Professor Kim Myuhng-Joo Appointed as First Director of the AI Safety Institute

Professor Kim Myuhng-Joo Appointed as First Director of the AI Safety InstituteThe Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT), led by Minister Yoo Sang-im, has announced the appointment of Professor Kim Myuhng-joo from the Department of Information Security at Seoul Women’s University as the inaugural Director of the AI Safety Institute, effective November 12. The appointment was officially authorized by the President of the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), which oversees the Institute.Professor Kim, a computer science specialist in AI ethics and reliability, has led initiatives to advance the development and application of safe and responsible AI. His prominent roles include serving as the Director of the Responsible AI Research Center (RAISE) since 2019, President of the International Association for Artificial Intelligence and Ethics since 2024, and Chairman of the Artificial Intelligence Ethics Policy Forum as of 2023.Additionally, Professor Kim is an expert member of the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI) under the OECD, where he actively participates in international discussions to promote sustainable AI practices worldwide.With his extensive expertise and leadership in AI ethics and safety, Professor Kim is expected to develop the newly launched AI Safety Institute into a global leader in AI safety research. He is also anticipated to foster close collaboration between Korea’s academic, industrial, and research sectors and international AI safety institutes to advance global standards in AI safety.The term for Professor Kim’s appointment as Director of the AI Safety Institute is three years, from November 12, 2024, to November 11, 2027.For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division (Phone: +82-44-202-4034, E-mail: msitmedia@korea.kr) of the Ministry of Science and ICT. Please refer to the attached PDF.

MSIT Hosts Korea-Latin America & Caribbean Digital Ministerial Conference 2024

   - Discussions focused on advancing innovation and inclusiveness for a digital society in the future with 10 Latin American countries- Signing of an MOU between MSIT and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for collaboration in science, technology, and the digital sectorOn Wednesday, October 30, the Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister Yoo Sang-im, hereinafter referred to as “MSIT”) successfully held the 4th Korea-Latin America & Caribbean Digital Ministerial Conference at the Sofitel Ambassador Hotel in Seoul. This marked the first ministerial conference since COVID-19, making it a significant occasion to strengthen digital cooperation with Latin American and Caribbean countries after a 7-year pause.The Latin American and Caribbean region, home to approximately 650 million people and a GDP of $6.25 trillion (6.21% of global GDP in 2022), is an essential market rich in energy, minerals, and food resources. Its importance as a production base for the North American market continues to grow. With many Latin American and Caribbean countries accelerating digital transformation and recognizing Korea as a key partner in this endeavor, there is substantial potential for mutual cooperation, creating new opportunities for Korean companies in the region.This conference, the first since the third ministerial meeting held in Busan in September 2017, was a particularly meaningful occasion. High-level representatives from 10 Latin American and Caribbean countries—including ministers, vice ministers, ambassadors, IDB representatives, and experts—gathered to discuss digital cooperation strategies.* Previous Meetings:The 1st Korea-Latin America & Caribbean ICT Ministerial Forum (October 2013, Seoul), the 2nd Korea-Latin America & Caribbean ICT Ministerial Forum (September 2015, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic), and the 3rd Korea-Latin America & Caribbean ICT Ministerial Meeting (September 2017, Busan)** Participating Countries: Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Peru, Guatemala, Ecuador, Panama, Uruguay, Argentina, Colombia, ChileKorea has previously shared exemplary digital transformation practices with Latin American and Caribbean countries, including initiatives in the digital economy, digital infrastructure, broadband, digital education platforms, and e-government development. These efforts have yielded tangible results in the region, helping to build ICT infrastructure and bridge the digital divide, which has positively influenced Korean companies’ business expansions into the region. Notable examples include the Latin American ICT Education Center (CEABAD) established in 2014, the Global Cybersecurity Center for Development (GCCD) in 2015, and a telecommunications infrastructure project in Nicaragua in 2017.During the conference, MSIT renewed an MOU with the IDB to strengthen the cooperation platform, supporting the expansion of digital infrastructure and adoption of innovative technologies in the region. Key elements of the MOU include sharing best practices, promoting digital infrastructure, enhancing capacity and governance, networking, and personnel exchanges. The MOU aims to create a sustainable and long-term partnership with Latin American and Caribbean countries in the digital transformation sector.※ (IDB Cooperation Project) Using the IDB trust fund, Korea operates a Knowledge Sharing Program (KSP) that provides technical cooperation, policy consultation, joint consulting, and case studies to share Korea's best practices.In his opening remarks, Minister Yoo introduced achievements of economic and social development driven by digital technologies and the Korean government's strategy to become one of the world's top three countries in AI, which was presented by President Yoon Suk Yeol last month, while also sharing the importance of enacting the AI Act. He also emphasized that digital transformation requires not only technological innovation but also expanded digital inclusivity to positively impact economies and societies.The ministerial conference provided an opportunity for exchange of policy visions and experiences among participating countries, focusing on improving digital connectivity for all, enhancing capacity, and building an innovation ecosystem through new technologies. During a cybersecurity expert session, Korean cybersecurity policies and technological achievements were shared, establishing a foundation for strengthened digital security cooperation with Latin American and Caribbean countries.The Statement of the chair, adopted as an outcome of the conference, emphasized enhancing digital connectivity, developing an inclusive digital economy, and achieving a safe and sustainable digital transformation through new technologies. This statement is expected to contribute to the establishment of sustainable digital economies in Latin America and the Caribbean.Minister Yoo concluded by stating, “MSIT will proactively contribute to strengthening digital policy capabilities and bridging the digital divide by sharing Korea's policy experience,” adding that “Korea and Latin American & Caribbean countries can be invaluable partners in the journey of digital transformation.”For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division (Phone: +82-44-202-4034, E-mail: msitmedia@korea.kr) of the Ministry of Science and ICT. Please refer to the attached PDF.

