Hanwha Third-Generation Leader Dongwon Kim Signs AI Partnership with SoftBank Ventures at Davos

Securing AI Innovation Power
Partnership with Celadon to Expand Presence in Asia

Hanwha Life Insurance, led by Dongwon Kim, the third-generation owner and Chief Global Officer (CGO) of Hanwha Group, has formed partnerships related to artificial intelligence (AI) with SoftBank Ventures Asia (SBVA) and Hong Kong-based Celadon Partners at the World Economic Forum (Davos Forum) in Switzerland. Hanwha Life Insurance emphasized that it has secured a driving force for AI innovation.

Seungjoo Yeo, Vice Chairman and CEO of Hanwha Life Insurance (left), Dongwon Kim, President and Chief Global Officer (CGO) of Hanwha Life Insurance (center), and Junpyo Lee, CEO of SoftBank Ventures Asia (SBVA), are taking a commemorative photo after signing a business agreement.

Hanwha Life Insurance and SBVA signed an MOU for AI innovation at the World Economic Forum held in Switzerland on the 21st (local time). (From left in the photo) Seungjoo Yeo, Vice Chairman and CEO of Hanwha Life Insurance, Dongwon Kim, President and CGO of Hanwha Life Insurance, and Junpyo Lee, CEO of SBVA, are taking a commemorative photo after signing the MOU.

On January 21 (local time), Hanwha Life Insurance announced on the 23rd that it had signed a business agreement with SBVA at the Hanwha Office in Davos, Switzerland, to promote innovation in the fields of AI and information and communication technology (ICT). The signing ceremony was attended by Seungjoo Yeo, Vice Chairman and CEO, CGO Dongwon Kim, and Junpyo Lee, CEO of SBVA.

SBVA was established in 2000 as an early-stage venture capital firm under the SoftBank Group. In 2022, it was acquired by TheEdgeof. Leveraging its global network, the company engages in direct investments, as well as the formation and operation of funds worldwide. In particular, it possesses expertise in investing in startups and venture companies in the AI and ICT sectors.

Vice Chairman Yeo stated, "As suggested by the main theme of this year's World Economic Forum, 'Collaboration in the Age of Intelligence,' global partnerships are indispensable for AI innovation. Through this partnership with SBVA, we aim to create new growth opportunities, secure AI leadership, and evolve into a global integrated financial group."

CEO Lee commented, "We will build a partnership where SBVA's differentiated technological expertise, global network, and investment experience can generate synergy with Hanwha Life Insurance's AI innovation."

On the 20th, at the same location, Hanwha Life Insurance also signed a business agreement with Celadon Partners. Celadon Partners is an asset management company primarily operating in the Asia-Pacific market. Hanwha Life Insurance outlined its vision to further strengthen its presence in the Asian market through this partnership.

Donald Tang, CEO of Celadon Partners, said, "Through this business agreement with Hanwha Life Insurance, which is emerging as a global integrated financial group, we look forward to becoming partners who can grow together in the Asian market."

Hanwha Life Insurance announced that at the World Economic Forum, it explored global partnerships with financial leaders worldwide, leveraging its experience in AI, digital innovation, and open innovation. At the Hanwha Office, it held in-depth discussions about this year's AI collaboration plans with James Landay, Director of the Stanford Human-Centered AI (HAI) Institute. Director Landay visited the Hanwha Office again this year, following his visit last year. The Hanwha Life Insurance AI Research Institute has previously established an academic-industry partnership with Stanford HAI.