AI Talent Development Forum held to explore digital transformation and education partnerships
South Korea and Central Asian countries are deepening cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). According to the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Seoul, the “Korea–Central Asia AI Talent Development Cooperation Forum on AI Talent Development” on October 19 by Korea Foundation for Science and Creativity (KOSAC) and Secretariat of the Central Asia–Republic of Korea Cooperation Forum (CARK), brought together lawmakers Hong Ki-won and Kim Gun, experts, scholars, and diplomats from across Central Asia for in-depth discussions.
In his opening remarks, KOSAC President Jung Woo-sung emphasized that the forum serves as a crucial platform for shaping the future together in digital technology and AI, while expanding bilateral and multilateral educational cooperation programs.
Executive Director of the CARK Forum Secretariat Rhee Jong-kook, noted that Korea and Central Asian countries have advanced cooperation across economic, educational, and cultural fields over the past three decades. He added that the forum continues to play a key role in driving practical collaboration in digital transformation and AI.
Kazakh Ambassador to Korea Nurgali Arystanov, delivering a welcome address, said the event marks an opportunity to further strengthen the expanded strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and Korea. Highlighting that AI is more than technological innovation—serving as a driving force reshaping governance, education, healthcare, and economic competitiveness—he introduced Kazakhstan’s ambitious AI development initiatives, including the establishment of a Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development announced in President Tokayev’s national address.
Ambassador Arystanov also pointed to tangible outcomes of bilateral cooperation, such as the opening of Woosong University’s branch campus in Turkistan and the establishment of an AI school at Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University in partnership with Seoul National University of Science and Technology. He stated that such educational and research initiatives will foster talent development, drive innovation-driven growth, and strengthen the foundation for digital transformation in both countries.