Osama Ayad from Hanwha Engineering & Construction Iraq Participates in the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics Torch Relay

Osama Ayad from Hanwha Engineering & Construction Iraq Participates
in the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics Torch Relay

Osama Ayad cheers on Olympic athletes before participating in his leg of the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics Torch Relay

[February 22, 2018] Osama Ayid Ayad, an assistant supervisor with Hanwha Engineering & Construction in Iraq, is currently working on the Bismayah New City Project, a major urban development project that is expected to provide homes for up to 600 thousand people.

He joined Hanwha immediately after graduating from the University of Baghdad in 2014 and was excited by the opportunity to work for a Korean engineering firm. The work proved challenging initially and while it took some time to adapt to the Korean work culture, Osama carefully studied everything going on around him and acclimated quickly.

He considers himself very lucky for the opportunity to work for Hanwha and for the chance to work with senior Korean engineers and to receive their professional guidance in his career.

Inspired by his experience, Ayad took part in a Hanwha essay contest. In his submission, he spoke at length about the challenges his team faced in bringing together their vastly different backgrounds and learning about Hanwha’s philosophy of trust and loyalty.

Having won first prize in this essay contest, Ayad got the opportunity to come to Korea and act as a torch bearer as part of the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics Torch Relay.

What are your first impressions of Korea?

This is my first time visiting Korea and I think that it is very modern and developed, much more than I could have ever imagined. The weather is a little cold, but it is easy to withstand the coldness through the warmth of the Korean people. A friend of mine, who’s visited Korea before, told me that my first visit will be very special because Korea has a sort of charm and its culture is unique. I realize, now, that it’s completely true. Korea is unbelievable and I wish that it will continue to grow and attract foreign visitors from all over the world.

How does it feel to be taking part in the Olympic Torch relay?

Osama Ayad on the honor of carrying the Olympic Torch

What did your family think about your coming to Korea to carry the Olympic Torch?

My family was very happy, excited, and proud that I am getting to participate in this event. They were also very happy for me to visit Korea because Korean culture is very popular in Iraq. The Iraqi people are learning a lot about Korean culture by watching Korean dramas and I learned a lot by working with Korean people, so it is exciting for me to come here to see this great culture first-hand.

Osama Ayad (pictured on the right) and his co-worker working together at Hanwha Engineering & Construction Iraq

Is it challenging to work as a professional engineer?

Working in the engineering profession can sometimes be really challenging and very stressful but we always try to face the challenge and get through it. It can take a lot of hard work and study. It helps to work with senior engineers with a lot of experience. I actually feel very lucky to be working for a Korean company because I have learned a lot from my Korean managers and I have managed to solve many problems with their help and guidance.

What are your goals for 2018?

My first goal is to improve my English skills and also to learn Korean, since I am working for a Korean company. Learning the language will make it easier to communicate on site and in the office. I also want to gain more practical field experience because it will be good for my career in the future.

Osama Ayad (right) happily hands off the Olympic Flame after completing his leg of the Olympic Torch Relay

Do you have any words of encouragement for this year’s Olympic athletes?

I would like to say to all the athletes participating in these Olympics that they are very lucky to be participating in this great global event and that it is not important to get first place. It is important to participate and to deliver a message of peace as well as for you to enjoy every second of your life. So I wish for you all to enjoy participating in these Olympic Games and I wish you the best of luck.