Source: Government of the Republic of Korea
(Unofficial translation)
Distinguished business leaders, researchers and young innovators who are at the forefront of the artificial intelligence industries of the Republic of Korea and Singapore,
It is a pleasure to meet you.
I find it deeply meaningful to meet all of you here at the Korea–Singapore AI Connect Summit, which will open a new chapter in the future of our two countries.
Today, we stand at the center of a huge civilizational transformation driven by AI.
AI has become a driving force of change that is affecting industrial frameworks, jobs and even our daily lives. It is also a strategic asset with a direct bearing on national competitiveness.
This is why countries around the world are making every effort to secure AI capabilities.
Amid these sweeping changes, it is both inevitable and truly welcome that Korea and Singapore – nations equipped with world-class AI capabilities – have joined hands.
Our two countries share the common experience of having overcome the constraints of limited territory and natural resources through the strength of our people and technology and of having achieved prosperity through unceasing innovation.
Now is the time to apply the spirit of innovation embedded in our DNA to the AI industry, thereby opening new horizons for the digital economy together.
The Korean government will render its full support by ensuring that capital, technology, talent and industry are seamlessly interconnected through the AI Cooperation Framework, which will facilitate substantive cooperation.
First, we will raise US$300 million for a global fund-of-funds (K-VCC) in Singapore by 2030.
This will serve as a key driving force for accelerating the global expansion of AI companies in both countries and fostering an innovation-driven ecosystem for shared growth.
We look forward to young entrepreneurs and startups from both countries sharing their spirit of challenge and passion, spearheading transformations across future industries and confidently shaping the global market.
Second, we will support joint research that transcends national boundaries.
Next year, we will initiate full-scale international joint research and talent exchange programs, enabling researchers from both countries to collaborate closely and devote themselves to developing AI technologies that can potentially solve humanity’s most challenging issues.
We will provide strong support to ensure that the cutting-edge technologies developed through these efforts are widely applied across both societies and successfully introduced in global markets.
Third, we will further invigorate the AI industry ecosystem through cooperation led by the private sector.
Today’s launch of the AI Alliance marks the beginning of an open innovation ecosystem where companies, universities and startups share their knowledge and resources and collaborate.
I believe this will become a solid foundation upon which creative ideas can become reality and young people can continue growing and taking on challenges.
Our bilateral cooperation must advance beyond simple technological exchanges and rise to the level of a strategic industrial partnership.
We will emerge as Asia’s leading innovation hub by pioneering new markets through AI technology and providing young people with opportunities that are broader and more plentiful.
The Korean government will continue to lend strong support so that young, talented individuals from both countries can take on whatever challenges they desire, engage in exchanges and work together on designing our future.
I hope that today’s event will serve as a starting point for businesspeople, young researchers and young people from both countries to freely communicate with one another and realize the vision for cooperation.
I am confident that the shared growth of Korea and Singapore will extend beyond Asia, thus ushering in a great new “Age of AI Exploration,” and that our two countries will assume leadership in setting the course for the global AI industry.
Thank you.