Asia’s readiness for AI innovation: Lessons from South Korea’s digital transformation

Global Digital R&DB Hub Seminar in Asia on July 11-12

The Vietnam National Innovation Centre (NIC), in collaboration with the International Technology Professional Program (ITPP) of Global R&DB Centre Seoul National University (SNU) and the Global IT Technology Program (ITTP) of Graduate School of Global Digital Innovation, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), has just organised Global Digital R&DB Hub Seminar, themed "Asia’s readiness for AI innovation: Lessons from Korea’s digital transformation."

The seminar was a pivotal event for stakeholders focusing on advancing AI technology across the public and private sectors.

NIC director Vu Quoc Huy said in recent years, Vietnam had made significant strides in innovation, particularly in advancing AI technology.

"AI has become a pivotal force reshaping industries and societies, driving global economic transformations. The prime minister's 2030 National Strategy on AI underscores its role as a foundational technology of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, essential for boosting production capacity, enhancing national competitiveness, and fostering sustainable economic growth," Huy said. “Aligned with this strategy, the NIC is studying the establishment of an advanced AI training, research and application centre in Vietnam. This initiative aims to train thousands of AI experts meeting international standards and support 500 AI startups, enhancing Vietnam’s readiness in innovation and digital transformation.”

The seminar underscored a commitment to fostering academic and technological exchange among Asian countries. Leveraging the expertise of each institution, the organisers aimed to create a connecting platform promoting collaboration among experts, leading to innovative AI solutions addressing contemporary challenges.

Over two days, participants engaged in a keynote speech, lectures, panel discussions, and presentations of international best cases, particularly focusing on the latest AI advancements, trends, and challenges. They listened to diverse sessions on cutting-edge AI research and development.

Topics covered AI’s transformative impact on finance and economic growth, including regulations, ethical considerations, case studies, and practical applications. Discussions explored ethical AI in developing frameworks and policies, addressing bias, copyright issues, and broader ethical concerns in the AI era.

Experts also delved into AI’s role in government, highlighting trends, applications, challenges, and prerequisites for effective AI implementation in the public sector. Insights into Trustworthy AI emphasised its role in fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within businesses, supported by evidence of its economic benefits and strategies for enhancing trustworthiness across industries.

Best-case demonstrations from Asian countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Vietnam provided international perspectives, visionary ideas and pragmatic solutions.

Participants gained insights into the latest AI advancements, networked with peers and experts from diverse backgrounds, and explored collaborations driving groundbreaking innovations. Networking opportunities connected attendees with researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders shaping AI’s future in Asia.

The Global Digital R&DB Hub Seminar marked a significant step in advancing AI research and development across Asia. NIC, SNU ITPP, and KAIST ITTP acknowledged the support of the Ministry of Science and ICT of the South Korea, the Ministry of Planning and Investment of Vietnam, partners, and all participants, with the seminar setting new standards in AI excellence.

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