Fellow Motorist: Dr Hyun Sung Park, CEO, HMGICS

Dr Park is the chief executive of Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre Singapore (HMGICS). We chat with the Korean gentleman at the Hyundai smart hub for urban mobility at Bulim Avenue in Jurong. 

How long have you been a motorist in Singapore?

I have been living in Singapore for less than a year, having started this role in January.

What do you like about motoring in Singapore?

As a driver, I truly appreciate Singapore’s efficient traffic management. The congestion levels here are noticeably better compared to many other cities.

What do you dislike about motoring in Singapore?

Overall, driving in Singapore has been enjoyable, but there are a few differences compared to Korea. One thing that caught me off guard is seeing motorbikes on the highways here - sometimes they take me by surprise when they suddenly pass by. And I sometimes miss the open roads with scenic mountain views as well.

How does driving in Singapore compare to driving in Seoul?

Driving in Singapore has been great, thanks to efficient traffic flow and the proximity of most places, making it easy to get around. This is a refreshing contrast to Seoul, especially areas like Gangnam, where heavy traffic can make even short distances take over an hour.

Remember your first car?

My first car was a Kia Pride. It was a small but practical model, and I still have fond memories of it. The chestnut color and high ceiling made it perfect, especially for someone tall like me, even though it was a bit compact overall. 

I remember driving around with friends, feeling the freedom of having my own car - it was a simple but unforgettable part of my life.

What were your most memorable past cars?

I used to drive a Hyundai Grandeur, the pre-facelift model, about six years ago, mainly for family use. Switching from an SUV to this sedan was a game changer! I was pleasantly surprised by how much convenient and comfortable it is. It’s been a whole new world for me since it was my first time driving a sedan.

Tell us about your current company car.

It is the IONIQ 5, and I absolutely love it! Its sleek, futuristic design and spacious interior. What I really like most is how quiet and calm the ride is - there’s virtually no noise while driving, making every journey feel incredibly peaceful. Plus, it shows powerful performance, excellent driving dynamics, and impressive acceleration, too. It definitely stands out in both style and functionality!

HMGICS is a state-of-the-art assembly plant for IONIQ 5 (above) and IONIQ 6.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your job role in HMGICS?

As the CEO, I’m proud to be part of a team that’s really shaping the future of mobility. HMGICS is Hyundai Motor Group’s first global hub, acting as a test-bed for innovative mobility solutions. We’re pushing the envelope with advanced manufacturing technologies, research and development, and creating unique customer experiences. It’s incredibly fulfilling to contribute to innovations that improve everyday life.

And what is the most challenging aspect?

As I mentioned earlier, HMGICS is on a mission to pioneer future mobility innovations. We’re not only experimenting/developing new advanced manufacturing technologies, but also crafting unique and transformative experiences for our customers. Thus, one of the biggest challenges we face is navigating the uncertainties and complexities that come with blazing new trails in this fast-paced industry. 

However, our passionate and dedicated team at HMGICS have been overcoming these challenges successfully, pushing forward to achieve our goals and drive innovation continuously!

What is your hope for robotaxis and autonomous driving in the Singapore context?

I envision a future where autonomous driving technology greatly improves urban mobility in Singapore, making it safer, more efficient, and accessible for everyone, including those who can’t drive.

I understand that Singapore places a strong emphasis on safety when setting regulations for autonomous vehicles, which aligns well with our values at Hyundai Motor Group. In Singapore, autonomous vehicles might be able to help solve challenges like the driver shortage and making public transport more flexible. We are trying to review and consider appropriate vehicle types, like shuttles, that meet the specific needs of Singapore.

With the government’s supportive regulatory framework and initiatives like the one-north test-bed, Singapore is making meaningful progress in advancing autonomous mobility. I hope that robotaxis will become an essential part of the urban transport system, complementing public transit and contributing to Singapore’s Smart Nation vision.

Is HMGICS more like a one-way transfer of Korean know-how to Singapore or a two-way exchange of knowledge between the two countries?

HMGICS is all about dynamic two-way knowledge exchange! As a pioneering test-bed for future mobility innovations, we represent Hyundai Motor Group’s commitment to open innovation, with Singapore as the ideal hub.

We’re dedicated to nurturing local talent and developing cutting-edge mobility technology know-how, building a robust EV ecosystem in partnership with Singapore. This initiative fuels shared growth between Singapore and Hyundai Motor Group, driving sustainable development while expanding our successful technology cases globally.

Thanks to Singapore’s forward-thinking policies, we forge strong connections with research institutions and universities, creating an open innovation ecosystem that encourages knowledge sharing and collaboration.

What is your favourite food and drink?

I usually kick off my weekends with prawn mee soup for breakfast with my family. When friends or visitors come to town, we love hitting up a crab place, especially for the famous chili crab - it’s such a classic Singaporean dish! 

Recently, HMGICS launched a Korean restaurant called Na Oh in collaboration with Michelin 3-star chef Corey Lee. The restaurant offers an authentic and modernised Korean seasonal menu, which is serving the fine-dining experience in a more accessible way.

My favourite is the autumn menu’s Hwe-dupbap (assorted raw seafood and vegetables over rice) and dried pollack soup. These are what I used to enjoy in Seoul, but aren’t easily found in Singapore. So, I often enjoy lunch or dinner there when I’m meeting with business partners - it’s a great spot!

Dr Park enjoys Singaporean food such as prawn mee soup and chilli crab.

Read More: Fellow Motorist: Ong Lay Ling, Group CEO, Eurokars Group

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