Key evaluation criteria included innovation in badge design, scalability, social impact, and technical reliability, and the program scored highly across all areas. The judging panel commented, “Seoul Cyber University’s case is a representative model demonstrating how an online university can connect industry, education, and technology. In particular, its quantification and visualization of AI and data competencies based on international standards significantly enhance learners’ social mobility and global competitiveness.”

This award holds great significance in advancing the quality and international standing of online higher education in Korea. Cases in which online higher education institutions have their learning outcomes internationally certified through digital badges remain rare even within the Asia-Pacific region, and this recognition highlights Korea’s digital learning ecosystem as a growing presence on the global stage.

Park Hyung Won, Director of the Global Credential Management Center of Seoul Cyber University, stated, “Guided by our vision of being a university for everyone and a leader in AI education, our university is pursuing open education initiatives. We were the first cyber university to introduce open badges into micro-degree programs, and currently more than half of our graduates receive micro-degree open badges.”