Songyee Yoon Appointed as MIT School of Engineering Visiting Innovation Scholar
Songyee Yoon, a successful entrepreneur, innovator, investor, and leader in the gaming industry and AI, has been named the School of Engineering visiting innovation scholar for the 2023-24 academic year. Yoon, who serves as president and chief strategic officer of NCSOFT, a global game publisher and digital entertainment company, has had a significant impact on the industry. Under her leadership, NCSOFT has expanded its operations to seven countries across three continents and established the NCSOFT AI Center, a cutting-edge AI research facility.
Yoon’s Achievements and Ventures
In addition to her role at NCSOFT, Yoon founded Chamaeleon, an early-stage venture capital firm, in 2021. She focuses on investing in consumer software, content and media, and deep and frontier tech. Yoon is particularly passionate about supporting entrepreneurs who combine AI, entertainment, and social platforms.
Yoon’s Role as Visiting Innovation Scholar
As the visiting innovation scholar, Yoon will engage in various activities with MIT’s School of Engineering faculty, students, and staff. She will provide guidance on strategic initiatives, cutting-edge programs, and the entrepreneurial ecosystem within the school to the dean of engineering.
“I’m honored to be an innovation scholar, where I will promote entrepreneurship and empower women engineers to excel in their diverse career paths,” says Yoon.
Yoon’s Commitment to Inclusivity and Leadership
Throughout her career, Yoon has shown a profound dedication to promoting inclusivity and supporting future leaders. She believes that amplifying all voices fosters more creativity and brings richness to innovation. Yoon aims to bridge the gap between inspiration and realization in the School of Engineering, nurturing the next generation of trailblazing leaders.
Yoon’s Background and Expertise
Yoon holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronics engineering from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, a PhD in computational neuroscience from MIT, and a juris doctor from Santa Clara University School of Law. She also completed Stanford University’s Executive Program. Her experience includes working at McKinsey and Co., serving as vice president of communications intelligence at SK Telecom, and joining NCSOFT in 2008.
Yoon’s Impact and Recognition
Yoon is a member of the MIT Corporation and has served on visiting committees at MIT. She currently chairs the Governance and Nominations Committee. She is also involved in various advisory boards, including the Advisory Council of Stanford University’s Human-Centered AI Center and the board of trustees of Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. As the chair and founder of the NCSOFT Cultural Foundation, she promotes corporate social responsibility and supports the socially disadvantaged. Yoon’s contributions to technology and business have earned her numerous awards and accolades, including being named one of the 50 Women to Watch in Business by The Wall Street Journal and a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum.
“Dr. Yoon is a visionary leader. Her extensive expertise in AI technologies and commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and diversity in engineering make her an ideal visiting innovation scholar,” says Anantha Chandrakasan, the dean of the MIT School of Engineering and the Vannevar Bush Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. “The faculty, students, and staff in the School of Engineering will greatly benefit from her vision and expertise.”