- Korea needs a supportive environment to fully embrace AI in education and business.
- Professor Hwang calls for a shift from exam-driven learning to skills-focused education.
- Upskilling and lifelong learning are essential to prepare the workforce for an AI-led economy.
Renowned Stanford University professor, Hwang Sung jin emphasized the need for educational reform in Korea during his lecture at Seoul National University. Speaking on the topic ‘AI in the Business World’, he addressed how artificial intelligence is transforming industries and why Korea must act now to stay competitive.
Hwang, who has decades of academic and industry experience, highlighted the country’s underused potential especially in sectors rich in data, like healthcare. Despite having access to high quality data, Korea lacks the infrastructure and openness needed to make it usable for AI applications.
He stressed the importance of shifting from entrance focused education models to substance based systems that develop critical thinking, adaptability, and real world problem solving skills. Hwang believes Korean universities must build strong identities rooted in innovation, not just academic performance.
Addressing workforce readiness, he pointed out that the rise of AI won’t replace jobs, but those who understand and use AI effectively will. For Korea to remain competitive, institutions and the government must offer more upskilling and lifelong learning opportunities, especially for professionals needing to adapt to rapid technological change.
Also Read: South Korea's Vision to Dominate the Global EdTech Landscape
He also raised concerns about Korea lagging behind global leaders, particularly China, in AI development. The solution, he suggested, lies in creating a national ecosystem that blends human expertise with intelligent technologies starting with education reform.
By transforming how students and professionals learn, Korea can build a future ready society equipped to lead in the global AI landscape.
