The 2026 Federation of Korean Industries CEO Jeju Summer Forum, a leading annual knowledge-exchange event for South Korea's business community, opened Wednesday at Lotte Hotel in Seogwipo, Jeju.
Now in its 39th year, the FKI Jeju Forum runs through Saturday under the theme "South Korea's Great Leap to AI Powerhouse," spanning four days and three nights. About 400 business leaders are attending to explore corporate survival strategies and future management directions in the AI era.
FKI Vice Chairman Kim Chang-beom said in his opening remarks that the summer forum for business leaders dreaming of leaping to AI-powerhouse status was getting under way, and expressed hope that the four-day program would serve as a guiding compass for corporate management.
The forum opens with a keynote address by Choi Jae-sik, a designated chair professor at KAIST, with top experts across various fields set to follow and share AI innovation strategies.
On the second day, Lee Se-dol, a special professor at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), will speak on the importance of strategic judgment that leaders must develop amid rapid AI disruption. Baek Jun-ho, chief executive of Furiosa AI, will analyze global AI industry trends with a focus on the race for AI infrastructure dominance and data centers.
Kang Seok-hun, chief executive of Ably, will share a data-driven customer experience innovation strategy drawn from the company's success with AI-based personalized services.
On the third day, Park Min-jun, AX chief executive of Wrtn Technologies, will present methodologies for real-world AI transformation, while science communicator Gwedo will interpret the rapidly shifting technology landscape through a humanities lens and engage with attendees.
On the final day, Song Gil-yeong, an author and data analyst, will outline future operating models that companies should adopt in the AI age. The closing address will be delivered by Ha Jung-woo, former presidential chief of staff for AI future planning. Ha plans to explore the roles of government and business in the AI era and chart concrete directions for public-private cooperation to strengthen South Korea's AI competitiveness.
The FKI said the forum would go beyond a collective discussion of corporate survival strategies in the AI age, cementing its standing as a premier communication platform where industry leaders share the latest management trends and seek new opportunities for collaboration.
joze@heraldcorp.com