Mobilizing Nationwide Public-Private Resources to Take the Lead in the Global Bioeconomy

Mobilizing Nationwide Public-Private Resources to Take the Lead in the Global Bioeconomy- Korean government will form a top-level, inter-ministerial decision-making body for national biotechnology policies, covering areas such as the bioeconomy and biosecurity.- Strategic directions will be set across all biotechnology sectors, including red, green, and white biotechnology.The Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT, Minister Yoo Sang-im), Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE, Minister Ahn Duk-geun), and Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW, Minister Cho Kyoo-hong) announced that, with the approval of the Regulation on the Establishment and Operation of the National Bio Committee (hereinafter “the Presidential Decree”) during the Cabinet meeting on October 29, they are now officially commencing the formation of the “National Bio Committee.”As biotechnology increasingly emerges as a pivotal force not only in healthcare but also in areas such as the economy, industry, energy, environment, and national security, major global players—including the United States, Europe, and Japan—are crafting comprehensive strategies to facilitate a shift to bio-based economies. These nations are actively implementing policies to foster advancements in biotechnology and biomanufacturing.In pursuit of becoming a frontrunner in the global bioeconomy, Korea launched the Advanced Biotechnology Initiative (Bio Initiative) in April this year. This initiative has unified public and private resources to propel transformative changes within the biotechnology ecosystem—encompassing research, industry, human resources, regulation, and decision-making structures.To support these goals, the Presidential Decree was co-developed by MSIT, MOTIE, and MOHW to create and manage a national committee chaired by the President, serving as a hub for integrating public and private sector capabilities.The National Bio Committee (hereinafter referred to as “the Committee”) will provide forecasts and strategies across biotechnology domains—including healthcare, food security, resources, energy, and the environment—through robust public-private partnerships. The Committee will serve as a top-level, inter-ministerial decision-making body to deliberate on policies to enhance sustainable national competitiveness in the bioeconomy and biosecurity.Key Details of the Presidential Decree:1. Committee Composition: The Committee will consist of up to 40 members, led by the President as Chair, with one Vice-Chair. Government representatives will include 10 ministers (or some agency heads) from relevant ministries and agencies such as the Ministry of Economy and Finance, MSIT, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, MOTIE, MOHW, Office for Government Policy Coordination, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Korean Intellectual Property Office, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, and Personal Information Protection Commission, along with the Senior Secretary to the President for Science and Technology (Committee Secretary) and the Third Deputy Director of National Security. Private sector members, selected by the President, will be experts with deep knowledge and experience in biotechnology. The Vice-Chair will be designated by the President from among these private sector members, serving a two-year term.2. Committee Functions: The Committee will deliberate on and review:① Establishment and refinement of major biotechnology policies and systems.② Assessment and revision of regulations hindering the progress and competitiveness of the biotechnology sector.③ Formulation and coordination of R&D strategies and major investment plans.④ Enhancement of biosecurity capabilities.⑤ Development of R&D and industrial infrastructure in biotechnology.⑥ Formation of frameworks for public-private and international cooperation.⑦ Planning and coordination of multi-agency biotechnology projects.⑧ Adjustments to plans for large-scale biotechnology projects.3. Operational Support: To facilitate the Committee's work, a support team composed of private sector experts and relevant government officials will be established.The government expressed confidence that the National Bio Committee will enable faster integration and synergy across biotechnology-related policies currently managed by individual ministries. This initiative is expected to channel national efforts towards a bioeconomic shift, ultimately enhancing Korea’s global competitiveness. The government aims to complete the Committee's formation swiftly, ensuring the launch ceremony and first meeting proceed as planned.For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division (Phone: +82-44-202-4034, E-mail: msitmedia@korea.kr) of the Ministry of Science and ICT. Please refer to the attached PDF.