UNIST College of Information and Biotechnology is pleased to announce the successful completion of IB MERGE 2024, an event that took place from May 13 to 14 with the aim of fostering unity and interaction within the university community.
This year, the event, now in its second iteration, centered on the theme of resource circulation and waste resource upcycling. The venue featured a diverse array of cultural experience booths, secondhand marketplaces, and career guidance programs, creating a festive ambiance for both students and faculty members to enjoy.
Participants at the Personal Color Consultation booth are seen discussing with the consultant and looking at color swatches. l Image Credit: IB Academic & Student Affairs Team
At IB MERGE 2024, participants had the opportunity to engage in various experiential activities such as PET Bottle Cap Upcycling, Mental Salon sessions, Body Composition Analysis, Upcycled Key Ring crafting, and Aromatherapy workshops. The Ulsan Cup Project by the AI Tarocard Cafe, Board Games organized by students, as well as Professor Seungho Lee’s team from the Department of Design, were highly popular attractions. The Game Zone offered a range of engaging activities such as memory games, Doll Claw Machine Games, Basketball, and Arcade Games to entertain visitors.
Of particular note, the faculty-run flea market “Jung DAISO” garnered significant interest, with esteemed members, such as President Yong Hoon Lee and Auditor Kwang Woo Lee contributing to the event. The student-held flea market, featuring handmade knit key rings and lucky amulets, added to the lively atmosphere. Furthermore, MZ’s Latte Story, a conversation program with professors, provided a platform for students to voice their opinions and concerns.
Participants at the Ulsan Cup (Reusable Cup) booth are engaged in discussions with a consultant while looking at the products on display. Image Credit: IB Academic & Student Affairs Team.
Through initiatives like PET Bottle Cap Upcycling and the Ulsan Cup Project, awareness regarding resource recycling was heightened. Practical efforts such as collecting unused souvenirs on campus, repurposing small donations, and selling them through lucky draws demonstrated a commitment to resource recycling. The event actively promoted sustainable practices and resource recycling by selling donated goods and offering them for free.
Attendees welcomed the event souvenirs, including an ‘R-pet Upcycling Bag’ crafted from recycled plastic bottle materials and a ‘mini hand towel’ designed to reduce paper tissue wastage.
The enthusiastic participation of members in circular resource activities was evident, with the event reaching capacity and showcasing the commitment to resource recycling efforts.
Proceeds from IB MERGE 2024 were allocated to the Development Fund by UNIST College of Information and Biotechnology, continuing the tradition from the previous year. This event marked the first instance where proceeds from participant activities were donated, underscoring the collective commitment of college members to community involvement.
Dean Jae-Young Sim extended gratitude for the collaborative efforts among departments and the dedication of all involved in making the ‘MERGE 2024’ event a resounding success. Dean Sim expressed appreciation, stating, “We are thankful to all contributors for providing diverse experiences and creating lasting memories.”
