Herald EcoTech Festa: Environment as Economic Value

Herald Corp., the esteemed publisher of The Korea Herald and Herald Business, is set to host its premier annual eco-tech gathering, the H.EcoTech Festa 2026. Scheduled for May 7 at Yonsei University’s Baekyangnuri Hall, this full-day forum will convene leading industry experts, influential policymakers, and aspiring students. The event aims to foster critical discussions on how proactive environmental action is increasingly translating into tangible economic value and sustainable growth.

Announced by the company on Friday, the H.EcoTech Festa 2026 is specifically designed to equip young professionals and students with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in a global market where innovative climate solutions are intrinsically linked to economic growth, market competitiveness, and future career success.

Underpinning the entire forum is the transformative theme of a circular economy, encapsulating the philosophy that “the environment is money.” This perspective challenges traditional views, reframing environmental challenges not as mere cost burdens but as fertile ground for significant business opportunities and green innovation. Organizers are committed to making the H.EcoTech Festa 2026 a vital platform for students and early-career professionals to actively explore diverse and promising career paths within the rapidly expanding sustainability-driven industries.

The H.EcoTech Festa 2026 represents an evolution of Herald Corp.’s successful H.eco Forum, first established in 2021. This year’s event strategically shifts its core focus to highlight the dynamic business ecosystem burgeoning from the global climate transition, emphasizing practical applications and market-driven solutions.

Demonstrating a commitment to robust industry collaboration, Herald Corp. has proudly partnered with Eco&Partners Co. as a co-organizer for the H.EcoTech Festa 2026. This collaboration integrates Eco&Partners’ deep industry expertise in climate-tech consulting, significantly enriching the program’s innovative design and meticulous execution.

The H.EcoTech Festa 2026 will commence with an electrifying performance by rapper Raf Sandou, a distinguished Yonsei University alumnus who achieved widespread acclaim on “Show Me the Money 12.” Following this captivating opening, attendees will benefit from a compelling keynote lecture delivered by renowned science communicator Orbit. Celebrated for his ability to demystify complex scientific and environmental issues for broader audiences, Orbit’s address is anticipated to powerfully articulate how climate risks can be strategically reframed as powerful catalysts for groundbreaking eco-technology and vibrant market innovation.

The inaugural session, titled “Translating Sustainable Ideas into Global Business Models,” will feature an impressive lineup of leaders at the forefront of the circular economy. This vital discussion, aimed at examining the practical transformation of sustainable concepts into scalable global business models, will be expertly moderated by Lee Han-kyung, CEO of Eco&Partners.

Confirmed speakers for this insightful session include Kim Hye-sun, Director and Head of Government Affairs, Public Policy, and Sustainability Compliance for Korea & Japan at HP Inc.; Yang Hee-gyoung, CEO of KARI Corp.; Lee Seung-woo, CEO of 119REO; and Lee Chung-ho, CEO of ReFeed Inc. These distinguished innovators represent diverse sectors pushing the boundaries of green business.

Attendees will gain invaluable insights as this session delves into the dynamic evolution of sustainable business models across various industries. Speakers will share compelling real-world case studies, offering unique perspectives from both established multinational corporations and agile resource-circulation startups at the vanguard of innovation.

Moreover, panelists are poised to illuminate emerging entrepreneurial and employment pathways within the booming eco-tech sector, underscoring how this rapidly expanding field offers viable and rewarding career opportunities for today’s young professionals seeking purpose-driven work.

Following, the second pivotal session, aptly titled “Environment as Competitiveness,” will strategically pivot towards vital career development insights within the green economy. This engaging discussion will be expertly moderated by Kim Kwang-woo, a distinguished staff reporter at the Herald Business Future Industry Desk, known for his comprehensive coverage of critical climate and sustainability issues.

The esteemed panel for this session will feature Sunny, ESG Team Lead at Kakao Bank; Jeong Soo-jeong from LG Electronics Inc.’s influential ESG Office; Yoon Yong-hee, a Partner at Yulchon LLC; and Kim Kyeong-yeon, Director of the Global Strategy Division at Eco&Partners. Their collective expertise offers a profound look into the evolving landscape of sustainable careers.

Panelists will delve into compelling real-world cases, demonstrating unequivocally how embracing environmental value has become a formidable source of professional competitiveness across diverse industries. They will elucidate strategies for leveraging sustainability to forge distinct and durable career advantages, offering attendees actionable takeaways for their professional journeys.

The H.EcoTech Festa 2026 will culminate with an exclusive and highly anticipated career mentoring program. This invaluable opportunity will connect participants directly with seasoned professionals from leading domestic and multinational corporations. Through intimate small-group sessions, attendees will receive tailored advice, practical job insights, and strategic guidance essential for navigating long-term career planning within the dynamic green economy.

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