Minister Bae Kyung Hoon Announces Plans to Secure Convergence Talent for AI G3 Leap

Emphasizing Convergence Talent
to Lead Industries in the AX Era

On August 14, Science and ICT Minister Bae Kyung Hoon emphasized the importance of convergence talent in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Transformation (AX), announcing plans to establish a comprehensive 'AI Talent Development and Recruitment Strategy.'

Science and ICT Minister Bae Kyung Hoon is announcing the outcomes of the 'APEC Digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Ministerial Meeting' to reporters on the afternoon of the 4th at Songdo Convensia, Incheon. Photo by Noh Kyung Jo

At the 'Expert Roundtable for Securing AX Talent' held at Innovation Academy in Gangnam-gu, Seoul on the same day, Minister Bae stated, "To become one of the world's top three AI powerhouses, we urgently need not only talent with expertise in AI, but also convergence talent who possess both industry-specific expertise and strong problem-solving skills."

The roundtable was attended by key industry players driving AX in their respective sectors, including Hyundai Motor Company, VUNO, and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. AI solution providers such as NC AI, May I-a startup founded by alumni of Software Maestro-Next Studio, which offers customized AI services for enterprises, and EY Consulting, which supports companies in formulating AI transformation strategies, also participated.

From academia, the event included physician-scientist Seo Jongmo, Professor at Seoul National University's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering; Ahn Heegap, Head Professor at the AI Graduate School of POSTECH; and Shim Jaeyoung, Dean of the AI Graduate School at UNIST. Master's and doctoral students from the AI Convergence Innovation Graduate School, as well as representatives from related organizations such as the Korea Artificial Intelligence and Software Industry Association and the Institute for Information & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation, were also present.

Companies shared their own experiences and directions regarding AI transformation, discussed the competencies required of convergence talent during these processes, and highlighted the challenges they faced. They also offered suggestions about the types of talent needed in the field. Academia proposed educational programs necessary for nurturing talent that reflect industry trends, and suggested institutional improvements to secure convergence talent in collaboration with various industry sectors.

Minister Bae stated, "We will continue to listen to voices from the field to develop practical measures for securing and supporting talent, and we will support Korean companies in their AI transformation journey."