Samsung's Han Jong-hee: "Now the Target is 'Strong Growth'"... Expanding Businesses in Robots and Automotive Electronics

DX Connect Event Ahead of 3rd Anniversary
Shift in Goal from 'One Samsung' to 'Strong Growth'
Core Areas: MedTech, Robotics, Electric Components, Eco-friendly HVAC Solutions
Plan to Transition to 'AI Company'

Han Jong-hee, Vice Chairman and Head of Samsung Electronics' Device Experience (DX) Division, recently emphasized at the 'DX Connect' event held at the Suwon headquarters, "We have been working to establish the foundation of 'One Samsung' and enhance synergy between businesses," adding, "Our next target is 'strong growth'."

Han Jong-hee, Vice Chairman and Head of Samsung Electronics Device Experience (DX) Division [Image source=Yonhap News]

According to industry sources on the 19th, Han made these remarks at the event held ahead of the 3rd anniversary of the DX Division's launch, urging, "We must boldly change for future growth." This is interpreted as a call to boldly transition to a future-oriented business structure to overcome the complex crisis Samsung Electronics is currently facing and to take a leap forward.

When Han was appointed head of the DX Division in December 2021, he previously stated, "Let's work to create synergy for 'One Samsung.' To do this, we must break down the walls between existing business units and products and feel, think, and explore from the customer's perspective." Now, approaching his 3rd year in office, he has shifted the goal to 'strong growth.'

As a strategy for a 'Strong Samsung,' Han revealed four core areas: MedTech, robotics, automotive electronics, and eco-friendly air conditioning solutions, emphasizing the intensive cultivation of next-generation new growth businesses.

Samsung Electronics has been making all-out efforts to discover 'unprecedented' technologies and businesses by establishing the Future Technology Office within the DX Division last year to secure future technologies and products, followed by the creation of the Future Business Planning Team and Business Development Group. At the 'IFA 2024,' Europe's largest home appliance exhibition held in Germany on the 7th (local time), Han also stated, "We are looking into future businesses, finding what we can do, and ensuring results," adding, "We are also holding many meetings with great interest in the medical field."

The robotics business, identified as a future growth engine, is striving to enhance global competitiveness across various fields. In May, the DX Division reorganized its structure to strengthen the robotics business by reallocating research and development (R&D) personnel from the Robotics Business Team under the DX Division to the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) division. The automotive electronics sector plans to not only strengthen synergy with its subsidiary Harman but also expand into the next-generation display business area. The eco-friendly air conditioning solutions will also reinforce connections with existing businesses.

Han also announced plans to transform Samsung into an 'AI company.' The company intends to expand investments in external AI firms and broaden its services and business-to-business (B2B) operations beyond the device business. At the IFA briefing, Han emphasized, "AI seems endless. Our goal is to solve what consumers find inconvenient, dislike, or difficult, and we are preparing connected experiences," adding, "We will thoroughly prepare for the future ahead and will not relinquish leadership in the AI era."

Regarding labor-management issues, Han reportedly stated, "Labor and management should maintain a relationship of coexistence, not confrontation," and "We will communicate sincerely with an open attitude."