Seoul: Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun announced on Wednesday that artificial intelligence (AI) offers South Korea a significant opportunity to tackle persistent issues such as low birth rates. He highlighted that the government plans to initiate several projects to advance the AI sector.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Ahn's remarks were made during a meeting with AI experts in Seoul, where both government and industry leaders discussed national policies for nurturing the AI industry. Ahn pointed out that South Korean industries are currently grappling with both domestic and international challenges, including a declining population, fierce technological competition from other countries, and an oversupply of products.
Ahn stressed the importance of AI, noting that insights gleaned from this year's CES show that incorporating AI technologies is essential. He emphasized that the future of South Korea's industry hinges on how swiftly these technologies are adopted.
Furthermore, the industry minister outlined plans to overhaul South Korea's energy, financial, and related policies to satisfy the increasing demands of the AI sector. Ahn announced initiatives to establish an AI-friendly power supply system, increase AI-focused funding, and reform regulations to foster a conducive business environment for AI enterprises.
During the event, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy disclosed a range of projects aimed at stimulating the AI industry. These include the formation of a public-private consortium to assist businesses with automated production lines. The ministry also plans to develop the infrastructure necessary for testing and manufacturing humanoid robots, as well as to support the evolution of self-driving automobiles and vessels.