Hassan and Sakuntala Rai, addressed critical issues in psychological well-being and mental health support systems.

These parallel sessions facilitated in-depth exploration of specific fields and fostered cross-disciplinary collaborations among researchers and academics from diverse cultural backgrounds. The collective insights shared during these sessions are expected to contribute significantly to advancing knowledge and fostering sustainable development initiatives globally.

In total, 29 oral presentations were given, including special invited presentations by Dr. Puna Maya Maharjan, Prof. Dr. Han Byeol Yoo, Prof. Dr. Han Yun Jung, Prof. Dr. Ae Jong Park, and Prof. Dr. Sharan Hari Shrestha. Over 25 young scientists presented posters evaluated by a team led by Prof. Dr. Ghanashyam Gyawali.

In the conference, an MOU was signed between SONSIK and Korea Study News, and certificates of appreciation were distributed to scientific committee members, session management committee members, all the oral and poster presenters, and sponsors: Expert Education and Visa Services, Siddhartha Football Club, Gmoney Trans, Learn Korean with Bibek, Royal Indian Restaurant, and the Universal Cultural Center (UCC).