9.14 Billion Won Invested in Comprehensive 'AI Education' for All Generations
Jung Myunggeun: "No One Should Be Left Behind in the AI Era"
Hwaseong City in Gyeonggi Province is concentrating its policy capabilities on enhancing citizens' artificial intelligence (AI) literacy. The city has set a policy goal of eliminating AI-disadvantaged groups through education that spans all generations, and is expanding related initiatives accordingly.
According to Hwaseong City on May 15, the city is investing 914 million won this year to implement six AI-related educational programs targeting both citizens and public officials. These six programs account for 18% of the 33 AI-related projects currently being promoted by the city.
The AI education programs promoted by the city include: nurturing future citizens for the AI era; core talent development and generative AI utilization training for public officials; support for AI convergence education focused on critical thinking; AI utilization education initiatives; the creation of the ‘Mamdaero A+ Playground’ for children; and a project to attract science and engineering universities to foster scientific and technological talent.
Among these, four programs are independently planned and operated by the city using its own budget.
Enhancing Citizen AI Competency... Literacy Education by Generation
The community leaders of Dongtan 2-dong, Hwaseong City, are receiving AI literacy education. Hwaseong City plans to realize a citizen-led AI future city through AI education encompassing all generations. Provided by Hwaseong City
Since February of this year and continuing through the end of the year, the city has been operating ‘AI literacy education’ for all citizens, tailored to age and living environment. This program is designed to help participants understand how to use AI and develop the capacity to use it ethically. The aim is to ensure that no citizen is left behind by AI technology and that everyone can proactively respond to technological change.
The curriculum is customized for all generations, from youth to seniors, and combines theory with practical training to strengthen real-world AI skills. For adolescents and young adults, the focus is on the latest AI trends and hobby/creative-centered education. For middle-aged and older adults, the program provides instruction on using AI in daily life, such as health, finance, and leisure. For seniors, the focus is on AI utilization programs for cybercrime prevention.
To expand educational opportunities for middle-aged and senior citizens in particular, the city is actively utilizing organizations that directly connect with citizens, such as residents' associations, community leaders, and senior colleges. In fact, by the end of this month, AI literacy education for seniors is scheduled to be held at four senior colleges in the city.
This month, the city also plans to operate AI experience camps for families in the eastern and western regions. These camps are designed to allow families to experience AI technology in an easy and enjoyable way, while also strengthening communication and bonds among family members.
The city plans to develop ‘AI literacy education’ into a sustainable ‘citizen education ecosystem.’ Through this, all generations will be supported to actively respond to technological change and utilize AI in their daily lives.
Improving Administrative Efficiency with AI... First AI Strategy Department in the Nation
The city is also focusing on AI-based administration. In April 2023, Hwaseong City became the first basic local government in the country to establish an ‘AI Strategy Department,’ strengthening its team of experts to serve as a control tower for AI policies, including expanding administrative services, bridging the AI and digital divide, and nurturing future talent.
To strengthen the digital administrative capabilities of public officials, the city is promoting a variety of practical programs, including data quality management training, AI technology adoption consulting support, and AI usage fee support.
All employees receive generative AI training twice a year, and the city operates a practical curriculum that includes official document writing practice, prompt engineering, and how to use ChatGPT.
The ‘AI Policy Research Group’ is also noteworthy. This group selects 20 public officials with interest and experience in AI and data to strengthen their AI and data utilization capabilities. In 2023, the ‘AI Policy Research Group’ produced and published the ‘AI Utilization Guide for Public Officials’ and distributed it to local governments nationwide. For two consecutive years, the group has also produced data analysis experts recognized by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, earning certification as a leading institution for data analysis expert development.
AI Special Exhibition ‘MARS 2025’ to Be Held at COEX in Seoul
From June 18 to 20, the city will also host a special event at COEX in Seoul: ‘MARS 2025 (Mega city A.I. Revolution Summit 2025).’ This event was planned to share Hwaseong City’s vision for an AI-powered future city and to provide a platform for cross-industry collaboration.
Through this event, the city plans to introduce a wide range of AI-based administrative policies and achievements, including its AI education policies, to both domestic and international audiences.
More than 50 organizations and companies, including Amazon, Hyundai Motor, Kia, Shinsegae, LG Uplus, and Kyung Hee University, will participate in the event, operating over 100 exhibition booths. A variety of side events will also be held, including an AI forum, talk concerts, industrial technology seminars, and citizen experience events.
Jung Myunggeun, Mayor of Hwaseong City, stated, “AI technology is not just for a select group of experts, but a public asset that all citizens should enjoy in their daily lives. We will systematically promote AI education for all generations and integrate AI into all aspects of administration to bring about real change in citizens’ lives, ensuring that no one is left behind.”
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