Korea's newly appointed science minister vows to turn the nation into a powerhouse in artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
In a significant move for South Korea, Bae Kyung-hoon, the newly appointed Minister of Science and ICT, has unveiled a comprehensive set of AI policies aimed at propelling the nation into the ranks of the world's top three AI powerhouses.
Minister Bae, a renowned artificial intelligence expert and the founder of LG AI Research, emphasised the importance of AI as the driving force of the new era, permeating all aspects of society beyond industry and the economy. He pledged to do his utmost to realise President Lee Jae Myung’s vision of South Korea becoming a leading global AI nation.
The Minister's policies are centred on strategic investments in infrastructure, talent, technological innovation, and practical application. Key goals include establishing a robust AI ecosystem, revitalising the research and development innovation landscape, nurturing world-class talent in AI and science, and addressing pressing challenges closely tied to people's daily lives.
To achieve this vision, Minister Bae plans to build a robust AI ecosystem and create an environment where AI is accessible to all. This includes securing foundational AI models, promoting AI transformation, supporting AI semiconductor development, and enhancing AI and digital infrastructure, all backed by strong cybersecurity systems.
Recognising the need for a top-tier talent pool, Bae proposed fostering young scientists, establishing AI-centered universities, and improving working conditions at government-funded research institutes for talent development. He also highlighted the importance of breaking away from outdated approaches to achieve the country's next goals, including raising the potential growth rate to 3 percent and joining the world's top five economic powers.
The Lee administration has shown its commitment to these ambitious plans, with over 100 trillion won (about $72 billion) set aside to fund AI public-private partnerships. This reflects a strong government-private sector collaboration strategy, a key component of Minister Bae's vision.
Minister Bae's tenure as the Science and ICT Minister began on Thursday. Prior to this appointment, he held the chief position of the AI technology division at LG Uplus and practiced various AI applications at SK Telecom. He also served in key government advisory roles related to AI governance and privacy.
Bae holds a Ph.D. in electronic engineering from Kwangwoon University and completed an executive program for AI at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He has pledged to restore grassroots-level basic research initiatives and ensure stable and sufficient R&D funding.
In addition, Minister Bae intends to expand consumer rights in telecommunications services and foster a universally accessible AI environment. His aim is to ensure AI policies are closely linked to real-life issues, aiming for AI-driven advancements that improve people’s everyday lives.
With Minister Bae at the helm, South Korea is poised to make significant strides in the field of AI, positioning itself as a leading global player in this rapidly evolving technology.
Science and technology are at the heart of Minister Bae's strategic policies, with a focus on investment in technological innovation and the nurturing of world-class talent in AI and science. The Minister aims to provide a universally accessible AI environment and foster consumer rights in telecommunications services, intending to ensure AI policies are closely linked to real-life issues and aimed at improving people's daily lives.
%20technology.){kind=link}