SK hynix CEO Park Sung-wook on Tuesday received a Gold Tower, also known as the Order of Industrial Service Merit, the country’s highest decoration for a businessperson, for contributing to the semiconductor industry and creating new jobs.

Park, who took office in 2012, was especially honored for his continued efforts to hire talented people without considering their educational background.

Of the new employees hired this year, more than 33 percent were high school or vocational college graduates. The company has also extended ties with almost 200 high schools and vocational colleges nationwide to offer training and intern opportunities. 

As of June this year, there were 22,000 workers at SK hynix, up from some 20,000 in 2012. Based on a friendly relationship between labor and management, the company has also continued to renew record earnings over the two years.

“I will continue efforts to create a positive labor-management relationship for the growth of the nation’s semiconductor industry and to create good job opportunities,” he said in a statement.

By Lee Ji-yoon (jylee@heraldcorp.com)