The POSCO TJ Park Foundation said Sunday that it has selected professor Park Bae-ho of Konkuk University’s Department of Physics for a coveted award. 

Park will receive the 2015 POSCO TJ Park Award next month. In addition, the Educational Award will be given to Handong Global University, and the Service Award to Cythina Maung and Indonesian NGO Bina Swadaya.

The professor is renowned for his research in condensed matter physics and nano-materials.

He was previously awarded the C. N. Yang Award by the Association of Asia Pacific Physical Societies in 2013 for his study on graphene materials. Park has published over 150 academic articles, and has over 6,000 citations.

Handong Global University, a private university which opened in 1995, was recognized for its contribution to promoting equality by selecting gifted students across the country.

Dr. Cynthia Maung, a medical doctor who fled Myanmar in 1989 during the 8888 Uprising, set up the Mae Tao Clinic in Western Thailand, treating Myanmarese refugees, orphans and migrants.

The clinic treats 150,000 patients each year. Maung was awarded the Catalonia International Prize along with Aung San Suu Kyi in 2008.

Bina Swadaya, founded in 1967, is one of Indonesia’s oldest NGO whose goal is to help the poor to become financially independent through microfinancing.

The award recipients will each receive a prize of 200 million won, or 100 million in case of joint awards, at the POSCO Center in Seoul on March 25. The POSCO TJ Park Award was established in 2006 in honor of POSCO founder Park Tae-joon.

By Sang Youn-joo (sangyj@heraldcorp.com)