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BASF successfully hosts Kids’ Lab in Yeosu marking its 70th year milestone in Korea
- Long-standing ‘Kids’ Lab’ program continues to inspire young minds with hands-on science education for 21 years in Korea
- Honored with an appreciation plaque from the Jeollanamdo Office of Education in recognition of its commitment to local community and science education
Seoul, South Korea – BASF successfully hosted Kids' Lab, a global science education program, on September 3. This year's Kids' Lab was held at BASF's Yeosu site, the company's largest production facility in Korea, to mark the 70th anniversary of BASF's presence in the country.
First introduced in 1997, Kids’ Lab is the company's flagship social engagement and science education program for children around the world, designed to ignite curiosity and enjoyment for science. Kids’ Lab was first introduced in Korea in 2003 at Ulsan. Following which, this popular initiative continues to engage young minds across various cities including Seoul, Suwon, Yeosu, Ulsan, Gunsan, and Daejeon. Over the years, the program has reached thousands of young students, fostering love for science through engaging and hands-on activities. Even during the pandemic, BASF developed and donated science experiment kits, ensuring that science education could continue uninterrupted.
This year’s event welcomed over 50 fifth-grade students from Soho Elementary School in Yeosu, who participated in an array of interactive science experiments. Highlights included, creating recycled plastic keyrings, building mini aquariums, crafting beaded ice cream, and exploring the power of hydrogen fuel cells. The Science Magic Show, a dynamic performance blending science and entertainment, also captivated the young audience.
Dr. Dschun Song, Managing Director, BASF Company Ltd. and Un Sin Lee, Yeosu Site Director, as well as Dr. Stephan Kothrade, Member of the Board of Executive Directors and Chief Technology Officer of BASF SE and Marcelo Lu, President of BASF Asia Pacific (excluding Greater China), also participated in the event.
“Science experiments can spark children's curiosity and problem-solving skills. BASF Kids’ Lab aims to help them understand the critical role of sustainable chemistry, which we are committed to pursuing. This year, Kids' Lab will be held not only in Yeosu, but also in Gunsan and Seoul to commemorate BASF's 70th anniversary in Korea.” said Dr. Dschun Song.
Dr. Stephan Kothrade added, “For over 25 years, Kids’ Lab has been a source of inspiration for children around the world. It continues to be a vital part of BASF’s mission to promote a sustainable future through chemistry while empowering the next generation of scientists.”
In recognition of BASF’s long-standing commitment to the local community and science education, the Jeollanamdo Office of Education presented the company with an appreciation plaque during the event.
About BASF in Korea
BASF has been a committed partner to Korea since 1954. As a leading foreign investor in the chemical industry in Korea, BASF operates eight world-scale production sites in the country. The company also maintains the Electronic Materials R&D Center in Suwon. In addition, one R&D center for advanced Performance Materials solutions and two technical development centers locate in Ansan and Dongtan. In 2023, BASF posted sales of approximately € 1.3 billion to customers in Korea and employed 1,209 employees as of the end of the year. Further information is available on www.basf.com.
About BASF
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 112,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €68.9 billion in 2023. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at www.basf.com.
