Chulho, who joined IMI in 1996 and is now APAC Growth Hub Engineering Director, was presented with the Industrial Medal by South Korea’s Minister of Employment and Labour, Lee Jeong-Sik. The annual Labour Day Government Award ceremony has taken place every year since 1975 and is hosted by the Ministry of Employment and Labour, with 191 recipients honoured in 2024.

Over the course of 27 years at IMI, Chulho has led the improvement of product quality and market competitiveness through his efforts to improve engineering processes, such as key technology transfer and the development of control valves. These efforts have supported talent development through IMI’s Valve Doctor™ scheme. The scheme develops the next generation of IMI technical experts and celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.

Chulho now oversees IMI’s Growth Hub in the APAC region. Growth Hub is IMI’s innovation arm and incubator for new business ideas. Growth Hub teams around the world collaborate to solve acute industry challenges, with a view to delivering transformational change.

Chulho said: “Our aim is to deliver breakthrough engineering for a better world, which makes IMI a rewarding place to work. Leading our Growth Hub innovation engine in the APAC region and supporting our Valve DoctorsTM have been particular highlights of my career because they relate so closely to delivering on this aim.”

Jackie Hu, COO at IMI, added: “Chulho is a deserved recipient of this award for the contribution he has made to IMI, our people and our customers around the world. He has played an instrumental role in delivering breakthrough engineering for a better world.”