Yoon's 'Note' Directive... "Reviewing Guidance for Quantum Field Personnel"

Conversation with Scholars from ETH Zurich
Yoon: "Game Changer of Future Industries"

[Zurich=Asia Economy Reporter Bae Kyunghwan] On the 19th (local time), President Yoon Suk-yeol met with quantum field scholars in Zurich, Switzerland, and stated, "The government will spare no support for quantum science and technology, which will be a game changer in future industries." In particular, President Yoon gave a note instruction to Minister Lee Jong-ho of the Ministry of Science and ICT, who was present, emphasizing 'human resource development.' The Presidential Office decided to reflect the discussions between President Yoon and the quantum scholars in the currently being established 'National Quantum Strategy.'

On the afternoon of the same day, President Yoon visited the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich) and held a 'Dialogue with Quantum Scholars.' This was arranged to listen to the trends in quantum technology development through dialogue with quantum scholars at ETH Zurich, a world-class research institution, and to seek strategies to become a leading country in quantum technology, which will be a game changer within the next decade.

President Yoon Suk-yeol, visiting Switzerland, is leaving the building with G?nter Dissertori, Vice President of ETH Zurich, after concluding the "Dialogue with Quantum Scholars" held at ETH Zurich on the 19th (local time).
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Upon arrival, President Yoon was guided by G?nter Dissertori, Vice President of ETH Zurich, and was introduced to Einstein's life and achievements at the ETH Zurich Library, where he also viewed the collection. The ETH Zurich Library is one of the world's top university libraries, holding over 7.8 million volumes and artifacts, including Einstein's academic records, notebooks, and correspondence with colleagues during his student years.

Present at the event were Vice President G?nter Dissertori and other university officials, as well as quantum researchers from ETH Zurich such as Andreas Wallraff, Klaus Ensslin, and Jonathan Home. Also attending were world-renowned quantum scholar Professor Myung-Sik Kim from Korea's Imperial College London, Alessandro Curioni, Director of IBM Zurich Research Laboratory, a leading institution in quantum computing, and Jacques Ducrey, International Cooperation Ambassador of the Swiss Federal Department of Education, who discussed quantum technology with President Yoon.

President Yoon stated, "Quantum science and technology are core to the nation's future strategic technologies," and added, "The government will spare no support for quantum science, which will be a game changer in future industries. We must actively engage in research funding and talent development." Especially heeding the scholars' advice emphasizing the importance of human resource development, he gave Minister Lee Jong-ho a note instruction saying, "Draw up a human resource map and review it thoroughly."

During the subsequent dialogue, President Yoon exchanged views on how quantum technology can contribute to solving human societal problems and what kind of government support is needed to enable quantum scholars to achieve greater results through collaboration and solidarity. He elaborated, "Korea has the capability to quickly secure technological prowess while reducing trial and error based on its research and development experience. Utilizing this, we will strive to ensure that quantum technology contributes to the desirable future development of humanity in the international community through solidarity and cooperation with countries around the world."

Meanwhile, ETH Zurich is the alma mater of famous scientists such as Einstein and von Neumann, and since its founding, it has produced 22 Nobel laureates and 2 Fields Medalists among its alumni and faculty, making it a world-renowned prestigious university. Many excellent researchers, including Professor Andreas Wallraff, a world authority in superconducting quantum computers, are currently employed there. Designated as a National Research Competence Center in the quantum field by the Swiss National Science Foundation, ETH Zurich leads quantum research in Europe by participating in the EU Quantum Flagship program, among other initiatives.

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