Synopsis
On January 22, South Korea's Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun discussed how AI can help address crucial challenges, including low birth rates. The government plans to implement various initiatives to support the growth of the AI sector, aiming to bolster the nation’s economy and technological landscape.Key Takeaways
- AI is pivotal for South Korea's industrial future.
- Government initiatives aim to combat low birth rates.
- A focus on developing AI-friendly policies and infrastructure.
- Public-private partnerships to enhance automated production.
- Signs of recovery in birth rates noted recently.
Seoul, Jan 22 (NationPress) South Korea’s Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun stated on Wednesday that artificial intelligence (AI) offers the nation a chance to confront persistent issues, such as low birth rates. He highlighted the government's intention to initiate a series of projects aimed at nurturing this sector.
Ahn spoke during a gathering with AI specialists in Seoul, where officials from both government and industry deliberated on policies designed to advance the AI sector, as reported by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Yonhap news agency.
"At present, South Korean industries are grappling with challenges both at home and abroad, such as a shrinking population, technological rivalries with other nations, and an excess supply of products," Ahn noted.
"During this year's CES, we recognized that capitalizing on AI technologies is imperative; the future of South Korea's industry hinges on our swift adoption of these technologies," Ahn emphasized.
The industry minister also stressed that the government will overhaul the nation's energy, financial, and related policies to accommodate the increasing demands from the AI industry.
"South Korea will implement an AI-friendly energy supply system, increase funding for AI initiatives, and reform laws and regulations to foster a supportive business atmosphere for enterprises," Ahn stated.
At the event, the ministry revealed a range of initiatives aimed at boosting the AI landscape, including the formation of a public-private consortium to assist companies with automated production systems.
Additionally, South Korea plans to develop the essential infrastructure for testing and producing humanoid robots and will support the innovation of self-driving cars and vessels, according to ministry reports.
With alarmingly low birth rates, South Korea has officially transitioned into a super-aged society.
As per government statistics, the population of South Koreans aged 65 and older reached 10.24 million, representing 20 percent of the country's total population of 51.22 million, as reported by Yonhap in December last year.
The United Nations categorizes nations with over 7 percent of their population aged 65 or older as aging societies, those with more than 14 percent as aged societies, and those exceeding 20 percent as super-aged societies.
Nevertheless, there are signs of recovery.
The birth rate in South Korea surged at the quickest pace in 14 years this past October, with a total of 21,398 newborns, marking a 13.4 percent increase from the 18,878 births recorded a year prior.
