By Kim Ji-hyun

Lee Kun-hee, chairman of Samsung Electronics, on Friday issued a statement thanking Samsung employees to mark the 20th anniversary of his "New Management Initiative." He also reminded them it was time to take Samsung to the next level.

"Twenty years ago, we dreamed of becoming a world-class company and have been striving relentlessly to reach that goal ever since. Now, thanks to your dedication and passion, we stand tall as a leading global company," Lee said in a statement.

In looking toward the future, he urged his colleagues to take Samsung to a new level of value and standards.

"This is the new beginning for Samsung’s New Management. Let us once again charge forward together, toward creating a forever proud and persevering world-class Samsung," Lee said.

In June 1993, Lee had released the “New Management Initiative” after witnessing, to his shock, how unwelcome and uncompetitive Samsung products were globally. Since then, Samsung, following a series of trial and errors, transformed into what it is today. 

"During the turbulent times as we entered the 21st century, we had to make strong resolutions. We resolved to change ourselves first, and then everything else except our spouse and children," Lee said. 

Stressing it was time now for facing and tackling new challenges, he predicted that the fight for Samsung is against being in the No. 1 position and the sense of conceit that comes with it. 

"As we move forward, we must resist complacency and thoughts of being good enough, as these will prevent us from becoming better. Samsung’s New Management must start anew to reach loftier goals and ideals," the statement said.

(jemmie@heraldcorp.com)