SOUTH KOREA: Top university given world-class boost

Seoul National University has been given a weighty opportunity to boost its competitiveness in the world as a result of the passage on Wednesday in the national assembly of a bill on the establishment and management of the prestigious institution, comments the Korea Joongang Daily. The bill's passage was welcome after irksome meandering on the issue for more than two decades.

The law aims to put SNU on par with the world's top universities by changing its legal status from a nationalised entity to a corporate body. That's a significant development in the 23 years since politicians started discussing the idea as part of a long-term strategy for the university. The university now has a shot at joining the ranks of the world's best schools, as it will be able to pursue its own growth strategy without government intervention and control.

SNU can accelerate its internal reform process because it has the right to make decisions on such serious issues as manpower, organisation and the budget. It is also free to invite foreign professors or set up a new institute or school.
Full report on the Korea Joongang Daily site