Opening of the 12th International e-Mobility Expo
A Global Gathering for Electric Mobility Experts
From Technology Exhibitions to Policy and Culture:
A Platform for the Next Generation
Davos Forum of e-Mobility:
Jeju as a Hub for Global Networking
"The reason the Davos Forum (World Economic Forum) became the world's best is because of its network. For twelve years, e-mobility experts from around the world have been gathering in Jeju. I hope people will remember this as the beginning of something desirable and significant in the future."
Lee Heebeom, former Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy and the executive organizing chairman of the 12th International e-Mobility Expo, which opened on July 9 at Jeju Shinhwa World, responded this way when asked about the significance of this year's event. Until last year, the main focus was on exhibiting various electric mobility devices and technologies, but starting this year, the core is that experts from academia, industry, and research, as well as government officials from about 50 major countries, are gathering to discuss shared interests. Over the four-day event, which runs until July 12, more than 30 global conferences are scheduled. 150 companies are participating, and business meetings are taking place throughout the venue.
At the press conference of the 12th International e-Mobility Expo, which opened on the 9th, Kim Daehwan, the organizing chairman, is answering questions from the press. Photo by Korea Automobile Journalists Association
Kim Daehwan, who has served as the organizing chairman for over ten years since the inaugural event, said, "As major industries such as semiconductors, displays, home appliances, and electric vehicles move overseas to Southeast Asia, China, Mexico, and other countries, local regions in Korea are facing job losses and the hollowing-out of manufacturing. We are trying to create a platform where about 10,000 opinion leaders from around the world gather in Jeju to network around electric mobility, so we can pass this on to the next generation."
This event is co-hosted by the International Electric Vehicle Expo Association and the Global EV Association Network (GEAN), with support from eight government ministries including the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, as well as the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province. In addition to electric vehicles, the expo covers key components and materials such as buses, two-wheelers, batteries, and chargers, as well as convergent technologies like autonomous driving, robotics, smart agriculture, and renewable energy.
The previous day, the IEVE Technology Innovation Awards ceremony was held as a pre-event. On the opening day, there was a ceremony to declare Korea as an e-mobility export base, an opening performance, and the GEAN Awards. The event also featured a global summit, Korea-Europe and Korea-Africa roundtables, a green energy conference, a session on sustainable mobility diplomacy strategies, and an international academic conference for youth. Experts from various fields participated to discuss domestic and international carbon neutrality strategies and directions for technological transition.
Autonomous driving technology test vehicle exhibited at the 12th International e-Mobility Expo. Photo by Korea Automobile Journalists Association
On the second day, July 10, the 3rd International Eco-Friendly Electric Ship Expo will open. In the shipping and port sectors as well, strategies for eco-friendly transportation as part of decarbonization are being discussed from various perspectives. Sessions focused on market expansion strategies and technologies have been prepared, including an Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and Drone Forum, an International Business SRT Forum, and an ASEAN Market Entry Strategy Forum. On July 11, there will be a Global Battery Forum, an EV User Awareness Improvement Forum, a UAM Commercialization Strategy Forum, and a Distributed Energy Education Seminar, providing opportunities for industry demonstrations and discussions with direct citizen participation.
In addition, programs have been prepared to achieve results in the B2B sector, including one-on-one global investment and business matching for startups and SMEs, technology demonstrations, on-site showcases, joint R&D, and contract signings. There will also be drone and autonomous driving competitions for youth and university students.
A double-door electric bus by Woojin Industrial Systems displayed outside the International e-Mobility Expo venue. In Jeju, some bus stops use a center lane in the form of an island. Unlike regular buses, there is also a door on the driver's side. Provided by the Korea Automobile Journalists Association
Chairman Lee said, "For the first ten years, the Davos Forum was not a particularly prominent event, as it was operated mainly in Europe, but after the United States joined and it was renamed the World Economic Forum, it became a gathering place for global leaders. While it is disappointing that participation from large corporations is somewhat low, the involvement of small and medium-sized enterprises is raising the potential of the event."
Chairman Kim emphasized, "Just like the nickname 'Davos Forum of e-Mobility,' this is a convergent platform that goes beyond showcasing the latest technologies to encompass policy, culture, and youth education."
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