The Korean unit of the International Project Management Association elected former senior Cheong Wa Dae economic adviser Cho Won-dong as its first president early this week.

The election took place during an inaugural meeting of IPMA Korea at the Bankers’ Club in Myeong-dong, Seoul, on Monday, the association said.

IPMA is an international federation geared towards the development of project management competencies, and IPMA Korea was established as a platform to support government agencies and academic institutions in promoting high-value sustainable projects.

IPMA president Reinhard Wagner and 33 charter members from different financial, academic, and corporate backgrounds across the world attended the first meeting.

“IPMA will look forward to model project managements in Korea as seen with the demonstrated excellence of Incheon Bridge,” said IPMA president Wagner.

Incheon Bridge received the Premium Gold Winner Award from IPMA in the category of mega-sized construction projects last year for its sustainable idea of stretching to North Korea in the event of unification.

By Lee Hong-seok (gilbert@heraldcorp.com) and Lee Seo-young (seoyounglee@heraldcorp.com)