Gyeongju: Preliminary proceedings of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit began in the South Korean city of Gyeongju, gathering approximately 1,700 participants from around the world to discuss artificial intelligence (AI), energy transition, and other pressing global issues.
According to Yonhap News Agency, on the eve of the summit's official opening, the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) hosted a welcome reception for global business leaders. These leaders are set to exchange views on topics including AI, digital currency, carbon neutrality, and supply chains. Notable attendees include Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Amazon Web Services CEO Matt Garman, Google's Chief Marketing Officer for Asia Pacific Simon Kahn, Citigroup CEO Jane Fraser, and Johnson and Johnson CEO Joaquin Duato.
Representing Korea, prominent figures such as Chey Tae-won, SK Group chief and KCCI chair, Samsung Electronics Co. Chairman Lee Jae-yong, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung, and LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo are in attendance. The welcome reception at Hwarang Village also saw participation from Samsung Electronics President Park Seung-hee, SK On Co. Vice Chairman Yu Jeong-joon, Hyundai Motor Co. President Sung Kim, and Naver Corp. CEO Choi Soo-yeon.
Public sector representatives present included South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo, U.S. Ambassador to China David Perdue, and Malaysian Ambassador to Korea Dato' Mohd Zamruni Khalid. In his opening remarks, KCCI Chair Chey Tae-won highlighted the historical significance of Gyeongju and expressed hopes for the summit to be a platform for exchanging ideas and expanding businesses globally.
The summit is set to officially commence on Wednesday at the Gyeongju Arts Center with the theme "Bridge, Business, Beyond," featuring a special address by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. The event will include sessions on AI, finance, culture industry, digital currency, carbon neutrality, supply chains, semiconductors, digital health, hydrogen, data centers, healthcare, and energy transition.
Chey noted Korea's reputation for innovation and its suitability as the venue for discussions on critical issues like energy transition, digital and AI transformation, trade, and biotechnology. He emphasized the importance of exploring sustainable growth and future prosperity amid geopolitical shifts and industry transitions.
Additionally, the Future Tech Forum, an official sideline event, took place on Tuesday. It featured an AI-themed forum by SK Group and a forum on the retail economy, along with the K-Tech Showcase, which highlighted AI, mobility, robotics, and display technologies from Korean firms.