S. Korea to inject 2.2 tln won in AI to become global powerhouse

South Korea will invest 2.2 trillion won (US$2 billion) in developing core artificial intelligence (AI) technology over five years with the aim of becoming a global powerhouse in the sector by 2022, the ICT ministry said Tuesday. Under the plan announced by the Ministry of Science and ICT, the South Korean government will spearhead a national program on AI, including research and development (R&D), to join the list of world powers. "The government believes obtaining AI core technologies by joining hands with private corporations will not only achieve global standard but eventually nurture talented people and quality jobs," Chang Byung-gyu, the head of a presidential committee to spearhead the fourth industrial revolution, told reporters in Seoul. "We aim to reach the global top four by 2022." The government said it aims to indigenously develop technologies on par with counterparts, led by the United States and China, and eventually reduce dependence on them.