Daegu = International News, Reporter Baek Woon-yong – On the 28th, the city of Daegu held the 2024 Daegu Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) Awards at EXCO, attended by approximately 150 SME leaders who have contributed to the regional economy. During the first half of the ceremony, awards including the SME Grand Prize, Outstanding Star Companies, and the Daegu 3030 Company designation were presented. The second half featured celebratory performances and a briefing session on the integration of Daegu and North Gyeongsang provincial administrations.

Hong Joon-pyo, Mayor of Daegu, stated: “Congratulations to the outstanding SMEs recognized today for their continuous innovation and achievements. We look forward to their continued growth and development. The city of Daegu will spare no effort in supporting SMEs to achieve sustainable growth and succeed in global markets.”

According to the city, the event marked the 29th edition of the annual SME Awards, which honor companies that contribute to the local economy through exports, job creation, and steadfast management. Since its inception in 1996, 174 companies have received the SME Grand Prize. From this year’s 16 finalists, six were selected by the final judging committee.

This year’s SME Grand Prize was awarded to Gooyoung Tech Co., Ltd., a leading manufacturer of automotive internal combustion engine parts and a representative technology powerhouse in Daegu. The Excellence Grand Prize went to Bluesun Co., Ltd., which overcame import-dependency to provide clean and safe water via domestic technology, and Aegis Co., Ltd., a GIS-based digital twin service platform specializing in urban planning and smart city solutions.

Other Excellence Award winners included ODae Co., Ltd., which expanded from automotive parts to medical devices and aerospace; Korea Fire Equipment Manufacturing Co., Ltd., the top domestic provider (20% market share) of fire extinguishers; and YH Database Co., Ltd., which develops and sells website infrastructure and financial security solutions for public institutions.

The Outstanding Star Companies program, launched in 2007, identifies and supports promising SMEs with technological innovation and growth potential, fostering them into mid-sized enterprises. The 2024 recipients were:

1. Gooyoung Tech Co., Ltd. (automotive parts)

2. Myeongseong Co., Ltd. (portable power banks)

3. Future Advanced Materials Co., Ltd. (materials for automotive secondary batteries)

4. CIS Co., Ltd. (manufacturing equipment for lithium secondary batteries)

5. Yuseong Precision Industry Co., Ltd. (automotive parts)

6. Goodyou Co., Ltd. (advanced-material workwear)

7. CMS Co., Ltd. (automotive parts)

8. ACiS Technology Co., Ltd. (industrial robots, components)

9. JM Biotech Co., Ltd. (medical devices, cosmetics)

10. TG Biotech Co., Ltd. (health functional foods)

These companies reported an average 2023 revenue of KRW 84.7 billion and an average of 112 employees. Notably, CIS Co., Ltd. achieved KRW 307.6 billion in sales — up 95.7% year-over-year, and Future Advanced Materials Co., Ltd. reached KRW 269.1 billion — a 406.5% increase, earning selection as a global small giant by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups this year.

Furthermore, Gooyoung Tech Co., Ltd. became a double winner by securing both the SME Grand Prize and a Star Company award.

The “Daegu 3030 Companies” designation honors companies headquartered in Daegu that have operated for over 30 years and employ at least 30 people on average annually. The 2024 designees include:

• Pyeongan Co., Ltd. (est. 1993), bedding specialist that has expanded into Vietnam

• Bestool Co., Ltd. (est. 1994), office furniture company recognized with the Red Dot Design Award

• Giseung Industry Co., Ltd. (est. 1988), chassis and suspension parts maker supplying domestic and international automakers

• Youngpoong Agricultural Corporation Co., Ltd. (est. 1994), food manufacturer achieving exports worth KRW 36.075 billion
  …among others totaling 12 companies across various manufacturing sectors with outstanding technical capabilities and business performance.

International News / paekting@naver.com