Chairman Chey recognized for his role in expanding Korea-Brazil exchanges in economy, culture and human resources
Chairman Chey becomes fourth Korean recipient of the Order after UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, former POSCO chairman Lee Gu-taek, and Hyundai Group Chairperson Hyun Jung-eun

SKC Chairman Chey Shin-won was awarded the Order of Rio Branco by the Brazilian government in recognition of his role in promoting Korea-Brazil exchanges in the fields of economy, culture and education.

The Order, which was introduced in 1963 to commemorate the achievements of Rio Branco, a Brazilian statesman and diplomat, is an honorific award granted to foreigners who make a significant contribution to promoting bilateral exchanges between Brazil and a foreign country in the fields of politics, diplomacy and economy.

The award ceremony for Chairman Chey was held in conjunction with the farewell ceremony for Edmundo Fujita, Brazilian ambassador to Korea, which was held at the Sheraton Grande Walkerhill, Seoul on October 2, 2015.

Three other Koreans have received the Order of Rio Branco including UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, former POSCO chairman Lee Ku-taek, and Hyundai Group chairperson Hyun Jung-eun.

Chairman Chey was fully aware of the importance of expanding exchanges with Brazil, the world’s 6th largest economy and a country with vast natural resources, and played a leading role in establishing the Korea-Brazil Society in June 2011. Chey was nominated as chairman of the society and appointed as an honorary ambassador to Brazil in December of the same year.

As the chairman of the Korea-Brazil Society, Chey has been promoting exchanges between the two countries in a wide range of fields including economy and culture, by getting actively involved in such events as the Korea-Brazil Business Forum, 21st Century Korea-Brazil Frontier Forum, Seminar on Investment and the Business Environment in Brazil, 50th Anniversary of Korean Immigration to Brazil, Portuguese Speech Contest, and Essay Contest for Brazilian Students in Korea, and etc.

After his appointment as the honorary ambassador, he opened an honorary Brazilian consulate within the business complex of Incheon International Airport to provide Brazilian business persons visiting Korea with assistance.

The Order of Rio Branco is a medal of the Brazilian government’s recognition and appreciation of Chey’s efforts to expand bilateral exchanges and his contribution to economic and cultural development in the two countries.

Chairman Chey said, “I would like to share this honor with all those who have contributed to bringing our two countries closer over the years, and will continue to do whatever I can to further promote bilateral exchanges between Korea and Brazil and to strengthen the bilateral ties between our two countries in the years to come.”