- South Korea revises key STEM law to offer lifetime support for science and engineering talent — from primary school to senior researchers.
- Focus on early STEM exposure, industry-academia partnerships, and global talent attraction, to build a future-ready innovation ecosystem.
- AI chief Ha Jung-woo stresses urgency in AI and semiconductor leadership, calling the next 3–5 years a "golden window" for Korea’s tech growth.
In an attempt to strengthen its science and technology capabilities, South Korea's new government cleared a key policy revision to offer lifetime, full-cycle support for students and professionals in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or so-called STEM fields.
The enforcement order of the Special Act on promoting science and engineering areas was revised and adopted in a Cabinet meeting, the presidential office announced. The new order seeks to establish a legal basis for government support for STEM talent, ranging from primary school pupils to veteran researchers."The revision is a quick-paced implementation of the government's vow to develop science and technology human resource and will play an active part in establishing a science and technology-driven national growth system", Senior Presidential Secretary for AI and Future Planning Ha Jung-woo said.
The revised decree incorporates significant initiatives, including prioritizing early involvement in programs and materials aimed at generating interest in science and mathematics among elementary and middle school children, to motivate them to seek higher education in STEM fields.
Institutionalized degree programs and tailored education with the help of industry and research institutions are added to assist university students and graduates Ha, a former AI innovation head of Naver, stressed the need to increase Korea's competitiveness in AI.
"The next three to five years could be a golden window in the era of AI. I have joined with firm determination to do all I can to enhance Korea's AI strength with the experience and ability I have accumulated over the years", he said.
He emphasized the need to develop a strong value chain in infrastructure, data centers and semiconductors, and emphasized the necessity of developing a virtuous cycle where startups can mature innovative services and expand worldwide.
The amended decree has measures to attract global STEM talent as well. "The revision enhances efforts to hire global talent and encourages their return or long-term stay in Korea", Ha said.
Asked about the recent trend of students gravitating toward medical school over science and engineering largely due to salary prospects Ha acknowledged that the issue cannot be solved through compensation increases alone.
“This is directly tied to corporate labor costs, we’re seeking solutions from a long-term, multi-agency perspective involving the ministries of education, welfare, and science and ICT”, he said.
