Hana launches 20th student ambassador class

Hana Financial Group held a launch ceremony for the 20th class of its student ambassador program at its Myeongdong headquarters in central Seoul on Thursday, with 50 newly selected university students beginning about two months of official activities.

Started in 2012 as the first program of its kind among Korean financial groups, the Smart Ambassador Program has graduated 1,060 university students to date. This year drew a record 1,642 applicants, from whom the 50 members were selected.

The 20th class will serve as a communication channel between the group and younger consumers, reinterpreting the group's mission of "growing together and sharing happiness through finance from a student perspective." Members will carry out three programs, online and offline brand promotion under "Happy Hana," community service for vulnerable groups under "Harmony Hana" and field activities based at the group's Cheongna headquarters under "H.Q Hana."

The group said it has strengthened field programs tied to its main businesses this year. The new class will tour the Cheongna headquarters in Incheon and develop promotional ideas in connection with residents and small business owners. Members will also propose ideas on new businesses and the future of finance through an internal competition.

"I hope you will reinterpret the group's mission with the fresh perspective and ideas that only university students can bring, and serve as a bridge connecting the younger generation and the group," said Ham Young-joo, chairman of Hana Financial Group, who attended the ceremony. "Do not be afraid of failure. I hope you take on every activity actively and make this a valuable time of learning and growth."

BY KIM MIN-YOUNG [[email protected]]