Nvidia’s CEO Joins South Korean Leaders for Urgent AI Talks

UPDATE: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang will meet with top South Korean executives and government officials on October 31, 2023, to discuss critical cooperation on the nation’s government-led artificial intelligence initiative during the APEC Summit in historic Gyeongju. This urgent gathering includes leaders from Samsung Electronics, SK Group, and Hyundai Motor Group, aiming to strengthen AI partnerships that could reshape South Korea’s technological landscape.

The meeting, organized by South Korean authorities, brings together key figures like Samsung Chairman Jay Y. Lee, SK Chairman Chey Tae-won, and Hyundai Chairman Chung Euisun. It is a rare state-business dialogue that will focus on enhancing South Korea’s AI capabilities and reviewing the government’s investment roadmap. Senior officials will brief Huang on plans to boost the nation’s competitiveness in this critical field.

The South Korean government is eager to address ongoing supply shortages of graphics processing units (GPUs) that are essential for AI development. President Lee Jae Myung has pledged to secure 50,000 GPUs, intending to distribute them to startups and universities to invigorate the local AI ecosystem. This initiative highlights the administration’s commitment to leveraging AI and advanced technologies as a cornerstone of economic revival.

In addition to the main meeting, Huang will engage in one-on-one discussions with Lee and Chey during the APEC CEO Summit, taking place from October 28-31, ahead of the leaders’ meeting on November 1. These sessions underscore the urgency of collaboration as industry leaders seek to establish stronger AI semiconductor supply chains. Both Samsung and SK are vying to supply high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips to Nvidia, with potential for deeper partnerships on future chip technologies.

The discussions come on the heels of a previous meeting between OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and executives from Samsung and SK, aimed at advancing AI infrastructure for the ambitious $500 billion Stargate project. The collaboration might influence Nvidia’s own production strategies as it seeks to secure its supply chain.

Huang is also expected to explore vertical AI applications with Hyundai, particularly in autonomous driving and robotics, following their partnership formed earlier this year. The stakes are high as both companies aim to integrate advanced AI technologies into future mobility solutions.

As South Korea positions itself to become one of the world’s top three AI powers, the significance of this meeting cannot be overstated. A senior government official stated that global companies view AI policy direction as a critical factor for investment decisions. This meeting among leading AI figures, conglomerates, and state officials during APEC illustrates the South Korean government’s prioritization of AI as a national growth mission.

Huang’s visit marks his first trip to Korea this year, and industry insiders anticipate he will tour facilities at Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, further solidifying ties with these major players. The APEC CEO Summit is expected to draw around 1,700 corporate executives and economic leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region, focusing on pivotal issues like AI, digital transformation, and trade sustainability.

With the clock ticking towards the October 31 meeting, all eyes are on the outcomes that could reshape the future of AI in South Korea and beyond.