Korea Times Forum to explore survival, growth strategies in AI era

Choo Kyung-ho, deputy prime minister and minister of economy and finance

The Korea Times will host a forum to delve into the crucial theme of “Survival and Growth Strategies in the AI Era” at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) building in Seoul from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Oct. 18.

In today’s world, many people find themselves in an era of fierce AI competition, where nations and companies are relentlessly struggling to enhance their capabilities in hyperscale AI.

At this pivotal moment, it is becoming increasingly important for Korea to formulate effective strategies to gain a competitive edge in the global AI competition, which has been further intensified by the advent of ChatGPT.

The general view is that the time has come for the country to seek innovative ways to enhance its competitiveness in AI by expanding investments, securing robust infrastructure and implementing supportive government policies.

Lee Jung-sik, minister of employment and labor

Furthermore, as AI continues to be widely adopted in various aspects of our lives, there is an urgent need for in-depth discussions on ethical codes governing its use.

In collaboration with global consulting firm McKinsey & Company, The Korea Times has taken the initiative to organize this forum to assess Korea’s current AI capabilities and facilitate the formulation of effective policy suggestions to propel the nation forward.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Choo Kyung-ho will deliver a keynote speech on Korea's response and future policy directions in the AI era, followed by Minister of Employment and Labor Lee Jung-sik, who will deliver a special speech on labor market changes and prospects in the AI era.

Matt McDevitt, McKinsey partner and co-leader of QuantumBlack Japan, will speak about how to embrace new corporate paradigms in the age of AI. QuantumBlack Japan is an AI company run by the consultancy.

Matt McDevitt, McKinsey partner and co-leader of QuantumBlack Japan

The event will also provide an opportunity to catch a glimpse of how AI is transforming human society and how Korean firms should navigate the AI era and compete with global big tech.

In the first session, panelists will discuss how AI technology will change human society and how to best address the ethical issues that will arise as AI technology advances. They include Uhm Yul, director general of the artificial intelligence policy bureau at the Ministry of Science and ICT; Chang Joong-ho, a professor at Seoul School of Integrated Sciences & Technologies (aSSIST); Kim Myoung-shin, principal policy officer at LG AI Research; and Yang Yoon-seok, assistant professor of the Dept. of Computer Science at the State University of New York, Korea.

In the second session, panelists will discuss how companies in the AI era should respond to the new paradigm and how Korean AI companies can compete with global big tech. They include Park Byung-kwan, vice president of SK Telecom; Kim Jea-in, head of the corporate strategy office at Kakao Brain; Kwon Soon-il, vice president, and head of biz development and strategy at Upstage; and Lee Dong-jae, chief strategy officer of Wrtn Technologies.

Bank CEOs, corporate CEOs, ambassadors to Korea and head of foreign business associations in Korea will also attend the forum.

Simultaneous interpretation will be available. The Korea Times will livestream the forum via its official YouTube channel.