Speakers
Kwang-Jae Kim
Emeritus Professor, Industrial & Management Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Korea
Kwang-Jae Kim is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Industrial and Management Engineering, and is affiliated with the Graduate Program in Industrial Data Science at POSTECH, Korea. His research focuses on quality engineering and analytics-driven innovation, with recent interests in AI-enabled lifecycle value creation systems. His work has been applied in a range of domains, including semiconductor manufacturing, steel production, automotive systems, healthcare and wellness, smart energy, smart transportation, and ICT services. He previously served as Provost and Executive Vice President of POSTECH. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering of Korea, a Fellow of APIEMS, and served as President of the Korean Institute of Industrial Engineers.
| Date: |
| Wednesday, 7 October 2026 |
| Time: |
| 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm |
| Venue: |
| E1-07-21/22 - ISEM Executive Classroom |
Abstract
AI and data-driven technologies are transforming engineering systems, making them increasingly intelligent, adaptive, and continuously learning. In manufacturing, this transformation is shifting the focus from efficiency-driven production toward value creation across the product lifecycle. The concept of Valufacturing illustrates this shift and highlights the growing importance of data-driven learning across design, production, and service. As engineering systems evolve, the role of engineers must also change. Engineers will need to go beyond modeling and analysis to frame the right problems, design systems, validate AI outputs, make responsible decisions, and continuously govern AI-enabled systems. This talk discusses these changes and their implications for engineering education. It also introduces an industry-driven global capstone program at POSTECH as one educational experiment for developing the capabilities needed by future engineers.