President Yoon: "Korea and Canada Will Achieve a New Leap in AI Cooperation"

President Yoon Attends AI Experts Meeting at University of Toronto as First Schedule in Canada
Chief Secretary Choi Sang-mok: "Korea Ranks 6th in AI Index... Aiming to Become One of the Top 3 Powers"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] On the 22nd (local time), President Yoon Suk-yeol stated, "If South Korea and Canada cooperate with each other, we expect to achieve a new leap forward in the field of artificial intelligence (AI)."

President Yoon made this remark during a meeting with AI experts held at the University of Toronto, his first schedule upon visiting Canada on the 22nd (local time).

The meeting was attended by Professor Geoffrey Hinton, who developed deep learning algorithms, Gas Gibson, CEO of the Vector Institute, and Meric Gertler, President of the University of Toronto.

Regarding his visit to Toronto, President Yoon explained, "It is the mecca of artificial intelligence where AI researchers and big tech companies from around the world gather," and added, "I came here to hear about the factors behind Canada's success and to discuss ways to advance South Korea's technological capabilities."

He continued, "The new government will actively support cooperation between the two countries in the field of artificial intelligence," and said, "I believe the University of Toronto will become an economic and scientific cooperation hub between South Korea and Canada."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The Presidential Office explained that President Yoon visited the University of Toronto as the first step to realize the 'Alliance for Digital Free Citizens' initiative, which he proposed the previous day at New York University in the United States.

The 'Alliance for Digital Free Citizens' proposed by President Yoon aims to spread universal values such as freedom and human rights to humanity through digital means and to create a new order for peace and prosperity.

Following his speech at the United Nations, President Yoon introduced the new government's national agenda of the 'Digital Platform Government' at this meeting, explaining, "It will open a new chapter in genuine digital democracy, revolutionary improvements in administrative services, and the welfare system essential for socially vulnerable groups."

President Yoon also expressed his desire to listen to valuable opinions on desirable ways to utilize digital technology and artificial intelligence to expand the freedom of global citizens and protect human rights, engaging in private discussions as well.

Choi Sang-mok, Chief Secretary for Economic Affairs, evaluated in a briefing at the Press Center immediately after the meeting, "We confirmed that Canada's success as an AI powerhouse was due to stable and long-term investments in developing core technologies and attracting outstanding talent."

According to the Standard Artificial Intelligence Index, South Korea's competitiveness currently ranks around 6th, but Chief Secretary Choi added that it is expected to rise to become one of the top three powers in the future.

He further stated, "Artificial intelligence is the core of digital technology," and added, "We can now say that we are beginning to leap forward as an AI powerhouse beyond semiconductors."

The two main goals of this visit to Canada are to lead the new digital order and to advance as an AI powerhouse.

At the bilateral meeting between President Yoon and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau scheduled for the 23rd, strengthening the supply chain of critical minerals and cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence are expected to be major agenda items.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.