Lee Jae-yong Visits 'Technology Olympics' "Samsung Will Diligently Support Opportunities for Young Technologists" (Comprehensive)

Attended the Closing Ceremony of the '2022 International Skills Olympics Goyang' on the 17th
Regarding Semiconductor Technology Acquisition Question: "We Have to Work Hard"

Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong awards medals to the winners of the cybersecurity category at the closing ceremony of the '2022 International Skills Olympics Special Competition Goyang' held on the 17th at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi-do. (Photo by Samsung Electronics)

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok]

"Did our country win 5 gold medals? I think it reflects the competitiveness of our industry and economic field. Samsung will continue to actively support creating good opportunities for young people, such as the WorldSkills Competition."

At around 5:15 p.m. on the 17th, Lee Jae-yong, Vice Chairman of Samsung Electronics, left Hall 6B at KINTEX in Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, with a very excited expression. With a bright face, he encouraged the Korean players participating in the '2022 International WorldSkills Special Competition Goyang'.

When asked by reporters about his thoughts on visiting after 13 years, Lee replied, "I feel like I have come more often; I think I also went to Brazil, Canada, and Germany," and added, "I feel very good. Did (Korean players) win 5 gold medals?"

He continued, "I think it represents the competitiveness of our industry and economic field, and I believe the WorldSkills Competition provides good opportunities for our young people," and congratulated those who won gold and silver medals today.

Lee clearly stated that Samsung will spare no effort in supporting the development of high-level talent. He emphasized, "Samsung will work hard to support young people in creating good opportunities through the WorldSkills Competition and other events."

When asked about plans to secure semiconductor technology ahead of the Q3 earnings announcement at the end of the month, Lee responded briefly, "We have to work hard."

He did not answer questions from reporters regarding mergers and acquisitions (M&A), speculation about his promotion to chairman on the company’s anniversary next month, or the revival of Samsung Group’s control tower.

Lee stayed at the venue from 4 p.m. to 5:20 p.m. that day. An awards ceremony for eight categories, including 3D digital game art, was held on site. He presented awards in two categories: cybersecurity and web technology. He also shook hands while placing a medal around the neck of a Korean player competing in the cybersecurity category.

This visit to the WorldSkills Competition site was Lee’s first in 13 years since the 2009 Calgary, Canada competition. Samsung Electronics has continuously sponsored the biennial competition for 16 years, starting from the 2007 Shizuoka, Japan competition. Lee’s decision to support began after a business trip to Japan in 2006 when he was an executive director. Samsung has sent 22 participants to the WorldSkills Competition, accounting for 43% of the 51 Korean national team members.

Samsung Electronics supports not only international competitions but also domestic ones, actively recruiting outstanding talent. Domestically, Samsung signed a 'Skills Promotion Agreement' with the Ministry of Employment and Labor in December 2006 and has sponsored the 'National Skills Competition' since 2007. Over 14 years from 2007 to last year, 1,424 people were hired by 14 affiliates including Samsung Display, Samsung Electro-Mechanics, Samsung SDI, Samsung C&T, Samsung Biologics, Samsung Heavy Industries, and S-1 through this national competition.

About 1,000 players from approximately 60 countries participated in this year’s competition. The Korean event opened on the 12th and lasted four days, concluding on this day. Around 400 people attended the event, including Lee Jung-sik, Minister of Employment and Labor, Kang Hyun-chul, Director of Capability Development at the Human Resources Development Service of Korea, and 133 players from 35 countries.

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