"AICON Gwangju 2025" Opens... Presents AI Hub Strategy

Three Core Tasks: AI Computing Center, Research Institute, and Convergence Complex
Kang Gijeong: "Driving the Future by Completing an AI-Centered City"

On the morning of the 15th, Mayor Kang Gijeong of Gwangju and guests attending the opening ceremony of the "Global AI Conference ICON (AICON) Gwangju 2025" held at the Kim Daejung Convention Center in Seo-gu are performing the opening performance. Provided by Gwangju City

The international academic conference "Global AI Conference AICON Gwangju 2025," which shares the latest trends in artificial intelligence (AI) technology and innovative ideas, opened on October 15 at the Kim Daejung Convention Center for a two-day schedule.

This conference serves as an important occasion to declare Gwangju's firm vision and execution strategies for becoming an AI-centered city to both domestic and international audiences. The opening ceremony was attended by Mayor Kang Gijeong of Gwangju, Shin Sujeong, Chairperson of the Gwangju City Council, city council members, Ahn Taewook, Chairman of the People Power Party's Gwangju Metropolitan Chapter, Lee Geunbae, President of Chonnam National University, Lim Kicheol, President of the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Park Sangcheol, President of Honam University, heads of related organizations, and representatives from AI-related companies.

In his welcoming address, Mayor Kang stated, "To realize Gwangju's dream of becoming an AI-centered city, which we have been pursuing since 2017, we are focusing on three core tasks. I am determined to make Gwangju a true AI-centered city."

The three core tasks presented by Mayor Kang are: ▲ attracting the National AI Computing Center, ▲ establishing the National AI Research Institute, and ▲ designating an AI convergence complex. These initiatives reflect Gwangju's commitment to leveraging its accumulated AI infrastructure and capabilities as a national growth engine, aiming to establish itself as a leading AI city.

Mayor Kang particularly emphasized, "Attracting the National AI Computing Center, which Gwangju is making every effort to secure, will create synergy with the 600 billion won budget for the AX Demonstration Valley and transform Gwangju into a land of opportunity, abundant with businesses and jobs."

This academic conference is further distinguished by lectures from top experts in the AI field. Jin-Hyung Kim, Professor Emeritus at KAIST, presented on "Policies and Current Status of Fostering the Domestic AI Industry," while Youngjin Yoo, Professor at the London School of Economics (LSE), introduced the concept of "AI as an Ecosystem," providing participants with deep insights. In addition, Sangjin Oh, Director of the Artificial Intelligence Industry Convergence Project Group, Chao Yuanyuan, Professor at Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications in China, and Leo Jiang, CEO of Ground AI in Singapore, compared and analyzed AI policies and industry trends in their respective countries, seeking ways for international cooperation.

Held concurrently with the academic conference, "AI TECH+ 2025" offers a comprehensive look at the present and future of the AI industry. Forty-five companies are participating to showcase the latest technologies in various fields, including AI semiconductors, cloud computing, drones, and healthcare. Visitors can directly experience cutting-edge technologies through the AI Experience Zone and Drone Experience Hall, gaining a vivid sense of the rapidly changing AI industry trends.

A city official expressed hope, saying, "This conference will solidify Gwangju's position as an AI-centered city and serve as a catalyst for its growth into a key hub driving national AI development."

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