Reflecting on my life upon receiving this award, I feel truly blessed to have achieved everything I once dreamt and hoped.

When I was young, I admired scientists and inventors like Edison, and aspired to be a scientist who creates new things and pioneers the future. During my school years, I learned that our country's economic strength lagged significantly behind neighboring Japan. I then thought that it wasn't enough just to become a scientist; I should also contribute to the national economy.

I attended the university I wished for and pursued further studies at Stanford University. I received my Ph.D. from the lab of Professor Calvin Quate, the inventor of the atomic force microscope. Later, I founded a startup in Silicon Valley commercializing the atomic force microscope. In 1997, I returned to my home country and established Park Systems. Park Systems was listed on KOSDAQ in 2015, and in 2022, it surpassed a revenue of 100 billion won, becoming the number one in the global atomic force microscope market share. Our company has grown to over 1 trillion won in valuation. I truly feel blessed to have achieved all of this.

However, the journey was not always smooth. The most challenging time came in 1993, five years after I founded the company in the U.S., when the market became highly competitive and sales plummeted, leading to financial difficulties. The company was on the brink of bankruptcy, but after a dramatic turnaround, I had many reflections. Though the company that almost vanished like a bubble managed to survive, what is true success? Our lives too will someday vanish like a bubble, so what should we truly live for?

Around that time, I completed a top executive program at Stanford University, studying business management and reading various books. One passage from a book struck me deeply: "As a CEO, you are so busy that you focus solely on company matters, neglecting other areas of life. But once, think about what your life is truly for. Imagine you're in a time machine, traveling to the future where you had died a few days ago. Today, at your funeral, your family and friends have gathered. Think about what your wife will say about the kind of person you were, what your children will say about the kind of father you were, and how your friends will describe you. How do you want to be remembered by those around you?"

The emotional impact of this reflection is still vivid in my memory. After returning from work, I used to avoid helping with household chores, neglecting my children and often being harsh to company employees. I realized this couldn't continue. I shouldn't just live to achieve what I desire, but to help others and be recognized by them. I understood that I should strive to be someone who contributes to others and is acknowledged for it.

The reason I decided to sell the company I painstakingly established in the U.S. and return to my homeland was to give back to the country that birthed and nurtured me. Sticking to principles, my new life goal was to conduct business in an exemplary manner, benefiting all stakeholders - customers, employees, partners, shareholders, and even members of our society - and receiving positive evaluations from them.

Receiving the Paiknam Prize this time feels like the best mark of life achievement as I turn 65. I am beyond happy and grateful. I truly consider myself blessed. I sincerely thank Professor Lim Hye-sook who recommended me, Chairman Kim Chong-yang of the Paiknam Memorial Association, and all the officials of the Paiknam Prize Committee. Also, I'd like to express my deepest gratitude to the dedicated employees of Park Systems who have worked tirelessly alongside me, and to my wife Jeon Jin-Kyeong, who has consistently devoted herself to supporting me throughout our journey.

While I feel I have already achieved my dreams and have nothing more to wish further, having reached this fortunate state, I wish to challenge myself once more, aiming for even greater heights. I am determined to devote the rest of my life to ensuring Park Systems continues to grow, contributes to the advancement of nanotechnology, raises South Korea's stature as a representative enterprise in the global market, and contribute universally to the betterment of the global community.

Everyone, thank you very much.
Sang-il Park