To the EPFL Admissions Committee:
It is my pleasure to recommend Mr. Kwanho Kim for admission to the Master’s program at EPFL. I am Professor Jong-Chan Kim, currently leading the Vehicle Embedded Software Lab in the Department of Automotive Convergence at Kookmin University. I first met Kwanho through the SEA:ME program—an industry‑academia collaboration project focused on emerging mobility technologies—where I served as a contributor and advisor. During this time, I had the opportunity to observe Kwanho’s remarkable growth, technical proficiency, and commitment to designing user‑centric automotive software.
Kwanho’s educational background is quite distinctive. After elementary school, he enrolled in an alternative institution that encourages project‑based and interdisciplinary learning. By the age of 16, he completed a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering. This unconventional path demonstrates his intellectual curiosity, resilience, and willingness to seek innovative learning experiences rather than follow a traditional route.
After then École 42 in Seoul and Wolfsburg, he honed his programming skills and immersed himself in collaborative software projects. During the SEA:ME program, which focused on autonomous driving, V2X communication, and mobility ecosystems, Kwanho’s work ethic and creativity stood out. He tackled challenges ranging from vehicle–bicycle crash prevention to user‑interface design, blending solid technical foundations with a keen awareness of human‑centered design principles. In one instance, he developed a React‑based interface to improve the usability of collision‑avoidance solutions, demonstrating both his coding expertise and his commitment to making systems accessible to end users.
Kwanho’s dedication extended beyond the SEA:ME program. His participation in the BCX hackathon, hosted by Bosch, showcased his ability to thrive under pressure contribute effectively to a multidisciplinary team. His group’s innovative approach to automotive safety earned them first place—a testament to his quick thinking, adaptability, and willingness to collaborate with others. Following the hackathon, he further expanded his practical experience through an internship at Bosch’s Research Center in Hildesheim, where he gained deeper insights into safety‑critical systems and advanced driver‑assistance technologies.
From my perspective, Kwanho’s strengths go well beyond technical ability. He is thoughtful, inquisitive, and consistently respectful of diverse viewpoints—a trait likely shaped by his experiences in alternative education and international study. During our interactions, he often asked insightful questions that pushed our research group to think more broadly about user experience and real‑world applications. Moreover, his passion for the arts, especially his long‑standing dedication to piano and more recent pursuit of the guitar, adds a creative dimension to his work. This artistic background complements his technical skills, allowing him to approach design problems from fresh perspectives.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of automotive software and human–computer interaction, Kwanho’s interdisciplinary mindset and hands‑on experience make him an exceptional candidate for graduate studies. He has already demonstrated an impressive ability to integrate theoretical concepts with practical implementation, and he possesses the communication skills to work seamlessly with peers and mentors from diverse fields. I am confident that at EPFL, he will not only excel in advanced coursework and research but also contribute meaningfully to collaborative projects and discussions.
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend Mr. Kwanho Kim for admission to EPFL’s Master’s program. I am certain that his curiosity, technical aptitude, and human‑centered approach will enrich your academic community and drive forward important innovations in HCI and automotive technology. Should you have any questions regarding his qualifications or experiences, please feel free to contact me at jongchank@kookmin.ac.kr or by phone at +82 02-910-4288.
Sincerely,
Professor Kim Jongchan
Vehicle Embedded Software Lab
Department of Automotive Convergence, Kookmin University