Chi-Wan (Chris) Lee

Head of Chemical R&D Samyang Chemical Group

Chi-Wan serves as the Head of Chemical R&D at Samyang Chemical Group, overseeing R&D operations in a company with a substantial revenue of US$2.5 billion. His professional interests lie in synthesizing highly functionalized, high-performance organic materials and developing practical chemical processes. His goal is to create safe, efficient, robust, and cost-effective solutions for challenging chemical problems in both research and manufacturing settings. His key role in Samyang involves providing leadership and strategic guidance for developing and producing a wide array of products. These include bio-based ingredients for adhesives, electronic materials, personal care items, and engineering plastics. Emphasizing a commitment to sustainability, he actively promotes the use of bio-based materials and implements recycling strategies to foster an environmentally conscious future. With a Ph.D. obtained from KAIST in 1996, he furthered his expertise through a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania and subsequently delved into process chemistry within Dow Chemical's electronic materials sector. His contributions extend to coauthoring over 50 peer-reviewed journal articles and patents. Beyond his professional life, he finds joy in travel and various outdoor activities, such as golf and hiking. Recently, he has developed a keen interest in understanding and overcoming cross-cultural differences both inside and outside the workplace.