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AI LEARNINGS FROM SOUTH KOREA

DURING a recent international learning course in South Korea, a delegation of officials from both the Philippine Senate and the House of Representatives, including myself, had the opportunity to hear a lecture delivered by Professor Wan Seon Shin of Sungkyunkwan University. This lecture, organized as part of the Development Academy of the Philippines’ Capability Building on Innovative Leadership for Legislative Staff o CBILLS, in partnership with the Korean Development Institute, focused on South Korea’s remarkable journey to global prominence, especially in the era of artificial intelligence.

Professor Shin attributed South Korea’s meteoric rise as a global leader in industries like electronics, automobiles, and technology to a culture of innovation, leadership, talent development, and a commitment to excellence. He cited some of the country’s corporate giants—Samsung, LG, and Hyundai—as prime examples of how strategic leadership and a pursuit of quality can drive not just business success but national growth. South Korea’s government initiatives, such as its relentless pursuit of educational reform, were key in establishing a foundation for its industrial and technological revolution.

In the AI sector, South Korea has taken bold steps to cement its leadership. The establishment of the Presidential Committee on AI (PCAI) and a planned investment of nearly $50 billion by 2027 for AI research and development highlight the country’s ambition to be at the forefront of this technological frontier. AI is already being integrated into critical sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, and entertainment. This vision is underpinned by government support and a strong emphasis on education, which has historically driven South Korea’s transformation.

Although the Philippines has already made strides with the launch of its National AI Roadmap, there is still a long way to go in terms of infrastructure to become globally competitive. AI has the potential to significantly transform the Philippines’ key sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, and the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry, provided it is backed by a clear and comprehensive strategy. For the Philippines to emulate South Korea’s AI journey, Professor Shin emphasized the need also for international collaboration

South Korea’s experience shows that strategic planning and investment in innovation are key to succeeding in the AI era. The Philippines can draw inspiration from this model as it seeks to elevate its position in the global digital economy.