South Korea plans $900 billion AI push to take on China and the US

South Korea has begun major preparations to compete with China and the United States in artificial intelligence (AI). The country aims to become a global power in the field, and an ambitious plan to invest nearly $900 billion is being drawn up for the purpose.

The United States and China currently lead in AI. Both countries are investing heavily in advanced AI models, chips, data centres and technology companies. In this race, South Korea wants to build a distinct identity of its own. The country holds a strong position in semiconductors and electronics, and it is trying to use that advantage to gain global leadership in AI as well.

Rather than stopping at putting money into big companies and the technology sector, South Korea has also laid stress on building the workforce of the future. Preparations are therefore under way to train students in robotics, coding and AI-related skills from primary school onwards.

To ensure that the skilled people the AI sector needs are produced within the country, technology has begun to get greater weight in the education system. Primary school children are being given introductory lessons in robotics and coding. The expectation is that if students are connected with technology at a young age, a large number of trained people will be available later for the AI, robotics and software sectors.

The nearly $900 billion investment plan is not limited to AI companies. It leans towards strengthening the entire technology ecosystem, with major emphasis on AI research, computing capacity, chip technology, data centres and a trained workforce.

As a result, South Korea may emerge as a major force in AI after the United States and China. This preparation, which starts with young children, could give a big boost to the country's technology sector in the next decade.