Dr. Yeoungheum Kang
The Inter-University Higher Academic Council (IUHAC), an internationally recognized and legally constituted academic authority headquartered in Paris, France, has proudly conferred the Honorary Doctorate in Project Management upon Dr. Yeoungheum Kang, a distinguished Korean civil engineer and Chief Executive Director of Keangnam Engineering & Construction (Pvt) Ltd., Sri Lanka. This recognition is awarded in acknowledgment of his outstanding professional achievements, exceptional contributions to infrastructure development, and dedication to engineering excellence and ethical practice across nearly three decades.
Dr. Kang’s journey in civil engineering is both remarkable and inspiring. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Inha University, Korea, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management from the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. Throughout his career, he has held pivotal roles such as Construction Manager, Planning Manager, Project Manager, and now Chief Executive Director. His leadership has been instrumental in the successful execution of major road, dam, and bridge construction projects, many funded by prestigious international financial institutions like the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the Korean Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF).
The scope of Dr. Kang’s work extends beyond engineering. As a project manager and contractor’s representative, he has demonstrated mastery in handling complex projects under tight constraints – ensuring project delivery on time, within budget, and in full compliance with contractual and legal standards. He has guided multidisciplinary teams, ensured adherence to health, safety, and environmental (HS&E) standards, and overseen projects requiring extensive stakeholder coordination, cash flow planning, and regulatory compliance. These responsibilities not only demand technical skill but a deep understanding of international construction law, contractual governance, and ethical project management – hallmarks of Dr. Kang’s professional identity.
IUHAC’s decision to award Dr. Kang this honorary degree is deeply rooted in its guiding mission: to recognize and celebrate professionals who elevate global standards through integrity, service, and expertise. The honorary Ph.D. awarded by IUHAC is a legally valid and academically sanctioned credential, fully compliant with international frameworks of higher education and institutional autonomy. While honorary degrees do not equate to licensure, they carry significant academic and symbolic weight, particularly when conferred by reputable institutions under clearly defined academic statutes.
Dr. Kang’s portfolio includes the rehabilitation and improvement of critical transportation infrastructure across Sri Lanka. Among the landmark projects he managed are the Kirulapana-Godagama Road Project, Avissawella-Hatton–Nuwara Eliya Road Development, and the Balangoda- Bandarawela Road Improvement, to name a few. In each case, his role encompassed full project lifecycle oversight—from design coordination to construction supervision and final delivery – while maintaining alignment with international best practices such as FIDIC standards and government procurement regulations.
His professional memberships further testify to his credibility and leadership. Dr. Kang is an Associate Member of the Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka, a recognized Associate Engineer by the Engineering Council of Sri Lanka, and a member of the Korean Construction Workers Association. His bilingual proficiency in Korean and English also enhances his cross-border collaborative ability, enabling effective communication and coordination in multicultural project environments.
IUHAC’s conferment of this Honorary Doctorate is not merely symbolic- it is a recognition deeply embedded in academic and legal legitimacy. It affirms the role of professionals like Dr. Kang in shaping the future of sustainable infrastructure, community upliftment, and lawful project delivery. His unwavering commitment to transparent project execution and stakeholder satisfaction reflects the ethical leadership that IUHAC aspires to promote on a global scale.
In conclusion, Dr. Yeoungheum Kang’s conferment of the Honorary Doctorate in Project Management by the Inter-University Higher Academic Council is a tribute to his lifetime of dedicated service, technical innovation, and exemplary professional conduct. It sends a powerful message to the global academic and engineering community – that excellence grounded in responsibility, legality, and humanity is worthy of the highest honor. IUHAC takes immense pride in welcoming Dr. Kang into its distinguished circle of honorary doctorate holders, as a beacon of global professionalism and ethical advancement in project management.
By Prof. J.S.K.Jayasekara
