Government Strengthens Digital Retraining for Adults 30+ with AI and Digital 30+ Projects
Designates and Develops 100 AID Leading Universities
The function of 'lifelong education' at universities will be revitalized to actively promote artificial intelligence and digital (AID) competency enhancement education for adults. One hundred leading universities will be designated to take the lead in education, and 10,000 adults will receive an annual 'Career Leap Voucher' worth 350,000 KRW each.
On the 16th, Lee Ju-ho, Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Education, announced the 'Artificial Intelligence and Digital (AID) 30+ Project (Draft)' at the Sejong Government Complex. This project was inspired by the observation that individuals' digital informatization levels decline starting in their 30s. It aims to strengthen digital re-education and enhancement education for adults aged 30 and above and expand the role of universities in lifelong education, where demand for adult re-education is high.
Fostering 100 Innovative Universities... Enhancing AID Competencies
The Ministry of Education plans to foster 100 AID leading universities, including general universities, junior colleges, and cyber universities. These 100 universities will be divided by function. For example, 20 general universities will serve as 'intensive camps,' operating AID upskilling courses for learners in their 30s and 40s during weekday evenings and weekends. Thirty junior colleges will be designated as 'digital transformation-focused junior colleges,' developing and operating courses that enable AID competency development without spatial and temporal constraints through online and offline formats. Additionally, budgets will be supported for 20 universities offering online-centered AID bundled courses, 15 MOOC leading universities, and 10 digital innovation cyber universities.
To strengthen universities' adult re-education functions, the role of universities under the Higher Education Act will be expanded to include 'promotion of lifelong education,' and the selection schedule will be made autonomous to encourage adult entry into universities. The use of the National Tomorrow Learning Card will also be actively promoted so that students at junior colleges and distance universities can develop vocational skills in the AID field.
3.2 Billion KRW for 10,000 Adults Aged 30+ ... Increased Participation in Credit Bank System
To provide customized education in a rapidly changing technological world, 10,000 adults aged 30 and above will receive a 'Digital Lifelong Education Voucher.' Known as the 'Artificial Intelligence and Digital Career Leap Voucher (AID Career Jump Pass),' starting next year, 350,000 KRW per person annually will be provided to offer digital education opportunities. For persons with disabilities, digital literacy education will be provided to support digital independence. In particular, the goal is to enhance digital convenience through life-oriented education on vulnerable areas for the 'digitally marginalized,' such as using financial apps and unmanned ordering kiosks.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Education will improve the traditional lifelong learning system by expanding participation in the credit bank system for digital education projects promoted by the central government. To enable 'intensive learning' in the digital field, small-scale major courses (12 credits or more) will be introduced, and AID-related majors will be newly established in the self-study degree system.
For future career development, support will also be provided to open one lifelong learning account per university student. This system registers and manages learners' lifelong learning outcomes, such as academic background and qualifications, in individual learning accounts.
Minister Lee emphasized, "South Korea is currently at a critical juncture facing technological innovation and demographic changes. The Ministry of Education will work with related ministries, companies, local governments, and universities to build a national digital lifelong learning ecosystem."
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