Dear Members of the Korean Society of Manufacturing Process Engineers (KSMPE),

As we welcome the New Year 2026, I sincerely wish you and your families good health, happiness, and abundant joy.

Since its founding in 1988 as the Machining Technology Research Group, the Korean Society of Manufacturing Process Engineers has grown—through the passion and dedication of its members—into a leading academic society representing the fields of manufacturing processes and production engineering in Korea. In particular, at our most recent Autumn Conference, a total of 587 papers were presented, and more than 1,000 members and researchers participated. These remarkable achievements were made possible by your active engagement and generous support, for which I would like to express my deepest gratitude.

In 2026, KSMPE will pursue qualitative growth under the key goals of advancing the society’s operational system and internationalizing its journal. To this end, we will establish a management structure in which Vice Presidents of each division take full responsibility for division-specific initiatives, thereby enabling more efficient and professional operations. In addition, building on the stable operation of the three division committees established in 2025, we will expand our academic foundation through the creation of new division committees and invigorate division-centered symposia as well as specialized education and training programs.

In the academic domain, we will actively pursue SCOPUS indexing to enhance the international competitiveness of our journal. By increasing the proportion of English-language papers and expanding participation from international researchers, we aim to elevate the journal’s global standing and citation impact. Furthermore, beginning with ICMPT 2026, to be held in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, from February 2 (Monday) to February 5 (Thursday), 2026, followed by the Spring Conference at the Changwon Convention Center from April 30 (Thursday) to May 1 (Friday), 2026, and the Autumn Conference scheduled to be held in Jeju, we will continue to expand academic exchange and collaboration both domestically and internationally.

In parallel, we will strengthen industry–academia cooperation by expanding our network of corporate and institutional special members and by promoting practical collaborative programs with them. We will also focus on nurturing the next generation of researchers through workshops and tutorial programs for early-career researchers and graduate students. Through these efforts, KSMPE will continue to develop as a substantive academic platform that connects researchers, industry, and future generations.

As we enter the Year of the Red Horse—symbolizing progress and advancement—I sincerely hope that 2026 will be a year of new opportunities and meaningful achievements for all our members.

I kindly ask for your continued interest and active participation so that the Korean Society of Manufacturing Process Engineers may continue to respond proactively to the changing times and grow sustainably.

Once again, I wish you and your families good health, happiness, and abundant success in the year ahead.

Thank you.

January 2026
Gyung Chang Lee
President of the Korean Society of Manufacturing Process Engineers (KSMPE)