In an effort to raise the international profile of Korean AI technology, Dongguk University’s AI Professor Jihee Kim underscored the necessity for greater awareness during a seminar hosted by the Ahnmin Policy Forum on the 19th. Despite common misconceptions, like those in a recent report from Stanford University suggesting Korea lacks foundational AI models, the reality is that Korea is not behind in the AI field at all.
Professor Kim, who returned to Korea ten years ago after working as a professor at the University of Southern California, has notably contributed to AI research with corporations such as KT and Samsung Electronics. With her appointment as a director of the prestigious global AI conference AAAI in 2022 and her involvement in the government’s AI training program development, Kim is recognized as one of the nation’s leading experts in AI.
Kim praised the government’s enthusiasm for AI investment and expressed the hope for substantial progress. However, she warned against interdepartmental competition over the control of AI industry cultivation.
As Kim pointed out, technology pervades our lives, yet many remain unfamiliar with AI; she emphasized the pressing need to become more acquainted with AI. She believes that the degree to which citizens can adapt to AI will be key to its advancement, highlighting the pivotal role of the public’s AI receptivity.
Professor Kim provided an analysis of the generative AI market, predicting exponential growth from $11.3 billion in 2022 to $51.8 billion by 2027. Additionally, she referenced the application of AI by Insilico Medicine in drug development, resulting in significant cost and time reductions—as much as a tenth of the usual cost and a third of the typical timeframe.
Facing future challenges, Kim noted inherent biases in data based on gender, nationality, and culture and the ongoing work to overcome them, although the issue may not be fully resolved. She mentioned the dependence on Western-centric data for AI applications in Korea and emphasized the importance of government readiness in addressing the potential widening digital divide as access to AI technology becomes uneven across different demographics.
Raising awareness of Korea’s advanced AI capabilities is vital for the country’s technological reputation on the global stage. Here are additional facts that are relevant, key questions, challenges, and controversies, as well as advantages and disadvantages of Korean AI development.
Additional Relevant Facts:
– South Korea has made considerable investments in AI research and development, with the government announcing its plans to spend 1 trillion won (approx. $850 million) over the next five years to boost the AI industry.
– Korean tech giants like Samsung and LG are also committed to integrating AI into their products, from smartphones to household appliances, contributing to the nation’s AI advancements.
– South Korea has launched public AI education initiatives such as “AI Schools,” which aim to train professionals and raise awareness and understanding of AI among its citizens.
Key Questions and Answers:
– Q: What is the current international perception regarding Korean AI capabilities?
A: There is a misconception according to the Stanford report that Korea lacks foundational AI models, although Korea has been making significant strides in AI development.
– Q: How are bias and representativeness in AI being addressed in Korea?
A: Researchers, such as Professor Jihee Kim, recognize the presence of biases in datasets and are working to overcome them to develop more inclusive and representative AI applications.
Key Challenges and Controversies:
– The challenge of avoiding siloed development due to interdepartmental competition within the Korean government could potentially hinder AI progress.
– The ongoing controversy around bias in AI models, particularly related to gender, nationality, and culture, poses significant challenges in developing equitable AI systems.
Advantages and Disadvantages:
– Advantages: The growth of the generative AI market and applications like AI-assisted drug development can lead to innovative solutions and a competitive edge in various industries. The government’s proactive approach in AI investment could yield considerable economic benefits and technological advancements.
– Disadvantages: The focus on AI technology may widen the digital divide if access to advancements is not evenly distributed among demographics. Moreover, heavy reliance on Western-centric data could limit the global applicability of Korean AI solutions.
Finally, those interested in exploring further about Korea’s AI initiatives may visit the following:
– Korea’s National AI Strategy
– Korea Institute of Science and Technology
– Samsung’s AI Initiatives
The source of the article is from the blog qhubo.com.ni