Anna Jiwon Park has been covering the politics at The Korea Times since the summer of 2024, when she joined the press pool for the Office of the President in Korea. Prior to that, she spent about five years reporting extensively on financial markets, regulatory authorities and the financial industry. She joined The Korea Times in 2019 after spending eight years as a broadcast journalist at Arirang TV, Korea’s leading global broadcaster, covering politics, defense and culture.
Yoon visits Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center in Singapore
President Yoon Suk Yeol is guided by Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun, left, to inspect the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center in Singapore, Tuesday. Yonhap
By Anna J. Park
SINGAPORE — During his state visit to Singapore, President Yoon Suk Yeol visited the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center on Tuesday, aiming to globally showcase Korea's cutting-edge AI-driven manufacturing technology.
Located in Singapore's Jurong Innovation District, the innovation center is a state-of-the-art automobile manufacturing facility that departs from traditional vehicle production methods. Instead of relying on conveyor belts, it uses a "cell" manufacturing system that incorporates AI and robotics technologies, serving as both a production site and a research lab for development and testing.
The center, which opened in November last year, features a seven-story tower and a five-story production area. It reported sales of 79.8 billion won ($59.1 million) in 2023 and has an annual production capacity of 30,000 vehicles. The facility produces models like the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 5 Robo Taxi, and Ioniq 6.
Upon arriving at the innovation center, the president was guided by Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Euisun, who guided him through an inspection of the autonomous vehicle production process. The tour highlighted the integration of AI and robotics technologies that drive the innovative manufacturing operations at the facility.
Yoon noted that, just as Ford revolutionized the automotive industry with the conveyor belt a century ago and Toyota transformed production with the just-in-time system 50 years ago, Hyundai Motor Group is now leading the next wave of innovation by integrating AI and robotics for autonomous manufacturing. This, he emphasized, positions Hyundai at the forefront of the industry's future.
President Yoon Suk Yeol is guided by Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun, second from right, to inspect the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center in Singapore, Tuesday. Yonhap
The Korean president also had the opportunity to explore a "digital twin factory," a virtual technology that digitally replicates and manages the plant's operations. He engaged in discussions about the future potential and direction of digital twin technology, emphasizing its role in enhancing efficiency and innovation in manufacturing.
After this, Yoon addressed over 100 attendees, expressing his confidence that the innovation center will become a model for future factories transitioning from traditional manufacturing to AI-driven autonomous production. He also reaffirmed the government's commitment to actively supporting initiatives aimed at enhancing the productivity of Korea's automotive manufacturing sector through the integration of AI technologies.
Tuesday's visit aligns with Yoon's recent policy priorities, as he has been leading the country's presidential AI committee, which was established in late September.
Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong, left, talks with Kwek Eik Sheng, CEO of City Developments Limited, during the Korea-Singapore Business Forum in Singapore, Tuesday. Yonhap
After his visit to the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center, the president attended the Korea-Singapore Business Forum, co-hosted by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) and the Singapore Business Federation (SBF).
Around 250 participants attended the event, including prominent Korean tycoons such as the Hyundai Motor Group chairman, Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong, LS Group Chairman Koo Ja-eun, and Hanwha Group Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan. From the Singaporean side, notable figures included SBF Vice Chairman Andrew Kwan, Surbana Jurong Group CEO Sean Chiao, along with officials from key Singaporean economic ministries. They discussed various cooperation initiatives, focusing on digital technology collaboration and energy transition efforts.
In his keynote address, Yoon emphasized the need to expand cooperation between the two countries in areas such as advanced industries, energy collaboration, and support for startups.
President Yoon Suk Yeol and first lady Kim Keon Hee participate in an orchid naming ceremony at the Orchid Garden within the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Tuesday. After receiving the certificate for the newly named "Dendrobium Yoon Suk Yeol Kim Keon Hee," they posed for a commemorative photo with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, second from right, and his spouse Loo Tze Lui, first from right. Yonhap
The Korean president will deliver the 47th Singapore Lecture, a prestigious platform for global leaders, on Wednesday. The lecture series, established in 1980, has previously featured not only heads of state but also distinguished intellectuals and diplomats such as Milton Friedman and Henry Kissinger.
Later, Yoon and first lady Kim Keon Hee will host a luncheon and gathering for approximately 150 members of the Korean community in Singapore. Following these events, they will depart for Vientiane, Laos, to attend the ASEAN Summit, marking the conclusion of their state visit to Singapore.